Todays Cost of getting a PPL

Recently, Jay Honeck posted:

After reading John's (BucFan) posting and the revelation that he
spent $12,500 to get his PPL, I have to wonder how representative
this is? It certainly is daunting, to say the least.

No offense to John (whom I applaud for his persistence -- something
few student pilots show), but he was fleeced. There is no way a PPL
has to cost that much, and it does GA an injustice to publicize his
unusual experience.

Perhaps it isn't unusual in his region? Our flying club is the most
economical way to go around here, unless I want to drive an hour to an
airport a couple of counties over. Our 172s and Warriors are about $90/hr.
and up depending on how they're equipped, and instructors are $35/hr. So,
figure $130/hr. + club dues and initial fee + materials + ground school +
tests + check ride, and you're looking at more than 2x what you paid,
minimum. I'd put my cost at around $5500 all things considered, but I did
most of my primary training in a Tomahawk that was about $45/hr.

Mary and I both obtained our PPLs while working full-time, and with
little kids underfoot -- so it CAN be done. You've just got to want
it badly enough.

This is the key; if you want it badly enough, who cares what it costs? To
paraphrase another poster, learning *is* flying.

Neil