FAQ’s
What are the requirements to Become a private pilot?
Basic Qualifications:
There is no minimum age to become a student pilot, but the minimum age a person can solo is 16, and students must be 17 years old to obtain their license. Students must be fluent in the English language, both reading and speaking and they must also obtain a third-class medical certificate.
Knowledge Test:
Students must pass a written exam at an approved FAA testing center. Students must pass with a minimum score of 70%.
Flight Requirements:
The minimum hours of flight required for a private pilot certificate is 40 hours. 20 hours must be dual-flight training, with an instructor in the aircraft, and 10 hours must be solo flight.
Checkride:
The final step to becoming a private pilot is to pass your checkride, a proficiency test administered by an FAA examiner. It consists of an oral exam, where they will focus on areas you scored weakest on the knowledge test, and a flight.
How do I get started?
For a tour of our facility and to check out our fleet, come in during our office hours, Monday - Friday from 9 am - 5 pm, or contact us to arrange for a different time. Our front desk staff can help you create your profile in our scheduling system and guide you through the process.
How long does it take to become a private pilot
There is no cut and paste answer for how long it will take you to earn your private pilot certificate. It will vary depending on several factors.
The most critical factor will be the frequency of training, which will change based on your availability, the availability of the aircraft and instructors, and external factors such as weather, which could delay training. Those who train with greater frequency will progress faster. We have had multiple students that were able to complete their training in 2 months because they were able to fly at least 4 times a week, if not more. This allowed them to quickly build their skills. Students who fly less frequently tend to progress at a slower pace because they must spend more time reviewing skills.
Beyond flying, student pilots must also complete ground school instruction to prepare them for their written knowledge test. Everyone learns differently, and there are different options to cater to those differences. For those who can work independently, there are several resources available. There are online ground school options and the FAA provides free digital copies of the handbooks and manuals that student pilots require. For more information on these resources, see the Ground School & Test Prep page. If you learn better in person, you can!
If you have any more inquiries, contact us! We will gladly help you.
What is the private pilot knowledge test?
The private pilot knowledge test is a written exam that tests student pilots on their knowledge of aircraft systems, aerodynamics, weather, engines and navigation, and other pertinent information. It must be taken at an FAA approved testing center. There are 60 multiple choice questions to be answered in 2.5 hours, and student pilots must score at least 70% to pass.