Becoming a Professional Pilot : Skyview Flight Academy & Top Crew Aviation
For many students in India and around the world, the journey to becoming a pilot begins with one important decision—choosing the right flight academy. The quality of training you receive at the start sets the foundation for your entire aviation career.
Through the partnership of Top Crew Aviation (TCA) and Skyview Flight Academy (USA), aspiring pilots now have the opportunity to train under international standards with complete guidance and support.
Skyview Flight Academy, located in Tracy, California, is known for its ideal training environment. With more than 320 sunny days each year, access to diverse flying conditions near the Sierra Nevada mountains and the San Francisco Bay Area, and FAA-approved Part 141 programs based on the trusted Jeppesen syllabus, students are prepared for both local and global aviation careers.
With Top Crew Aviation assisting Indian students, the entire process—from admission to training—is transparent, well-guided, and focused on creating professionals who are ready for global opportunities.
In this blog, we’ll cover the course details, cost summary, training hours, and the unique benefits of choosing Skyview Flight Academy for your aviation journey.
Pilot Training Cost Summary
Choosing a flight school is not only a financial investment but also an investment in your future. At Skyview, the cost structure is transparent and broken down into ground school, aircraft rental, instructor fees, and checkride costs.
Here’s an overview of the estimated costs:
- Private Pilot Course: $9,102.50
- Instrument Rating Course: $13,608.50
- Commercial Pilot (Single Engine): $25,895.50
- Commercial Pilot (Multi-Engine Add-On): $8,196.00
Total Investment: Between $55,000 – $60,000, depending on factors such as pace of training, fuel rates, and additional hours required.
Compared to other U.S.-based flight schools, Skyview is highly competitive in cost while delivering FAA-approved training, Jeppesen syllabus quality, and an unbeatable California flying environment.
Private Pilot Course
The Private Pilot License (PPL) is your entry point into aviation. This license allows you to fly single-engine aircraft for recreation, personal travel, and training toward advanced ratings.
What’s Included in the Private Pilot Course?
- Ground School Group ($750): Covers flight principles, FAA rules, weather, and navigation.
- Materials & Book Package ($500): Includes Jeppesen study materials and charts.
- Pre/Post Flight Briefing ($750): 10 sessions to reinforce lessons before and after flying.
- CFI Dual Time ($1,500): 20 hours of dual instruction with an FAA Certified Flight Instructor.
- Aircraft Rental – Cessna 152 ($5,400): 40 hours of single-engine flight time.
- Checkride Costs ($202.50): FAA final exam aircraft rental.
Estimated Total: $9,102.50
By the end of this course, students master takeoffs, landings, solo flights, and cross-country navigation, laying a strong foundation for professional pilot training.
Instrument Rating Course
After earning your PPL, the next step is the Instrument Rating (IR), which qualifies you to fly in poor weather and low visibility under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This rating is critical for safety and is required for professional pilots.
What’s Included in the Instrument Rating Course?
- Ground School Group ($750): Teaches IFR navigation, weather systems, and ATC communication.
- Materials Package ($500): Specialized IFR training resources.
- Pre/Post Flight Briefing ($1,125): 15 detailed review sessions.
- CFI Dual Time ($3,375): 45 hours of instructor-led IFR flying.
- Aircraft Rental – Cessna 172 ($7,605): 45 hours of instrument flight training.
- Checkride Rental ($253.50): Final exam aircraft rental.
Estimated Total: $13,608.50
This program usually takes around 3 months and ensures pilots can confidently handle flights in challenging weather, enhancing their employability.
Commercial Pilot Course (Single Engine)
The Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is where your training transitions from a passion to a profession. This license allows you to fly for compensation or hire, opening opportunities in charter services, aerial tours, cargo operations, and airlines.
What’s Included in the Commercial Pilot SE Course?
- Ground School Group ($750): Focus on advanced aerodynamics, regulations, and commercial operations.
- Pre/Post Flight Briefing ($1,125): 15 advanced sessions.
- CFI Dual Time ($4,125): 55 hours of professional-level instruction.
- Aircraft Rental – Cessna 152 ($16,875): 125 hours of training.
- Piper Arrow Rental ($1,228.50): 6.5 hours on complex aircraft.
- Piper Seneca Rental ($1,589): 3.5 hours of multi-engine introduction.
- Checkride Rental ($202.50): FAA test costs.
Estimated Total: $25,895.50
By the end of this program, students become commercially qualified pilots, ready to enter the aviation job market.
