Private Pilot Certificate
The Private Pilot License is the first step into the world of aviation. With a PPL, you can fly for pleasure and take passengers with you. Once you’ve earned your PPL, you can go on to further qualifications, such as an instrument rating, tailwheel endorsement, multi-engine rating, and certified flight instructor! The PPL is the beginning of a life-long passion and opens up the world of aviation to you.
If you know you want to fly only two person airplanes for recreation, the Sport Pilot Certificate would be another option.
FAA Requirements For Private Pilot License
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Be at least 17 years old (May start training at any age)
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Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
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Obtain at least a third class medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner
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Pass a computerized aeronautical knowledge test
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Accumulate and log a specified amount of training and experience, including the following:
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If training under Part 61, Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) section 61.109, requires at least 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours of flight with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight (i.e., by yourself), and other requirements including cross-country flight, which include
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Solo requirements:
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5 hours of solo cross-country time
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One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nmi (280 km) total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points and with one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nmi (93 km) between the takeoff and landing locations
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Three solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.
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Night requirements:
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3 hours of night flight training
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10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
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3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering solely by reference to instruments
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3 hours of flight training for cross country flights
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3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test
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If training under Part 141, at least 35 hours of piloting time including 20 hours with an instructor and 5 hours of solo flight, and other requirements including cross-country and night flights
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Pass an oral test and flight test administered by an FAA inspector, FAA-designated examiner, or authorized check instructor
Steps To Get Your Private Pilots License
MEET FAA REQUIREMENTS
You must be at least 16 years old to fly solo and 17 to receive your PPL. You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
GO ON A DISCOVERY FLIGHT
While not strictly necessary, it’s a good idea to try out flying with a discovery flight before investing in a training program. It’s the perfect way to make sure that flying and your chosen flight school is for you.
ATTEND GROUND SCHOOL AND PASS THE FAA WRITTEN EXAM
Ground school training prepares you with the knowledge you need for flight training, including aerodynamics, weather, flight planning, and navigation. Ground school typically takes about 4 weeks to complete. Once you complete your ground school training, you must pass the FAA written exam to complete this step. The written test is administered by a testing company, which we will prep you for with an online curriculum.
COMPLETE 40 HOURS OF FLIGHT TRAINING
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of actual flight training, which includes at least 20 hours of instruction and 10 hours of solo flying. Flight training covers cross-country flying, day and night flying, flight maneuvers, and more.
PASS YOUR FAA CHECKRIDE
The last part of your training is a 3-hour oral exam and 1.5-hour flight exam (checkride) with a FAA examiner at the AE facility. On the checkride, you’ll demonstrate your knowledge and skills as you plan a flight, interact with ATC, fly maneuvers, and follow all directions from the examiner. When you pass your checkride, you’ve earned your stripes and are now an official private pilot. This entire process takes about 3 months.
How Much Does a Private Pilot License Cost?
The average cost is approximately $12,000. The actual final price will vary based on your schedule and ability to progress through training. Training fees can be paid as you go or on a block payment plan.
How Long Will It Take To Get My License?
Our students average about 4-6 months to earn their license, although it can be as quick as 1 month or as long as you require.
What Does Private Pilot Training Look Like?
An instructor will work with you one-on-one. You’ll meet with your instructor for both ground training and in flight training.
Lessons are typically 2 hours long. At the beginning you’ll have a 30-minute pre-flight training session and brief, where you’ll work on your ground knowledge. Then you’ll have 1 hour flight time, where you’ll practice specific skills and maneuvers. Once you land, you’ll have another 30-minute debrief where you’ll go over what went well and what you can improve on.
Some lessons may focus more on ground work where you’ll go over the material you’ll need to pass the written exam.
WHEN ARE LESSONS SCHEDULED?
Your training schedule is up to you. Many of our students arrange training around busy lives and we have flexible hours. To make good progress and retain what you learn, we recommend training 2-3 times a week.
FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION RATES
To further our commitment to you, we have implemented an a-la-carte pricing system for our flight training programs. That means you only pay for the time you spend at our training facility or with one of our CFIs. The hourly rates for the three components of our flight training programs – ground school, flight instruction, and rental – are listed to the below.