Private Pilot

Earning your Private Pilot Certificate opens up the skies and grants you the freedom to fly for personal travel or recreation. With structured flight training, you'll learn essential skills like navigation, aircraft control, and emergency procedures—all under the guidance of experienced instructors. Once certified, you can pilot an aircraft solo or with passengers, exploring new destinations from a completely different perspective. Whether you're pursuing aviation as a career or simply embracing the joy of flight, a PPL is the gateway to unforgettable aerial adventures!

As a private pilot, you gain the freedom to fly for personal enjoyment and travel—but without commercial compensation. Here are some ways you can make the most of your private:

Fly for fun – Take to the skies whenever you want, exploring new places from above.

Travel efficiently – Skip the crowded airports and long security lines by flying yourself to nearby destinations.

Carry passengers – Bring friends or family along for the adventure!

Expand your skills – Pursue additional ratings like an instrument rating to improve your flying abilities.

Join aviation communities – Participate in local flying clubs, airshows, or other pilot gatherings.

Work toward advanced certifications – Private pilot is a steppingstone toward a career in aviation by pursuing a Commercial Pilot Certificate.

While a private pilot certificate doesn’t allow you to fly for commercial gain, it unlocks a world of possibilities for personal flying and future training. Contact us today to get started!

Requirements

To earn a Private Pilot Certificate in the U.S., you must meet several Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria:

Eligibility

Be at least 17 years old (16 for gliders or balloons).

  1. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

  2. Hold at least a third-class medical certificate issued by an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner.

  3. Be a US Citizen or meet TSA requirements

Training & Experience

  1. Complete ground school to learn aeronautical knowledge.

  2. Log a minimum of 40 flight hours, including:

    • 20 hours of flight training with an instructor.

      • 3 hours cross-country

      • 3 hours instrument training

      • 3 hours night

      • 3 hours in preparation for the Practical Test

    • 10 hours of solo flight time.

      • 5 hours cross-country

      • 3 take-offs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower

Exams and Certification

  1. Pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test (written exam).

  2. Pass the FAA Practical Test (checkride), which includes an oral exam and flight evaluation with an FAA examiner.