Private Pilot

Private Pilot Certificate

The first step on your aviation journey is getting your private pilot certificate. The FAA requires at least 40 hours of flight time to earn this certificate, which is good for life! The amount of time it takes really depends on you, 60 hours is common.  We strongly suggest you visit with us in-person at our office before embarking on your aviation journey. We can save you quite a bit of time and money sharing the knowledge we have learned. The biggest obstacle to flying is your medical certificate - please talk to us first before applying for one.

To be eligible to pursue your Private Pilot Certificate you must meet certain requirements.

• Be at least 16 years old to fly solo

• Be at least 17 years old to receive your private pilot certificate

• Read, speak, write and understand English

• Obtain at least a third-class medical certificate

How much does it cost?

Flying is not an inexpensive endeavor. If you complete the course in the minimum required time - 40 hours - it would cost at least $12,500. However that is highly unlikely to be the case, we suggest people budget closer to $17,000. Note the most cost effective way to learn to fly, is to fly often, that means at least 3-4 times a week.

As of August 2025 you can now use a college savings 529 plan to pay for flight training.