← All programs · PPL
Private Pilot License
A lifetime accomplishment — the certificate that never expires.
Earning the Private Pilot Certificate is a lifetime accomplishment. This certificate never expires, and together with a flight review every 24 months — a minimum two-hour review of your knowledge and skills with the flight instructor of your choice — you are qualified to fly an airplane, day or night, in good weather.
You must be at least 17 years old and hold a current 3rd Class FAA medical certificate. The course, based on two or three sessions per week, takes about six months.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? At the FAA's absolute minimum of 40 hours and our current rates: $9,991. Now hold on a moment — that quote assumes your ability to learn and fly is 100% perfect in every way. The FAA posts a national average of 65 to 75 flight hours, which brings realistic training to an estimated $19,289. Few students finish at the FAA minimum; your hours will vary with your skill, how often you fly, and the effort you put into the materials.
What you'll learn
- Pre-solo fundamentals
- Solo — an experience you'll never forget
- Advanced maneuvers and cross-country flying
- Solo cross-country flight
- Instrument and night flying
- 150 nm cross-country flight
- Review for the FAA written test and checkride
Where this takes you
- Fly an airplane day or night in good weather, with passengers
- The foundation for the Instrument Rating and every professional certificate
- Eligible for the 40-Hour Private Pilot Scholarship Challenge
Requirements
FAA minimums: 40 hours total flight time — 20 hrs dual, 10 hrs solo, 3 hrs cross-country training, 3 hrs night with 10 takeoffs and landings, a 100 nm night cross-country, 3 hrs instrument training, 3 hrs checkride preparation, 5 hrs solo cross-country including a 150 nm flight. Minimum age 17; 3rd Class FAA medical.