Is it possible to negotiate the price of pilot courses?

[BobG1]

Hi all,

Just wondering if flight schools always stick to the quoted price of their courses, or if anyone has heard of prices being negotiable?


Many thanks

[zondaracer]

It depends. Lots of places that I have been to usually have lots of hidden extras and you end up paying more than the quoted price, or the quoted price is only if you finish in the bare minimums without going over (which almost never happens).

Some places will quote you a price, but it doesn't include exam fees, testing fees, security badge fee (if applicable), membership fee or a nonmembership supplemental fee, insurance, fuel surcharge to cover increasing fuel costs, etc. Like I said, I all depends on the school, and it seems worse at some schools than others.

The only place where I have been and I paid exactly what I was quoted was Aerodynamics Malaga, and their price includes all charts, testing fees, and paper manuals. Also, I think you will find that there are usually no extra hidden fees at many MCC courses.

I also found that BCFT was pretty good at charging a fair price without hidden fees, but skill test and license issue fees are on your own and not included in their quoted price.

I'm under the impression that many flying schools have such little margin that they can't afford to charge less.

[Alex Whittingham]

Generally it is not possible, because the margins are so tight. In fact, if a school offers you discount for cash up front immediately pick up your bags and go somewhere else, they have cash flow problems.

[high wing harry]

I agree with Alex - the margins at flight schools are much tighter than most people would think so discounts are rare.

However, you may be able to negotiate on small up-front payments (some places give a discount for only £1000 at a time up front payments because it eases administration) which leave you less at risk, or you may be able to negotiate slightly on price if you try to fly in quiet periods or on a standby principle. You would need to be aware of the down sides of this approach however!

Before you start your course make sure you know the true course cost - does it cost the "package price" or are there extras - fuel surcharges, exam fees, landing fees etc. In this way hopefully you will be able to make a more informed decision on how much a course costs.

[BobG1]

Thanks very much for all your input guys, very much appreciated.