wrote in message
...
On 1 Mar 2005 17:32:19 -0800, "Michael"
wrote:

Our local FBO charges $25/hr for the simulator, which is typical. So
let's knock off $500 from the $4000 charge. At $33/hr, we're looking
at paying for 100+ hours of dual before we hit $3500, and we haven't
even started on the accomodations or travel costs.


Well, this analysis (?) overlooks a key point. The total aircraft
costs, a major cost of the rating, is not going to be the same.

I did not need to pay to put my CFII up in a hotel in Boston and buy him
meals for 10 days either. That's an easy $2000.


I'll add another point. Anyone who does not spend 20 hours in a
simulator before getting into an aircraft is also spending a lot more
than he needs to.


My 172's direct operating costs are about $50/hour. The Frasca at my local
flight school rents for $35. If I had to rent a plane at $90/hr wet we'd be
talking something.

In any case, I think it is foolish to focus excessively on cost in getting
an instrument rating. If it costs $2000 more and you get better training,
sounds like a good deal to me.

-cwk.