How much does a private pilot license cost at Merlin Flight Training?

At Merlin Flight Training at Northeast Philadelphia Airport (KPNE), a Private Pilot Certificate typically costs $16,625–$21,414 all-in, based on 55–65 flight hours in our Direct Fly Alto 912 TG (N159G). That's $185/hr for the airplane and $75/hr for instruction, plus ground school, the FAA written test, a medical, the checkride examiner fee, and gear.

Prices updated October 2026.

Itemized cost

At $185/hr for the airplane and $75/hr for instruction.

Private Pilot Certificate cost at 55 and 65 flight hours
Item	Basis	At 55 hrs	At 65 hrs
Flight training
Airplane rental (N159G)55 / 65 hrs × $185	55 / 65 hrs × $185	$10,175	$12,025
Flight instruction54 / 63 hrs × $75	54 / 63 hrs × $75	$4,050	$4,725
Ground school & FAA testing
Ground schoolMerlin evening course, 20 hrs	Merlin evening course, 20 hrs	$800	$800
FAA written testPSI testing fee	PSI testing fee	$175	$175
FAA medical (3rd class)Set by the doctor (AME)	Set by the doctor (AME)	$100	$200
Checkride examiner feeSet by the examiner (DPE)	Set by the examiner (DPE)	$1,000	$1,500
Gear
HeadsetBudget to premium	Budget to premium	$250	$1,100
iPad + ForeFlightOptional	Optional	$0	$739
Logbook, plotter, E6B, kneeboardBasic kit	Basic kit	$75	$150
Estimated total		$16,625	$21,414

Do I have to buy a training block?

Yes. Training is prepaid in blocks, starting with the 10-hour block ($2,600). Lessons come out of your balance and you top it up when it runs low, so you never pay the full estimate upfront. You can also pay for a block with Klarna at checkout, subject to approval.

Is there a way to get flight training for cheaper?

Yes. Bigger prepaid blocks earn bonus credit: 20 hours ($5,200) gets 1 free hour, and 40 hours ($10,400) gets 3 free hours. We also train in your aircraft if you're an aircraft owner, which can reduce costs.

Are unused hours refundable?

Prepaid blocks aren't refundable, but any unused balance stays on your account as credit for future flying.

What happens if the airplane is down for maintenance?

Flying pauses until N159G is back in service, and nothing comes out of your balance while it's down. We use that time for ground lessons and written-test prep so you keep progressing.

What does the estimate assume?

55–65 total flight hours (the FAA minimum is 40), 10–13 of them solo. Instructor time runs about 1.2x dual flight time because it includes pre- and post-flight briefings; solo flights need no instructor. The checkride flight is included in the hours. Your total depends on your pace, the weather, and how often you fly, so we can't guarantee an exact total or completion date.