Private Pilot Training

Image of an airplane.

The goal of private pilot training is to earn your Private Pilot Certificate, which permits you to fly a wide variety of aircraft and to carry passengers virtually anywhere. New Private Pilots are restricted from flying in non-visual conditions (clouds and other "bad" weather).

Requirements

Applicants need to meet standards in three separate areas to qualify for FAA pilot certificates: Flight experience, Flight skill, and Theoretical understanding.

Flight Experience

An applicant for the Private Pilot certificate must have 40 hours flight time, to include a minimum of 20 hours dual instruction and 10 hours solo. Part 141 students have slightly lower requirements: 35 hours total, to include 20 hours dual and 5 hours solo. In either case, it is normal for most students to require significantly more time: Private Pilot training nationally averages over 70 hours. The private pilot syllabus is designed to achieve its training goals in 50 hours--40 dual and 10 solo.

Flight Skill

The skills required for the Private Certificate can be grouped into three broad areas:

  • Solo flight
  • Cross-country navigation and night flight
  • Pilot-in-Command experience

In each area, Al's Aviation aims to deliver training well above the minimum standards established by the FAA. As an example, all Al's Aviation students are carefully taken through the training necessary to master spins, an element we believe essential in enhancing competence and safety.

Theory and Knowledge Testing

To thoroughly teach the necessary theory and to prepare students for FAA knowledge exams, Al's Aviation offers two alternatives: a classroom ground school taught by senior flight instructors and Cessna's interactive Computer Based Instruction program. Both provide strong support for student pilots. For your convenience, Al's Aviation Test Center offers FAA Computer Exam testing on the premises.

Estimated Cost of a Private Pilot Certificate

50 hours instructor training $5,250.00
10 hours solo $700.00
20 hours pre- and post-flight instruction $700.00
Ground School $225.00
Supplies $135.00
FAA Computer Exam $90.00
FAA Flight Test $300.00
TOTAL $7,400.00