Progress to Becoming a Private Pilot

After today's flight I have 47.5 hours of flight time.  Up until this point, we have been able to pay for a majority of the training out of pocket, due to the fact we are in a situation without any living expenses and still DINKS (Dual Income No Kids).  As I finish my licenses I hope to share with you about estimated costs and then my actual costs.  I think it's helpful to get a clear picture of what you're getting yourself into, because it is high cost; however, if you're able to stick with it and make it to the airlines, it will eventually pay off.  Right now when I fly solo, it costs just about $140/hour.  Obviously more for when I have an instructor with me.  Here's a couple pictures from today, with MSP down below.

Long Cross Country Solo

I planned a long cross country flight to Duluth, then Brainerd, and back to Crystal.  Flew yesterday.  Duluth is unique because it is class Delta airport with an approach controller... which makes them a wannabe Charlie.  After my first leg, I stopped to go into the pilot lounge and check the weather to prep for the next couple legs of the flight.  I pulled out my E6B when a woman approached me saying, "I haven't seen one of those in 20 years!"  I completed the last legs of the flight, which were uneventful, for a total flight time of 4.1 hours.