Want to learn how to fly an airplane? Piloting an airplane is easier and safer than you may think. It’s like having a pilot license in the sky. Of course, training for a Private Pilot Certificate involves more effort, knowledge and skill than getting a driver’s license. There’s more than an extra dimension, or learning how to parallel park. At First Team Pilot Training, you will receive expert guidance, preparation and training to reach your goal and become a private pilot.
Becoming a Private Pilot allows you to fly aircraft during day or night in VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions. It’s the first step if your goal is to fly for the airlines. Adding an Instrument Rating lets you fly more often when the weather isn’t great. And with a Commercial Certificate, you can be compensated for hire. There’s a world of possibilities open to you after first obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate.
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PRIVATE PILOT COURSE OUTLINE
The Private Pilot Course is comprised of three stages that each stage culminates in a Stage Check, or assessment, to ensure proficiency milestones are met.
Stage 1 – Pre Solo
Stage 1 introduces the fundamentals of flying. You will learn normal aircraft operating procedures, flight maneuvers airport procedures and how to handle basic emergencies. This stage emphasizes positive aircraft control and confidence to fly the airplane in the local area.
Stage 2 – Gaining Experience
Stage 2 builds on the fundamentals learned in Stage 1. You will be introduced to Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) concepts such as resource management, task management and risk management in preparation for flying as Pilot in Command (PIC). The advanced maneuvers portion of this stage is designed to introduce short-field and soft-field takeoffs and climbs, approaches, landings, radio navigation, and unimproved airport operations, as well as flight by reference to instruments and night flying. In addition you will be exposed to a variety of conditions such as marginal weather, flying at night and different types of airports/airspace.
Stage 3 – Solo Flight and Practical Test Prep
Stage 3 is when all solo flight operations occur. The flights of Stage 3 are designed to provide the student with the proficiency and solo requirements for the private pilot practical test. These flights are devoted to gaining experience and confidence in solo cross-country flight operations and reviewing all maneuvers within the syllabus to attain maximum pilot proficiency. Student’s proficiency and knowledge will be checked by a check instructor in preparation for the final exam.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Here is a summary of our Private Pilot course details.
Federal regulations stipulate the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old to solo.
- Be at least 17 years old to obtain your Private Pilot License (PPL).
- Read, speak and understand the English language.
- Possess a student pilot certificate.
- Hold at least a third-class medical certificate or BasicMed.
Study Assignments in our curriculum reference official FAA Handbooks and Manuals covering all knowledge areas for this course. However, online or in-house classes may be a better fit for your learning style and to supplement official materials. Discuss with your instructor options available that best meet your needs.
Our standard Private Pilot Course syllabus reflects 35 hours of ground instruction, 30 hours of dual and 10 solo hours in aircraft. If you have already completed portions of the ground instruction, we will work with you to review your current knowledge base and customize the course as needed.
- Minimum of 40 hours of flight time including:
- 20 Hours Dual Instruction
- 3 Hours Dual Cross Country
- 3 Hours Instrument Flight Training
- 3 Hours Night Time Including 1 Cross Country Over 100nm Total Distance, 10 Night Landings
- Pass a practical test consisting of an oral exam and a flying exam
Here are approximate items and costs associated with obtaining a Private Pilot Certificate. However, costs vary greatly due to individual needs, past experience and learning styles. We provide many free training resources throughout our syllabus because our goal is to make training as affordable and efficient as possible.
Private Pilot Kit: $150
The Private Pilot Kit contains supplies necessary for private pilot training: syllabus, private pilot manual, E6-B (flight computer), VFR plotter, small logbook, kneeboard, aircraft checklist and small student bag. (does not include pilot headset)
Medical: $120
3rd Class medical exam from an Aviation Medical Examiner.
FAA Knowledge Exam: $165
Multiple-choice exam administered on computer at nearby testing centers.
*Aircraft Rental: 40 Hrs Min / 55 Hrs Avg
Time varies greatly for each individual due to previous experience, preparation and training frequency. See our Aircraft page for available aircraft and rates.
*Flight Instruction: 30 Hrs Avg @ $60 hr
Dual instruction including flight training, preflight and postflight briefings. Time varies greatly for each individual due to previous experience, preparation and training frequency.
FAA Practical Exam – $500
Oral and flight evaluation with FAA Designated Examiner
PRIVATE PILOT
FAA MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
40 HOURS OF FLIGHT TRAINING
TO INCLUDE:
20 HOURS DUAL INSTRUCTION
10 SOLO HOURS
3 CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT HOURS
3 HOURS NIGHT FLYING
3 HOURS EXAM PREPARATION
3 HOURS INSTRUMENT FLIGHT
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