Thanks for posting the cost info. I had no idea it was that cheap, I've always heard $100K to Commercial/Multi/Inst.

I started taking lessons with Florida Air Guard Aero Club in 1975. They had 1965 models Cherokee 160 and 180. They got their gas thru military channels and paid no tax on it and the F-106 mechanics who were A&P's did the work for reduced flying rates. With all that I paid a whole $8/hour WET for the 160, $9 for the 180. My CFI was an F-106 Sim Tech Master Sargent. He charged all of $5 per hour. Normal rental rates for a Skyhawk were probably around $35/hr in 1975. When I got my PPL in 1976 my Dad was like "It cost you the same amount to get your PPL in 1976 as it cost me back in 1948!!"

Later I did some flying out of the FBO at TLH, me and a Navy ROTC guy re-started the FSU Flying Club and Seminole Flying Team. An IFR Skyhawk was $39/hour in the late 70's. After graduation I went to USAF Pilot Training so lost track of what civilian time cost. Didn't do any more civilian time except for my ATP ride in 1988.