How much would it cost to get private, Commercial, and ATP pilot licenses?

Question

I know it depends on area and flight hours but just a ballpark figure with som explanation is fine

Answer 1

In Southern California, including study materials and flight test fees, figure $10k or so for the private, another $25-35k for the single engine commercial and instrument ratings, and another $5k-$10k for commercial multi and multi-instrument ratings. That takes you to about 250 hours.

You are not elegible for an ATP until you have 1500 hours, along with some specific requirements for certain types of flight time and there are darned few jobs you can get even with 500 hours, much less 250 unless you become an instructor (add another $5k or so). Depending on the school and equipment, figure a total tab of around $50,000 in big round numbers just to get to the bare minumum commercial pilot level with single engine. instrument, and multi-engine instructor certificates (CFI, CFII, MEI).

To buy all 1,500 hours for the ATP, you'd be looking at $150,000 to $200,000 which very, very few people can afford, and flight school loans rarely top $75,000.  Most people get entry level jobs at 250-300 hours and build from there at very low pay for the first 3-5 years.

It can be done cheaper if you're smart, you have good credit,a little free cash, some flexibility and you know who to talk to for advice.