Private Pilot Certificate

What to Expect?

Click here for FAA requirements

Earning your Private Pilot Certificate is an exceptional experience with many rewards. It is definitely attainable for you. We understand the challenges that personal, work and extra-curricular acclivities can place on you. We train in an exclusive one-on-one environment. We specialize in adapting your training to fit with the demands of business travel. We also excel at helping you take full advantage of the private aviation world. Earn your license while traveling for work or enjoyment.

Before you begin

You will need to see an aviation medical examiner. They will perform a basic physical examination. Don't worry, this exam is very basic. You can find a list of local AME's at https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/

Become familiar

You can expect to become familiar with a handful of information sources (books, websites, apps). The FAA has laid out the process in a fairly straightforward manner. While you build your knowledge base, you begin application of that knowledge through training flights. We can incorporate a scenario or two into a business trip or pleasure trip.

At first, you will perform tasks mostly based on copying the instructor. As you continue to learn, our instructors are very accessible to help you understand the answers to your questions. Within a few flights and the appropriate reading, you will begin to understand the environment and flight procedures. Before you know it, you will be ready to fly the plane on your own.

You are required to have solo time in the plane before you can apply for your pilot's license. If you haven't taken the FAA written exam by this point, you should be close. The FAA written exam is 60 questions pulled at random from the material you will have studied.

Private Pilot exam

After completing your FAA written exam and your solo time, you'll be ready to prepare for your Private Pilot practical exam. This will consist of a discussion and flight with a certified examiner that covers the material you have studied. Most of the discussion will revolve around scenarios that could arise during a flight that they asked you to prepare for the discussion.

Upon finding you competent in your understanding of Private Pilot material during the discussion, they will then accompany you on a flight in the plane where they ask you to perform the maneuvers that you have been practicing. A Private Pilot applicant that spends quality time preparing, will perform well throughout and, short of any possible natural test anxiety, find it to be a great experience.

Obtaining Hours

A word of caution, an individual working toward a Private Pilot's certificate may begin the process with a certain number of hours in mind that it should take to complete the training. Any responsible goal setter should! However, life happens. And the learning process is unique for each person. Many training centers will quote a price based on low time completion in an effort to gain interest only to have the student end up frustrated because it takes longer than expected and, consequently, cost more than anticipated.

If you are able to commit some time 2-3 days a week to flying and 4-5 hrs a week studying, then you will most likely be well prepared for the practical exam in less than 6 months and around 70 hrs of flight time. You could be ready before then. As noted on our accelerated training page, it is possible to accomplish your Private Pilot certificate in a few weeks if you are able to dedicate 100% of your attention. The dream is real and within your reach!