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Private Pilot License

Earning your Private Pilot License (PPL) is extremely rewarding!  Whether for pleasure, business, or a career change, flying starts with your Private Pilot License.

 

Here are just some of the benefits of being a private pilot:

  • Enjoy scenic views from the air

  • Turn an 8-hour drive into a 2-3 hour flight

  • Avoid traffic and congestion

  • Join a club of fellow pilots at events such as Sun N Fun, Oshkosh, and others

Who can be a pilot?

  • NO AGE MINIMUM to begin your training

  • 16 years of age to conduct solo training flights

  • 17 years of age to earn your pilot license

  • Read, write, speak, and understand English

  • Obtain a 3rd class medical license from an Approved Medical Examiner (AME)

  • United State Citizen

How much training is required?

  • 40 hours of training consisting of:

    • 20 hours of dual (with an instructor)​

      • 3 hours of flights farther than 50 miles​

      • 3 hours of night flying

      • 1 night flight father than 100 miles

      • 10 takeoffs and landings at night

      • 3 hours of simulated instrument flying

      • 3 hours of preparation within 2 months of your checkride

    • 10 hours of solo flight (without an instructor)​

      • 5 hours of flights father than 50 miles

      • 1 flight farther than 150 miles consisting of 3 stops​

      • 3 takeoffs and landings at an airport with a control tower

Is there a written test?

  • Yes.  You will need to take a written test.  The test is on a computer, is multiple-choice (A, B, C) with a minimum passing score fo 70%, and you receive the results immediately after completing the test.  ​

  • Your flight instructor's authorization is required to take the written test.

How often should I take lessons?

  • As with any new skill, frequent practice keeps skills fresh and reduces the need to "knock the rust off".  By staying consistent with your training, you'll reduce time and cost required to earn your pilot license.  A good goal is dedicate one lesson per week.  A lesson is typical 1-2 hours long.  Ideally you'll be able to do 2 or more lessons per week. 

Is there advanced Math involved?

  • The Math required to earn your Private Pilot License is rather nothing beyond basic Algebra and problem solving.  The FAA allows you to use a calculator on the written test and most formulas are provided to you.  We will do enough practice problems beforehand to ensure you'll be able to take your written test with confidence.

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