PRIVATE PILOT
CERTIFICATE
TAKE BACK YOUR TIME BY TAKING TO THE AIR
COMFORT. CONVENIENCE. CONTROL.
A private pilot certificate allows you to act as the pilot in command of an aircraft. You can even carry passengers (and, weight permitting, their bags, too)! That means family trips, business trips, fishing trips - you name it - can be accomplished on your schedule in a fraction of the time it would take to drive and with none of the hassles of commercial air travel. You can also tell friends, family, and the occasional stranger that you’re a pilot. So that’s neat.
And whether you’ve already started or are just getting going, our private pilot programs not only get you licensed quickly, they get you highly proficient with even the most challenging tasks and skills. Contact us today to learn more about training or to schedule a lesson.
BASIC TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS
TSA Approval (for non-U.S. citizens only)
Age: 17 Years (16 to Fly Solo)
Total Flight Time: 40 Hours
Instruction Flight Time: 20 Hours
Solo Flight Time: 10 Hours
It's important to keep in mind that while these minimums must be met, the national average for completing private pilot training is 70 hours total flight time with training in high performance, technologically advanced aircraft like the Cirrus taking much longer. Our courses are designed to get your training wrapped up in just 55 (Sling) or 65 (Cirrus) hours. Also, there is no minimum age to start flying lessons, the ages above only apply to solo flight and license eligibility.
THE PATH TO CERTIFICATION
Start first with a brief introductory flight. If you're ready to commit, speak with your CFI to sign up for lessons and get your student pilot certificate. Then apply for a third class FAA medical by completing a medxpress application and making an appointment with your local Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
You'll work with your instructor to prepare for critical milestones like your first solo and solo cross country flights. Enroll in our ground school to help prep for your FAA written exam (60 multiple choice questions, 70% passing score). All of your training efforts ultimately lead to the FAA practical test (a.k.a. checkride) which is done one-on-one with a designated pilot examiner (DPE) and consists of a 1 to 2 hour oral exam and a 1.5 to 2.5 hour flight test.
CHOOSE YOUR RIDE
Sling. Diamond, and Cirrus all offer wonderful platforms for flight training.
However, due to weight and balance restrictions for the LSA aircraft,
please note that the Sling LSA can only accommodate students up to 200 lbs.
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Technologically advanced cockpits come in many shapes and sizes; but the wide cabin, excellent all-around view, and spacious luggage capacity make the Sling a comfortable and versatile choice. Throw in best-in-class handling and maneuverability, and you have yourself a pretty incredible training aircraft.
Maximum student weight = 200 lbs.
PERFECT COMPROMISE
A proper IFR platform, the DA40 boasts a Garmin G1000 avionics suite and GFC700 digital autopilot with flight director. Whether you are new to aviation or highly experienced, the DA40 is a smart choice - space, comfort, and capability all at a reasonable price. The durable composite airframe, low fuel burn and superb handling make the DA40 a great airplane for travel and training alike.
BOLD INGENUITY
Every pilot’s dream plane? This might very well be it. The SR20 and SR22 have redefined personal aviation with industry-leading performance, style, and safety. A seamless integration of luxury, technology, and automobile-inspired ergonomics will have you and your family eager to climb aboard. With an integrated parachute recovery system, its safety record is unmatched.
TYPICAL TIMELINE TO COMPLETION
6-9 MONTHS
Students are encouraged to sign up for a minimum of TWO 2.5-hour lessons per week, but greater frequency is beneficial as you'll maintain a higher level of retention from one lesson to the next. Total times and costs will ultimately depend on a variety of factors including weather, aircraft maintenance, natural ability, frequency of training, and dedication to at-home study.
Our private pilot curriculum consists of 45 lessons. Each lesson has an associated homework assignment that consists of approximately one hour of reading/studying/video watching. Proper progression is highly dependent on the timely completion of all homework assignments.
SLING LSA AIRCRAFT
TRAINING SLOTS AVAILABLE (DAILY)
8:00AM - 10:30AM
10:30AM - 1:00PM
2:00PM - 4:30PM
4:30PM - 7:00PM
DIAMOND DA40 AIRCRAFT
TRAINING SLOTS AVAILABLE (DAILY)
8:30AM - 11:00AM
11:00AM - 1:30PM
2:30PM - 5:00PM
5:00PM - 7:30PM
CIRRUS SR20 AIRCRAFT
TRAINING SLOTS AVAILABLE (DAILY)
9:00AM - 11:30AM
11:30AM - 2:00PM
3:00PM - 5:30PM
5:30PM - 8:00PM
SLING LSA AIRCRAFT
TYPICAL COURSE COMPLETION COSTS:
$21,720
LSA Rental Hours (55 @ $175/Hour) = $9,625
Simulator Hours (5 @ $50/Hour) = $250
CFI Instruction (105 @ $90/Hour) = $9,450
Monthly Club Membership (6 @ $100) = $600
Training Materials/Subscriptions = $600
Written Exam Fee = $195
Checkride Fee = $1000
Total = $21,720
DIAMOND DA40 AIRCRAFT
TYPICAL COURSE COMPLETION COSTS:
$26,395
DA40 Rental Hours (55 @ $260/Hour) = $14,300
Simulator Hours (5 @ $50/Hour) = $250
CFI Instruction (105 @ $90/Hour) = $9,450
Monthly Club Membership (6 @ $100) = $600
Training Materials/Subscriptions = $600
Written Exam Fee = $195
Checkride Fee = $1000
Total = $26,395
CIRRUS SR20 AIRCRAFT
TYPICAL COURSE COMPLETION COSTS:
$34,945
SR20 Rental Hours (55 @ $340/Hour) = $18,700
Simulator Hours (5 @ $50/Hour) = $250
Cirrus Instruction (105 @ $120/Hour) = $12,600
Monthly Club Membership (6 @ $100) = $600
Training Materials/Subscriptions = $1,600
Written Exam Fee = $195
Checkride Fee = $1000
Total = $34,945
