40 hr Challenge
THE 40-HOUR PRIVATE PILOT SCHOLARSHIP CHALLENGE. Every year thousands of students dream of becoming professional pilots — and the cost of training, often $60,000–$70,000, stops many talented candidates before they begin. OCFC believes discipline, focus, and talent should be rewarded. The 40-Hour Challenge is a competitive program designed to identify the most dedicated future pilots in the country.
THE CHALLENGE. Complete your Private Pilot License in 40.9 hours or less.
THE SCHOLARSHIP. Succeed, and OCFC sponsors your next two major ratings — Instrument Rating training and Commercial Pilot training — a total value of $11,670 in flight training credits, ratings that normally represent tens of thousands of dollars.
IT'S EASY. Step 1: submit the enrollment application. Step 2: pay the $250 application processing fee — it includes a FREE demo flight. Step 3: schedule your flight training. Your entry investment is a $15,000 program deposit after ground school; typical commercial pilot training runs $66,000.
WHO SHOULD APPLY. Highly motivated individuals who want to prove they can train efficiently and professionally: college students exploring aviation careers, candidates 18–25, applicants willing to commit fully to intensive training, and applicants with no prior flight experience. Applicants are welcome from across the United States; shared student housing is available for those relocating.
QUALIFICATIONS. Must be 17; a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; able to obtain a 3rd Class medical; able to read, write, speak, and understand English; TSA-approved where required.
RESTRICTIONS. No previous flight training (including discovery flights); complete the Private certificate in 40 hours consistent with the OCFC-approved syllabus within one year; fly at least once a week and complete homework promptly; stay current on all financial obligations; attend live in-class ground school at OCFC at no cost, pass the Part 141 ground school in one attempt, and score 85% or higher on the FAA written exam. The national average to complete a Private Pilot program is 60–75 hours — this is a structured syllabus and only serious, disciplined students should apply. OCFC and its flight instructors assume no responsibility or liability for a student's completion of the program under this challenge.
LIMITED NATIONAL ENROLLMENT. The challenge is offered for a 90-day enrollment period. Training takes place at John Wayne Airport in Southern California.
PLEASE NOTE. To avail of any discount or discount credit, a student's account must be in good standing at all times — it cannot carry a negative balance at any time during the training period. All education discounts are credited to individual accounts based on fees actually paid and spent, at the completion of 40 hours of training only. Any discount offered by OCFC, whether written or verbal, is not an obligation but at the sole discretion of OCFC. E-Programs cannot be combined with any other discounts or credits offered by OCFC at any time.