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This shows the cost of obtaining the private pilot rating without use of a sim and the cost of doing it with the sim. The difference is not large, but nonetheless use of the sim does help. The value of 55 hours to obtain the private pilot rating is based on the Minnesota average time. Fuel burn is calculated at 8½ gph, which is a typical overall value for most trainer type aircraft. Without Use of Sim Item Rate Quantity Amount Aircraft (dry) $75.00 55 $4125.00 Fuel $3.80 467.5 $1776.50 Instruction $45.00 45 $2025.00 Groundschool $225.00 1 $225.00 PP Kit $196.00 1 $196.00 Material $200.00 1 $200.00 Knowledge Test $90.00 1 $90.00 Medical $90.00 1 $90.00 DPE Fee $300.00 1 $300.00 Taxes 8.00% $363.68 Total $9391.18 With Use of Sim Item Rate Quantity Amount Aircraft (dry) $75.00 52.5 $3937.50 Fuel $3.80 446.3 $1695.75 Instruction $45.00 45 $2025.00 Sim $50.00 2.5 $125.00 Groundschool $225.00 1 $225.00 PP Kit $196.00 1 $196.00 Material $200.00 1 $200.00 Knowledge Test $90.00 1 $90.00 Medical $90.00 1 $90.00 DPE Fee $300.00 1 $300.00 Taxes 8% $348.68 Sim MAC Tax 1.50% $1.88 Total $9234.81 Obviously this comparison would have variables that are beyond our control, such as cost of aircraft rental, cost of fuel, and the cost of instruction. However the bottom line is that the sim will even save the primary student a bit of money. Return to cost page.