Private Pilot Certificate

Your license to explore. The foundation of everything you will do in aviation.

Glass cockpit in IFR conditions

The Ticket to Freedom

Earning your Private Pilot License (PPL) is a transformation. You go from being a passenger to being a Pilot in Command. You will learn aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and the stick-and-rudder skills to safely operate an aircraft anywhere in the country.

Choose Your Path

We offer two distinct ways to earn your wings.

Pay-As-You-Go

Traditional flight training. Fly 1-2 times a week as your schedule allows. Pay for each lesson individually. Great for flexibility.

View Hourly Rates

"No-BS" PPL Package

Accelerated and bundled. Includes headset, ground school, and priority scheduling. Designed for students who want to finish fast.

Explore Package

The Journey

Student pilot shirt cutting tradition

01. First Solo

The day you'll never forget. After mastering landings and emergency procedures, your instructor steps out, cuts your shirt tail (a long-standing tradition), and you take the plane up alone.

Navigation chart and headset

02. Cross Country

Learn to really travel. You'll plan flights to different airports, use VORs and GPS, and learn how to make real-world weather and airspace decisions.

Student holding pilot certificate

03. Checkride

The final boss. We prep you until the standards are second nature. You'll fly with a DPE (examiner), demonstrate your skills, and walk away a licensed Private Pilot.

The Blueprint

What it actually takes to earn the title "Private Pilot."

Eligibility

  • ✓  16 Years Old to Solo
  • ✓  17 Years Old to Test
  • ✓  Read, speak, and understand English
  • ✓  FAA Medical: You need at least a 3rd Class Medical Certificate (or BasicMed) before you can solo.

Flight Experience

FAA Minimums (Part 61)

  • ✓  40 Hours Total Flight Time
  • ✓  20 Hours Dual Instruction
  • ✓  10 Hours Solo Flight
  • ✓  3 Hours Night Training
  • ✓  3 Hours Instrument Training
  • ✓  5 Hours Solo Cross-Country

The Tests

  • 1. 
    Knowledge Test (Written):

    60 multiple-choice questions. Passing score is 70%. We help you prep for this.

  • 2. 
    Practical Test (Checkride):

    An oral exam and flight test with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). This is the final boss.

The "Knucklehead" Reality Check

While the FAA minimum is 40 hours, the national average is closer to 60–75 hours. We don't train you to the minimums; we train you to be competent. Budget for the average, and be happily surprised if you finish early. Consistency is key—flying 2-3 times a week is the cheapest way to get your license.