“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." -Leonardo da Vinci
“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." -Leonardo da Vinci
Private Pilot Course
Private Pilot Course
A Private Pilot's License (PPL) allows a pilot to fly a single-engine airplane and carry passengers (as long as they are not paid for doing so). The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of training, however, the national average is closer to 60 hours of training. The typical student can fly solo within 10-12 hours of flight training and can finish the program in as little as four weeks. We can also train working students outside of work hours and/or on weekends in about 5-10 weeks. A typical student can expect to pay around $12,000-$15,000 to earn their PPL. A breakdown of typical costs is listed below.
The private pilot certificate is the equivalent of a regular driver's license. It allows you to fly almost anywhere within the 5 million square miles of United States airspace, giving you access to over 5,000 public-use airports. You may use this certificate to fly both at daytime and nighttime while carrying passengers. However, without an instrument rating, you will be restricted to fair-weather flying.
FAA Certification Requirements
FAA Certification Requirements
- Must be at least 17 years of age (16 to solo, and training may begin at any age).
- Be able to read, write, and understand English.
- Hold a current 3rd class medical or greater.
- Accumulate 40 hours of flight time.
- Pass the FAA knowledge test and practical test.
Typical Cost to Earn PPL
Typical Cost to Earn PPL
Total Program Cost
Total Program Cost
$13,990
$13,990
50 hours flight training with an instructor-$10,250
50 x $150/hr aircraft rental + 50 x $55/hr flight instruction
10 hours Solo flight-$1500
10 x $150/hr aircraft rental
20 hours Ground instruction-$1100
20 x $55/hr ground instruction
Student Pilot Kit $140
Textbooks, FAA Knowledge Test Prep, navigation tools, logbook, and view limiting device.
Designated Practical Examiner's (DPE) Fee-$800
Payable to the FAA representative during your checkride.
Avemco Renter's Insurance Policy-$200
Covers your liability in the event of accidental damage to the aircraft.
What to Expect in the Course
What to Expect in the Course
The training follows a structured syllabus, but it may be easily tailored to the individual student as needed. The training includes both classroom and flight training and is broken up into 3 stages, each with different core objectives. The following are partial lists of what to expect in each stage:
Stage 1
Stage 1
Basic aircraft control
Aerodynamics
Aircraft systems
Emergencies
Takeoffs and landings
Operations at towered airports
Stage 2
Stage 2
Weather Theory
Navigation
Cross-country flight planning
Flying by reference to only instruments
Flying at night
Operations at towered airports
Stage 3
Stage 3
Further develop flying skills
Build knowledge in all subject matter areas
Pass the FAA knowledge test
Demonstrate proficiency during an end-of-course check
Core Objective: Complete your first solo flight
Core Objective: Complete a series of solo cross-country flights
Core Objective: Pass the Private Pilot practical test