Quality Score
Good
Base (15) + components above = 73
About
San Carlos Flight Center is a flight school and flying club based at San Carlos Airport (KSQL) in the SF Bay Area. Founded on the principles of Safety, Community, and Adventure, SCFC offers flight training from private pilot through CFI, instrument and commercial ratings, ground schools, and a large fleet of well-maintained aircraft. The club features an active safety seminar program, FlyOutGroup adventure trips, and simulators for enhanced training.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 152 (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $80 – $315/hr | $5,500 – $22,000 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $40 – $160/hr | $1,675 – $6,725 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $30 – $110/hr | $550 – $2,200 |
| Estimated Total Range | $7,700 – $30,900 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at San Carlos Flight Center is estimated to cost $7,700 – $30,900. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, San Carlos Flight Center operates under Part 61. Training is self-paced: you and your instructor set the curriculum rather than following a pre-approved syllabus. The FAA minimum for a Private Pilot Certificate under Part 61 is 40 flight hours, though most students need 60 to 70.
No, San Carlos Flight Center does not have a Designated Pilot Examiner on staff. When you're ready for your checkride, you'll need to book with an independent DPE. Ask the school if they can point you to one nearby.
San Carlos Flight Center's training fleet includes the Cessna 152, Cessna 172R (Skyhawk), Cessna 172S (Skyhawk), Cessna 182P (Skylane), Cessna 182S (Skylane), Cessna 182T (Skylane), Cessna 206H, Piper PA-28-181 (Archer), and Piper PA-28-236 (Dakota). Having multiple types in the fleet keeps your training on track if one plane is down for maintenance. Ask the school about current availability and any additional charges per aircraft.
Yes, San Carlos Flight Center has the following flight training devices: GTX G1000 Simulator and XW XW200 (Crosswind Landing Simulator). Ask the school which ratings the devices count toward and how many hours you can log.
No, San Carlos Flight Center does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.