Quality Score
Good
Base (15) + components above = 66
About
Westward Aviation, Inc. is more than just an aviation club—it's a vibrant community of passionate pilots and aircraft owners located in Orange County committed to making flight accessible, affordable, and enjoyable. As a member-driven, non-profit organization, we place the needs of our members at the forefront, offering a fleet of meticulously maintained, top-tier aircraft for a safe, reliable, and exceptional flying experience.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 150 (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $75 – $290/hr Hobbs | $5,100 – $20,300 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $40 – $160/hr | $1,675 – $6,725 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $30 – $110/hr | $550 – $2,200 |
| Admission fee | — | one-time | $100 |
| Monthly dues × 12 | 12 mo | $60/mo | $720 |
| Estimated Total Range | $7,700 – $30,900 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at Westward Aviation is estimated to cost $7,700 – $30,900. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, Westward 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, Westward 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.
Westward Aviation's training fleet includes the Cessna 150, Cessna 177 (Cardinal), and Cessna 182L (Skylane). 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.
No flight simulators are listed for Westward Aviation. Some schools have basic Aviation Training Devices that may not be in our database. Ask them directly.
No, Westward Aviation does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.