It all depends how much you put into your training. If you are doing your homework and prepare every lesson well you can safe a lot of money. Last month I had a military student who covered in on hour more than most students get acomplished in 4 hours. He was well prepared. In regard to black sheep flight schools. There are many very good flight schools out there. How ever you mainly hear about the bad ones. No one puts a gun to your head and forces you to pay $ 50000. It takes two! A few month ago I did my helicopter Instrument Instructor and was very happy with the training and flight school.