JoeLansing has that one right. Everyone will tell you that it costs $300-400 to get started. All that gets you is a kit, engine, covering and radio. You still need AMA for insurance, some tools, a building board, a few adhesives, a field box, some field gear, etc. It comes to $700-800 by the time you've got everything you need for a .40 size trainer.

Now, most of those things you won't have to purchase again with the next kit. The field gear is good for a long time and the radio and engine can be moved to the next plane.

I just don't think we do anyone any favors by minimizing the costs. It seriously ticked me off when I was told that it cost such and such amount to get started and then I got nickeled and dimed to double the amount I was told by the time my first plane flew the first time.