Quality Score
Fair
Base (15) + components above = 62
About
Philadelphia's Only Nonprofit Flight School – offering both scholarship programs and tuition-based instruction. The Tailwinds Academy of Aviation’s develops student skills, knowledge and discipline, building confidence and a sense of high achievement which will serve them and our society well, wherever their life path takes them. Providing full scholarships to select School District of Philadelphia high school students. Currently based at Northeast Philadelphia’s Frankford High School, we are empowering students by providing accessible, world-class flight training and mentorship, opening doors to careers in aviation and beyond. Tuition Based Flight Training from Private through Instructor Certification Our mission is to advance aviation education through a safety-first, mentorship driven approach that cultivates skilled, confident pilots.Through personalized instruction and an unwavering commitment to safety, we create an inclusive environment where diverse students thrive. We transform aviation aspirations into achievement by fostering strong instructor-student relationships and maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 150L (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $85 – $330/hr | $5,800 – $23,100 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $45 – $180/hr | $1,900 – $7,550 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $45 – $180/hr | $900 – $3,600 |
| Estimated Total Range | $8,600 – $34,300 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at Tailwinds Academy of Aviation is estimated to cost $8,600 – $34,300. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, Tailwinds Academy of Aviation 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, Tailwinds Academy of Aviation 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.
Tailwinds Academy of Aviation's training fleet includes the Cessna 150L, Cessna 172N (Skyhawk), Cessna 172M (Skyhawk), and Cessna 172P (Skyhawk). 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, Tailwinds Academy of Aviation has the following flight training device: one-G Foundation 1000 (Foundation 1000). Ask the school which ratings the device count toward and how many hours you can log.
No, Tailwinds Academy of Aviation does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.