Flight-school estimates: how they work, and how to correct or remove a listing
The short version is on every card and in the site footer. This is the full version: what the numbers are, where the rates come from, and the simple path to fix or remove a listing.
What these numbers are
Every cost figure in the flight-school directory is a PilotBound estimate: our own calculation, not the school's price and not a quote. We compute it with one consistent, disclosed model, the same for every school, so the only thing that changes card to card is the school's published rates.
Estimates use PilotBound's own completion-hours model, examiner-completion data where it exists and FAA minimums where it does not, applied to each school's published rates. They are PilotBound estimates, not the school's quote, and will differ from a school's own figures.
Because the math is shown and the assumptions are disclosed, the figure is an opinion about likely cost, not a statement of what the school charges. Your real cost will differ based on your pace, aircraft choice, and progress.
Where the rates come from
The aircraft and instructor rates we build each estimate on are the school's own published rates, taken from the school's website. Every listing links to that source and shows the date we last verified it.
We do not invent rates. If a school does not publish a number, we leave it out and say so rather than guess. One-time fees (written test, examiner/DPE checkride, medical, gear) are typical national estimates, not the school's prices, and several of them are set by third parties, not the school.
Not affiliated with the schools
PilotBound is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any school listed in this directory. School names are used only to identify the school. We do not use school logos or brand styling on these neutral listings.
A listing is not a recommendation or a ranking of quality. It is a sourced cost reference plus our estimate.
Corrections and removals
Accuracy is the whole point, so we make it easy to fix. Every school's page has a "Correct or remove this listing" link that opens an email to us, pre-filled. Send a correction and we review it against the school's own site before it goes live.
If you represent a school and would rather not be listed at all, use the "Request removal" option on the school's page (it emails us) or write to us directly, and we will take the listing down promptly. No explanation required.
Contact
For a correction, a removal, or any question about a listing, email samip.shah@pilotbound.app. You can also use the correction or removal options on any school's page.