Private Pilot Requirements
To be eligible for your Private Pilot certificate you must:
- Be at least 17 years of age. Refer to FAQ page
- Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
- Pass an FAA medical exam
- Be proficient in flight experience (your instructor will provide training and guidance)
- Pass a knowledge test (CATS)
- Pass a practical test (a one-on-one oral quiz and flight test with an FAA examiner)
Minimum flight training requirements:
40 hours total flight experience, of which:
- 20 hours with your instructor
- 10 hours Solo
- 10 hours Practice with or without your instructor.
- Note: The minumum 40 hr. requirement was established in 1938. Many other tasks have been added to the requirements since that time and make it near to impossible to meet all of these requirements within 40 total hours.
Additional items:
- Ground instruction
- Books, plotters, charts, and log book
- Aviation headsets
Pricing: (Prices shown are based on average aircraft rental at $132/hr, and instruction at $75/hr)
C-172 | 70 hours (average) | $8,540 |
Instructor time | 55 hours (average) | $3,575 |
Pre / Post Briefings, Ground Instruction/ Checkride test prep | 20 Hours (average) | $1,300 |
Books, Materials and Home Study Course | $450 | |
FAA Medical Exam | $150 | |
FAA Knowledge Exam (via third party computer testing facility) | $150 | |
FAA Practical Exam Testing Fee (AKA “Checkride”) | $600 | |
Grand Total: (projected) | $14,765 |
Note: Training hours and costs vary depending on client’s individual ability and additional flight time, if needed. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Training syllabus is based on the FAA Privte Pilot Airman Certification Standards: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/media/private_airplane_...