Flight School Cost in Georgia: PPL Pricing, Named Schools, and Hourly Rates for 2026
Atlanta hub growth. Strong post-CFI regional placement (Delta, Endeavor, GoJet, Republic).
Flight school in Georgia costs $11,500 to $16,500 for a Private Pilot License, with Cessna 172 wet rental at $170 to $215/hr and CFI instruction at $60 to $80/hr. Full career-track training from zero to ATP minimums runs roughly $110,000 (traditional path) to $123,995 (ATP Flight School fixed price).
Metro-tier breakdown
| Metro | Cessna 172 wet | CFI hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta metro | $180 to $220/hr | $65 to $90/hr |
| Savannah | $170 to $215/hr | $60 to $80/hr |
| Augusta / Columbus | $165 to $210/hr | $55 to $75/hr |
Named flight schools (alphabetical)
| School | Location | Part | Pricing | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATP Flight School | Atlanta-Peachtree, Savannah | Part 141 | ACPP fixed pricing $123,995 / $90,995 with PPL | View |
| Atlanta Flight School | Falcon Field, Peachtree City | Part 61 / 141 | Per-hour, see published rates | View |
| PEA Falcon Aviation | Atlanta region | Part 61 | Per-hour, see published rates | View |
| Middle Georgia State University School of Aviation | Eastman | Part 141 | Collegiate aviation tuition + fees | View |
Schools listed alphabetically, never ranked. Pricing is current to April 2026 from the published source. Verify with the school at the time of enrolment.
Georgia-specific cost factors
- Atlanta is the world's busiest airport (KATL); pilots train in realistic Class B environment
- Delta, Endeavor, GoJet, Republic all hire actively from Atlanta-area CFIs
- Lower cost of living than Northeast metros
- GA101 / state-level scholarships at degree-granting Part 141 programmes
Scholarships and grants
Major aviation scholarships available regardless of state include AOPA Flight Training Scholarships, EAA Flight Training Scholarships, Women in Aviation International, OBAP, NGPA, LeRoy Homer Foundation, and Tuskegee NEXT.
Georgia-specific programmes:
VA-approved Part 141 schools in Georgia
Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill must enrol at a VA-approved Part 141 school for flight training to be covered. The current VA-approved school list is published at VA.gov. Several of the named-Part-141 schools above are VA-approved; verify each individually at the VA site at the time of enrolment.
See the financing options page for the GI Bill PPL-coverage gap and the alternatives available to veterans.
Georgia flight school cost: frequently asked questions
How much does flight school cost in Georgia?
A Private Pilot License (PPL) in Georgia costs roughly $11,500 to $16,500 all-in, aggregated across named-school published pricing. That covers aircraft rental, instructor time, ground school, exams, and supplies through the FAA checkride. Full career-track training from zero to ATP minimums runs far higher, on the order of $110,000 via the traditional path or $123,995 via the ATP Flight School fixed-price programme.
What is the hourly Cessna 172 rental rate in Georgia?
Cessna 172 wet rental (fuel included) in Georgia runs about $170 to $215 per hour, varying by metro and school. Atlanta metro sits around $180 to $220 per hour for a wet rate.
How much do flight instructors (CFIs) charge in Georgia?
CFI instruction in Georgia typically costs $60 to $80 per hour, whether an independent instructor or Part 141 staff. CFI time is billed on top of aircraft rental, not instead of it.
Does the Post-9/11 GI Bill cover flight training in Georgia?
Yes, but only at VA-approved Part 141 schools, and coverage begins at the Instrument Rating rather than the PPL (it requires a current PPL and FAA medical in hand). The annual cap for vocational flight training was approximately $17,098 for the 2025-2026 academic year, rising to $17,662 for 2026-2027 from 1 August 2026. Confirm a school's VA approval at VA.gov before enrolling.
Continue reading
Primary sources
- Pilot License Cost. AOPA, accessed April 2026. https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/students/pilot-license-cost
- Approved Part 141 Pilot Schools. FAA, accessed April 2026. https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/schools
- Climate Normals (VFR-day data). NOAA, accessed April 2026. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/us-climate-normals
- ATP Flight School pricing page. Atlanta-Peachtree, Savannah, accessed April 2026. https://atpflightschool.com/locations/
- Atlanta Flight School pricing page. Falcon Field, Peachtree City, accessed April 2026. https://www.atlantaflight.com/
- PEA Falcon Aviation pricing page. Atlanta region, accessed April 2026. https://www.peafalcon.com/
- Middle Georgia State University School of Aviation pricing page. Eastman, accessed April 2026. https://www.mga.edu/aviation/
- HOPE Scholarship (Georgia). State / institution, accessed April 2026. https://gsfc.georgia.gov/scholarships/hope-scholarship
- Middle Georgia State scholarships. State / institution, accessed April 2026. https://www.mga.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.php