Private Pilot License
Learning To Fly
This sounds intimating but I promise its easier than it seems. Click below to contact us, and we’ll book a time to get together to walk you through the process and everything it entails. Below is a detailed list of the requirements that we’ll help you meet for you to earn your private pilot license. For every step along the way, we’ll be there to help your through the process, we want you succeed!
The 3 parts that make up flight training are below
Written Exam
Flight Training
Practical Exam
1. The written exam can be done at any point before or during flight as long it is completed prior to one’s practical exam. We best recommend an online ground school as they are very through, self paced, and is most cost effective for the student. We recommend using SPORTYS but there are many other great ground schools to use! There is no requirements to start a ground school course and we highly recommend that students complete their ground school course and pass the written exam before flight training as this will give the student a baseline of knowledge to start with when flight training. Although this highly recommended it is not a requirement and can be done at the students preference.
2. The FAA requires all Private Pilot students to complete a standardized FAA written exam at one of their testing centers. The completion of one of the above ground school study courses will give you the knowledge and endorsement required to take the test. The cost of the test is currently $175.
Flight training consists of 40 hours of flight time as required by the FAA, with 20 of those being flight instruction and 10 being solo flight. During this time specific tasks are to be practiced such as flight maneuvers, takeoffs and landings, navigation techniques, and system operations. Realistically most student need more than 40 hours as the national average to receive a private pilot license is 75 hours. But by completing the online ground course before flight training, following a tested syllabus, and consistent flying, completing in less than 75 hours is not uncommon!
3. At the end of your training a practical exam with a FAA designated practical examiner (DPE) is scheduled. This where your newly acquired skills are evaluated to the specified standards to receive a private pilot license. The consists of an Oral segment and a Flight segment. The cost of the exam is dependent on each DPE and can vary, typically a private pilot exam is ~$800 - $1000 but can vary in either direction.
Whats involved in flight training?
Private pilot training involves two main components – ground school and flight training. Ground school is accomplished either in our classroom or through a home study course. It teaches you all the background information that all pilots need to know, but are not easily taught in the air.
Typically 2.5-hour lessons are scheduled during which students will log 1-2 hours of flight time. Each lesson is structured to cover the specific maneuvers needed to master in order to earn a certificate. This training prepares the student to take both the written and practical tests.
What Can you do as a private pilot?
With a private pilot certificate, a pilot can fly anywhere in the US. A private pilot certificate is the minimum requirement for adding other ratings and more advanced certificates. A private pilot certificate would be the first step to becoming and airline/commercial pilot.
how long does it take?
That’s very much dependent on each student. Flying regularly and studying at home shortens the amount of time in the air and time with an instructor on the ground substantially. Flying a minimum of two, 2.5-hour lessons per week, a student can expect to have their certificate in approximately 4-6 months. But training frequency can be tailored to each student needs to either increase or decrease the pace.
Prequitisites
To begin Training
Proof of US Citizenship or TSA approval
Prior to first solo Flight
FAA Third Class Medical Certificate
FAA Student Pilot Certificate
Before Final Checkride
Be 17 years old
Have a minimum of 40 hours flight time - including 20 hours of flight instruction and 10 hours of solo flight
Pass the FAA Private Pilot written exam
Costs
Cost is also very dependent on the student. If a student flies regularly, and is able to complete the syllabus in the minimum time specified by the FAA, the cost will be less. Here’s a breakdown based on the minimum requirements and the typical national average:
| Minimum Hours | Typical Hours | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours | Cost | Hours | Cost | |
| Aircraft Rental ($150/hour) ** | 40 | $6,000 | 75 | $11,250 |
| Flight Instructor ($65/hour) | 45 | $2,925 | 70 | $4,550 |
| Ground School | $300 | $300 | ||
| Pilot Headset* | $500 | $500 | ||
| FAA Knowledge Exam | $175 | $175 | ||
| FAA Class 3 Medical Exam | $125* | $125* | ||
| Airplane Rental for Check-ride | 1.5 | $225 | $225 | |
| FAA Examiner Fee for Check-ride | $800* | $800* | ||
| Total | $11,050 | $17,825 |
* These prices are just an estimate. Actual costs will vary on an individual basis depending on different learning styles and the proficiency and preparation of the pilot. FAA Examiner costs vary, your examiner will give you their cost when contacted for your exam.
