Private Pilot in CT - looking to build time
 

Hello everyone,

This is my first post on this forum, so please forgive me if I sound uninformed or like a "newbie"...

I just got my private back in February, and I currently have 65 hours TT (very low time). I am now in the process of doing Instrument knowledge prep and ground school on my own online. I also go to school online to ERAU Worldwide.

The struggle right now is that I live in CT and work full-time at an airline. I am looking for some advice in regards to just building time. For my instrument, I understand that I do need PIC time, however any time building I can get is fine with me.

I am flexible with taking time off to travel and build time in another state (week or so at a time). However, I am not too familiar with what is out there for less than $130 or so per hour wet for a C172. I am also flexible with learning a low-wing in an attempt to save money on the wet price.

Does anyone have any advice or comments regarding maybe where I can look into just trying to build time for a lower cost? I know that is everyone's struggle now a days, and I am also willing to take out a loan if it helps my progress.

Thank you all!

-Chris M.

Hey Chris,
I have a 172 in Florida that I rent out to time builders.
We have a summer special offering 100 and 50 hour blocks.

the 100 hour block is $55/hr (dry)
and the 50 hour block is $65/hr (dry)

With an eye towards good fuel management you should be able to get a wet equivalent rate near $75/hr.

If you'd like to know more, you can PM me here or email [email protected]

So hopefully you're talking about the ballpark figure of $75/ Hr wet with a 100 HR block because under your logic we might be able to burn a mere 2 gallons an hour and come out with your math. Good luck with that fuel planning scenario and engine maintenance.

Those numbers are real numbers taken directly from my last time builder.
His planned flights were at 2100 RPM, with an average fuel burn of 5.54 gal/hr. If you plan your fuel stops wisely you can refuel for about $3.50/gal. Based on a 100hr block brings my math to $74.39/hr for a wet equivalent.

It would be hard to compete with those prices if one owned the aircraft. Does the renter need to carry his or her own insurance?

The hardest part of learning to fly is paying for it.

Non owned aircraft insurance is always advisable. Most flight schools and FBO's don't actually cover renter pilots.