Question from the readers: #1

First question: How much does it all cost?

A LOT!  However, due to the arrangements at Charlottesville Flight Center, less than it could be.

There's three planes at CFC, a C-152 and two C-172s.  The C-152 is the cheapest ($110), followed by the older 172 ($135), then the newest, spiffiest 172 ($150) is the most expensive.  I mainly fly the 152 simply because it's pretty easy to fly, I only need two seats, and obviously, it's the cheapest.  However, I had to fly the older 172 for a week while the 152 underwent it's 100 hour inspection (every plane, every 100 hours, it torn down to nothing but its fuselage and wings, inspected, and put back together).  Now that I'm doing cross-countries, I'll start flying the 172 more for two reasons.  1) it's easier simply because the 172s are easier/smoother to fly, go faster, and the more instruments makes navigation easier   2) it's safer, especially on my own, and especially at night, as the extra navigation instruments can act as back-ups so I won't get lost.

Now, hourly does not mean if I rent the airplane from 4-6, I pay 2 x rate.  Instead, every airplane has a Hobbes time recorded, which is the time that the plane's engine is on.  So, while I may have the plane for 2 hours, I usually only get about 1.7 hours of Hobbes time, or engine-running time, so it's 1.7 x rate.  The extra time is allowed for preflight inspection and parking the plane post-flying.

Each of these planes is privately owned.  However, the owners lease the planes out to CFC.  So, the owners are covering costs, or at least attempting to, of maintaining the planes, while I'm not paying a ridiculous amount.  Everyone benefits from this arrangement, although sometimes the owner doesn't get to fly as much =P but his bills are being paid!  Also, CFC has an arrangement with Landmark Aviation, the people who run the fuel/aircraft maintenance show at CHO airport, so I don't pay for fuel =)  Also, if I refuel at another airport, I simply bring back a receipt and they refund my payment.  Woo!

In the end, how much will this cost me?  About $7,500, in the very end.  Plus another ~$800 which accounts for my written test and check ride.  And the $100 it took to get a flight physical.
Expected, general total of pilot's license: $8,000-$10,000.
Time length: I've been at it since the first weekend of Sepetember.  A lot of bad weather, winds, and sickness later, I'm about 3-4 weeks of being done.  My goal was Thanksgiving, which I won't make by a couple of weeks.  But, judging how much bad weather we've had down here and now this sinus setback, I'll actually be surprised if I finish it before the end of the semester, but I won't be coming home for winter break until it's done!  Ahhh I can't wait for that day either =D