Private Pilot
Earning your Private Pilot certificate is an accomplishment like no other! As a Private Pilot you will be able to fly wherever you’d like under blue skies. Training to be a private pilot is a combination of aeronautical knowledge and experience and consists of learning how to maneuver and control the airplane during takeoff and landing, fly long distances to other airports, fly at night, and communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC). Lessons are generally two hours long and consist of both flight time and ground instruction. Our instructors will teach you everything you need to be a safe and confident pilot.
Requirements
Summary Requirements for Private Pilot Certificate
At least 17 years of age
Third class medical certificate
FAA written test (passing grade is 70)
FAA practical (oral and flight) exam
Flight training as listed below:
Flight Hour Requirements for Private Pilot License:
(All times are the bare minimums, expect more like 45-60 hours)
Total flight time minimum 40 hrs to include:
Flight training (dual) minimum 20 hrs including:
Dual cross country in a single engine airplane at least 3 hrs
Dual night time in a single engine airplane at least 3 hrs, including
One night cross country night flight over 100 nm
10 night takeoffs and landings to full stop
Dual instrument time (hood or actual) in single engine airplane at least 3 hrs
Dual in a single engine airplane within 2 calendar months preceding the practical exam
Solo flight minimum in single engine airplane 10 hrs including:
Solo cross country time in single engine airplane 5 hrs, including one flight over 150 nm total, 3 landing points, and at least one point 50 nm from original departure point
Three solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with a control tower
Estimated hours and costs:
Total hours on private pilot curriculum: approximately 45-60 hrs including about 30-35 hrs dual and 15 to 25 hrs solo
Total cost on private pilot curriculum (includes airplane rental and dual instruction) - approximately $8,000 -$13,000