Quality Score
Good
Base (15) + components above = 68
About
South Bay Aviation is one of Los Angeles oldest and largest flight schools. Located at Torrance Airport / Zamperini Field (KTOA), we are an authorized Cessna Pilot Center offering private, instrument, commercial, CFI, ATP, and multi-engine training. Our modern fleet of well-equipped aircraft is maintained by our in-house maintenance staff. We offer aircraft rentals, discovery flights, and a fully stocked pilot supply store.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172R (Skyhawk) (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $70 – $285/hr | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $35 – $140/hr | $1,475 – $5,875 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $35 – $140/hr | $700 – $2,800 |
| Estimated Total Range | $7,200 – $28,700 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at South Bay Aviation, Inc. is estimated to cost $7,200 – $28,700. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, South Bay Aviation, Inc. 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, South Bay Aviation, Inc. 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.
South Bay Aviation, Inc.'s training fleet includes the Cessna 172SP (Skyhawk), Cessna 172R (Skyhawk), Cessna 152, Cessna T206H (Turbo Stationair), Cessna 172RG (Cutlass), Beechcraft 76 (Duchess), and Cessna TTx (Corvalis TT). 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, South Bay Aviation, Inc. has the following flight training device: ASA On Top. Ask the school which ratings the device count toward and how many hours you can log.
No, South Bay Aviation, Inc. does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.