Become a Private Pilot and Explore the Sky

Privileges

Carry passengers
Fly a single engine plane anywhere in US
Conduct flights in clear weather, day or night

Steps

Medical certificate with Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
Sign up for online ground school (King Schools, Sporty's, or Gold Seal)
Sign up for flight lessons and discuss the plan with your instructor
First solo flight
Requirements: https://www.faraim.org/faa/far/cfr/title-14/part-61/index.html#seqnum61.87
Complete solo requirements
Complete cross country and night flight requirements
Take knowledge test
Prepare for practical test (checkride)
Pass practical test and become private pilot

Requirements

Complete the following aeronautical experience prior to the practical test with pilot examiner:

https://www.faraim.org/faa/far/cfr/title-14/part-61/index.html#seqnum61.109

General Requirements

Read, write, and speak English
Pass FAA medical exam
16 years of age to solo
17 years of age to take practical test for private pilot certificate

Flight Experience Requirement

40 hours of flight time
- 20 hours of flight instruction
  - 3 hours of cross country training
  - 3 hours of night training
  - 3 hours of instrument training
  - 3 hours of flight training within 60 days of practical test (checkride)
- 10 hours of solo flight
  - 5 hours of cross country (greater than 50 nautical miles)
  - 150 nautical mile (NM) flight with 3 full stops at 3 different airports
  - 3 takeoffs and landings at an airport with an operating control tower
Pass FAA knowledge test
Pass FAA practical test (checkride)

Training

It is highly recommended that you train at least once/week and prepare for each lesson by studying the topic(s) that will be covered in the lesson.

Cost based on Minimum FAA Requirements

Below is the cost for completing all the flight and ground training in order to complete all the necessary requirements and obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to become private pilot in minimum time. Completing flight training for private pilot certificate in minimum time will require regular lessons and studying.

40 hours of airplane rental: $7000

60 hours of flight/ground training: $3600

Online ground school + supplies: $350

Medical exam: $200

Knowledge test: $175

Checkride: $800

Plane rental for checkride: $350
Total: $12,475

Cost based on national average

Below is the cost to complete all the flight and ground training in order to complete all the necessary requirements and obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to become private pilot based on the national average. The actual numbers will vary from student to student and depend on such factors as the weather, the frequency of the lessons, and level of preparedness for the lessons.

60 hours of flight lessons: $14,100

10 hours of solo flight: $1,750

40 hours of ground training: $2,400