This ultimately depends on how often you’re planning to go flying. Private pilots can rent aircraft from Flying Clubs and Flying Schools and this generally involves paying a monthly subscription to the club or school, followed by a set hourly rate for however long you have the aircraft engine running. The hourly fee depends on whether you’re paying a wet rate (fuel included) or a dry rate (fuel not included). Engine hours are monitored by either a Hobb Meter (fixed wing) or by a Datcon (rotary). Private flyers also have the option of joining an Aircraft Syndicate. This typically involves paying an upfront cost to become a member. Once a member you usually own a fraction of the aircraft, such as a 12th or a 15th share (depending on how many members are in the group). You’ll then usually pay a lower hourly rate to fly the aircraft, than you would with a Flying Club or Flying School.   On the charter-side of the market, if you’re flying over 100 hours per year in a charter aircraft, it may be cheaper to purchase your own aircraft. We recommend contacting an Aircraft Broker when considering purchasing an aircraft, as they’ll help you source an aircraft-type that’s best-suited to your mission profile.