There are Several Ways to Fly With Us!

Whether you live in the Southport, North Carolina area and have dreams of taking flight in an airplane or helicopter, want to learn how to fly, require some amazing aerial photography, or are vacationing in the area and looking for a great way to take in the sights, you really should come fly with us at High Tide Aviation. Our straightforward pricing and explanation of how to become a pilot means you’ll know exactly what to expect. Reach out with any questions you might have because we want you to fly with us with complete confidence.

Airplane

We have an IFR certified Cessna 172K with ADS-B out available for $145/hr wet, $195/hr wet w/ instructor. We offer training for private, commercial, instrument, and flight instructor ratings.

Instructional Rates

Flight instruction prices:

$195/hr wet with instructor

Instruction in owner’s aircraft: $75/hr

Private Pilot Cost Breakdown:

FAA minimum requirements per FAR 61.109:

40 hours total flight time that includes:
- 30 hours dual @ $195/hour = $5,850
- 10 hours solo @ $1,450
Required Books & Supplies = $50
FAA written exam = $150
Check ride (3 hr + examiner fee) = $890
Total Cost for Private Pilot Certificate = $8,390

Instrument Rating Cost Breakdown:

FAA minimum requirements per FAR 61.65:

40 hours total flight time @ $195/hour = $7,800
20 hours ground @ $50/hour = $1,000
Required Books & Supplies = $50
FAA written exam = $150
Check ride (3 hr + examiner fee) = $890
Total Cost for Instrument Certificate = $9,890

Commercial Pilot Cost Breakdown:

FAA minimum requirements per FAR 61.129:

250 hours total flight time, 50 of which must be in an airplane.
100 hours PIC, of which 50 hours must be in an airplane.

Numbers below are for a student with a Private Airplane rating and Instrument rating:

150 hours solo @ $125/hour = $18,750
20 hours ground @ $50/hour = $1,000
Required Books & Supplies = $50
FAA written exam = $150
Check ride (3 hr + examiner fee) = $890
Total Cost for Commercial Pilot Certificate = $20,840

Helicopter

Certified Flight Instructor Certificate

If you want to teach people how to fly, you will need a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate. This program takes you through developing teaching skills and techniques. This training emphasizes different techniques for teaching students how to fly the helicopter as well as being able to teach all the necessary book knowledge. The costs outlined below illustrate the minimum hourly requirements required by the FAA FAR Part 61. It is difficult to achieve the required proficiency in this time period. It is wise to budget for 10% over these costs.

FAA minimum requirements per FAR 61.183:

Must be at least 18 years old
Must hold a Commercial license or ATP
No minimum hour requirement, however to instruct in a Robinson aircraft, you will need 200 total hours.

Numbers below are approximate cost for a student with a Commercial Pilot’s License with 150 hours of flight time:

15 hours dual R-44 @ $550/hour = $8,250
20 hours ground @ $50/hour = $1,000
Required Books & Supplies = $50
FAA written exam = $300
Check ride (1 hr + examiner fee) = $1,000
Total Cost for Certified Flight Instructor Helicopter Certificate = $10,600

*discounts are available for pre-paid blocks of flight time and cash payments – NO REFUNDS for pre-paid blocks of flight time at the discounted rate – ask for details!*

Commercial Pilot Certificate

If you want to fly for hire, you will need a Commercial Pilot Certificate.This program takes you beyond what you will learn in the private pilot program and introduces you to many advanced maneuvers. This training emphasizes professionalism, power management, risk management, and increasing the level of precision with which all basic maneuvers are performed. The costs outlined below illustrate the minimum hourly requirements required by the FAA FAR Part 61. It is difficult to achieve the required proficiency in this time period. It is wise to budget for 10% over these costs.

FAA minimum requirements per FAR 61.129:

150 hours total flight time, 50 of which must be in a helicopter.
100 hours PIC, of which 35 hours must be in a helicopter.

Numbers below are for a student with a Private Helicopter rating with 50 hours of flight time, including 10 hours solo:

20 hours dual R-44 @ $550/hour = $11,000
75 hours solo R-44 @ $500/hour = $37,500
5 hours instrument R-44 @ $550/hour = $3,250
20 hours ground @ $50/hour = $1,000
Required Books & Supplies = $50
FAA written exam = $150
Check ride (1 hr + examiner fee) = $1,000
Total Cost for Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate = $53,950

*discounts are available for pre-paid blocks of flight time and cash payments – NO REFUNDS for pre-paid blocks of flight time at the discounted rate – ask for details!*

Why choose High Tide Aviation for your flight training?

Location

We are based at the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, just 30 minutes from Downtown Wilmington and 1 mile from the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Carolina coastline while you learn to fly.

Aircraft

We have chosen the Cessna 172 due to its dependability and proven track record as the ideal training aircraft. Our Cessna 172 is IFR certified for instrument flight and features ADS-B in/out for enhanced safety of flight.

Quality

Jessica Ward, our chief flight instructor, specializes in customized training programs for pilots from all backgrounds, including extensive experience transitioning fixed wing pilots into helicopters and vice versa.

Flexibility

We understand that life is hectic and flight training is time consuming. We fly 7 days a week and are committed to accommodating your personal scheduling needs.

Fly With Us, Southport, NC