Private Pilot Training

FAR Part 141 Requirements:

  • Be at least 17 years of age.
  • Be able to speak, write, and understand English.
  • Hold a Student Pilot Certificate.
  • Hold a third-class airman’s medical certificate.
  • Pass a written knowledge test on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas.
  • Pass an oral and practical exam on maneuvers and procedures.
  • Complete a minimum of 24 hours of ground instruction (may be computer based self-study)
  • A minimum of 35 hours of flight training, to include the following:
    1. A minimum of 20 hours of flight training from a Certificated Flight Instructor
      • 3 hours cross country flight training
      • 3 hours of night flight training, including 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop and 1 cross country flight of over 100 NM total distance
      • 3 hours instrument flight training.
      • 3 hours of preparation (in airplanes) for the private pilot check ride
    2. A minimum of 5 hours of solo flight training including:
      • At least one solo cross country of at least 100 NM total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight line distance of at least 50 NM between takeoff and landing locations
      • Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.
    3. One solo cross country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance with a landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations.
    4. 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test within 60 days of the test.



Cost Estimates*

Cost Estimate by Aircraft

Private Pilot, Part 141 CE 152 CE 162 SkyCatcher CE 172SP SkyHawk
30 Hours Aircraft Rental with Flight Instruction $4,125.00 $4,500.00 $5,910.00
15 Hours Ground Instruction $600.00 $600.00 $600.00
11 Hours Solo Aircraft Rental $1,072.50 $1,210.00 $1,727.00
Cessna Private Pilot Kit $329.00 $329.00 $329.00
Medical Certificate $75.00 $75.00 $75.00
FAA Written Exam $150.00 $150.00 $150.00
Practical Test Examiner's Fee $350.00 $350.00 $350.00
Check-Ride Aircraft Rental 1.5 Hours $146.25 $165.00 $235.50
TOTAL $6,847.75 $7,346.00 $9,376.50
Private Pilot, Part 141 width Simulator CE 172SP SkyHawk
27 Hours Aircraft Rental with Flight Instruction $5,319.00
3 Hours Flight Simulator with Instruction $285.00
15 Hours Ground Instruction $600.00
11 Hours Solo Aircraft Rental $1,727.00
Cessna Private Pilot Kit $329.00
Medical Certificate $75.00
FAA Written Exam $150.00
Practical Test Examiner's Fee $350.00
Check-Ride Aircraft Rental 1.5 Hours $235.50
TOTAL $9,070.50

* The estimate represents the total costs (excluding sales tax) to complete the Private Pilot Course. This estimate is based on the following assumptions:

  1. No breaks in training.
  2. Course curriculum will be closely followed.
  3. Student is of average ability.
  4. It is very possible to complete the flight portion of the Private Pilot course in less time than stated in this estimate. However, experience has shown the estimates above to be realistic figures. In any case, you will only be charged for the actual hours flown, and actual ground instruction time spent with the instructor.

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