After the introductory flight lesson and you have discovered that flying is more fun than you have ever dreamed, it is time to earn your Private Pilot Certificate and see the world from a new perspective.
A safe and competent pilot is a result of careful instruction, a solid knowledge base and sound decision making. Your best alternative is to train with a full time, professional flight instructor, who is committed to YOUR success.
Prerequisites to Beginning Your Training
- Read and Write English Language
- The ability to obtain an FAA third class medical
- Any age (but at least 17 at the time of the final practical test)
- Provide proof of US citizenship (normally a US passport, or birth certificate). Non-US citizens will need to complete the TSA background check process.
To earn your Private Pilot certificate, you must have at least 40 hours* of total flight time (Part 61), which must include:
- 20 Hours of dual flight time with an instructor
- 3 Hours of simulated instrument time
- 3 Hours of dual cross country
- 3 Hours in the preceding 2 months with an instructor before the checkride
3 Hours of night flight, including:
- A cross country greater than 100nm total distance
- 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop
10 hours of solo flight time, including:
- 5 Hours of solo cross country
- 1 solo cross country of at least 150 nautical miles total distance with 3 full stop landings
- 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at a towered airport
* Each person learns at a different pace. While the FAA requires at least 40 hours of flight time, most pilots will take approximately 60-80 hours to complete their training to the Private Pilot Certificate.
Ground School/Home Study
Most find it beneficial to complete study for the knowledge test (an FAA controlled multiple choice computer based test) via an online training course. There are many options that may provide the information needed to help you pass your test, but we currently recommend the following:
Sportys Private Pilot Ground School
Additional training information covering the Cirrus aircraft that you will train in, can be found directly from the Cirrus Approach web site. You are encouraged to setup a free account there, and complete the free CAPS course as soon as possible. There are multiple options for additional information, so please be sure to confirm with your instructor before purchase that you select the proper course from their many available. Some courses offered will include multiple smaller courses for a discounted price for more complete knowledge. For example, there is an airplane Transition Course that currently matches the year model aircraft we use. Also offered is a more complete Private Pilot Course, that will cover additional knowledge a new pilot will want, all in one package. The free Flight Fix section also has some extra good tidbits you may want to watch.
Get help paying for your training costs:
For information and rates on our training program for Private Pilot, contact us.