Step-by-Step

In order to get a private pilot license there is a lot of questions that need to be answered, some of those can be answered here. The rest we can answer during your orientation flight and beyond.

The FAA mandates a minimum of 40 flight hours, but it's crucial to understand that the average person typically logs between 55 and 75 flight hours before getting their license. Regardless, don't be disheartened by taking longer, and avoid feeling pressured to reach the checkride quickly. Rushing can compromise skill development and safety. Flying requires honed skills, coordination, and adaptation to three-dimensional movement. Keep in mind: it doesn't become easier; you become better! 

To begin flight training with us, you must be a citizen of the USA or its territories. If you are not, additional steps are required before starting your training. We're happy to offer an introductory flight, but for further training, authorization is necessary. If this applies to you, please contact us, and we'll guide you through the required process.

Two written tests must be completed as part of your training. The first is the PAR (Private Pilot Exam) administered by the FAA, for which you'll need an endorsement from your instructor or a certified ground school (online/in-person). The second is a pre-solo test, conducted by your flight instructor, ensuring you possess the necessary knowledge to safely operate the aircraft before your first solo flight.

Flight time requirements:

Total Flight Time: 40 hours

Flight Training Time: 20 hours

Solo Flight Time SEL: 10 hours

Solo Cross Country: 5 hours

Within these hours there are specific training requirements:

Solo Cross Country: 150 nautical mile total distance, 3-Points to a full stop landing, with a 50 nautical mile straight line distance

Solo Takeoff and Landing: 3 full stop at a towered airfield

Night Training: 3 Hours

Night Cross Country: 100 nautical mile total distance

Night Takeoff and Landing: 10 full stop at a towered airfield

Flight Reference to Instruments: 3 Hours

Flight Training within 2 calendar months: 3 hours

*These requirement are subject to change and can be found in Chapter 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 61.109

As a private pilot, you plan to take a friend to your favorite restaurant. However, checking the weather reveals clouds obstructing your route. Aware that avoiding clouds is crucial, you opt for PB&J sandwiches instead. Once you gain an instrument rating to navigate through clouds, substituting sandwiches for restaurant outings will become a thing of the past!

Just like with your private pilot license a test is required; the IRA (Instrument Knowledge Test)  administered by the FAA, for which you'll need an endorsement from your instructor or a certified ground school (online/in-person).

Flight Time Requirements:

Total PIC Cross Country: 50 Hours

Total PIC Cross Country: 10 Hours

Actual or Simulated Instrument Training:  15 Hours

Actual or Simulated Instrument Training (w/in 2 Cal Months): 03 Hours

Cross Country Training (3 kind of approaches): 250NM 

*These requirement are subject to change and can be found in Chapter 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 61.65

You, a private pilot with an instrument rating, stroll out to the flight line, eyeing your flight club's Cessna 172. Nearby gleams a stunning Challenger 350. "Now, that's a real plane," you muse, contemplating the allure of piloting for a living. Curious about earning as a pilot? Step one: Obtain your commercial license! 

It is important to note that a commercial pilot rating can be obtained without the instrument rating, this route creates limitations on the commercial license: These limitations include: Commercial Flight limitation of 50NM and prohibition of commercial flights at night. 

Just like with your private pilot license and instrument rating a test is required; the CAX (Commercial Knowledge Test)  administered by the FAA, for which you'll need an endorsement from your instructor or a certified ground school (online/in-person).

Commercial Flight Time Requirements are a bit more in-depth than the other license, for this we recommend reviewing the regulation directly and discussing these hours with your instructor. 

Basic Outline of flight training:

Total Flight Time: 250 Hours

Total PIC: 100 Hours

Flight Training: 20 Hours

*These requirement are subject to change and can be found in Chapter 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 61.129

Multi-Engine Private or Commercial

Most places require 25 hours of multi-engine time. This add-on allows you the benefit of flight with more than one engine. At this time our flight school does not offer this, however we have connections with other flight schools that provide this service and can recommend them to you. Also, please tell us if you are interested in multi-engine, the more interest we receive, the more likely our organization is to incorporate a multi-engine into the fleet.

CFI (Certified Flight Instructor)

The basic flight instructor certificate allows you to teach pilots, to receive this endorsement for flight you are required to have a two-year CFI endorse you. Our flight school will teach you what you need to get through this exam. *Important notice that the FAA just released the ACS for the CFI and as of 05/01/2024 will be using the ACS in place of the PTS.

CFI-I (Certified Flight Instructor -Instrument)

The Instrument add-on allows you to teach instrument students and the 5 hours of instrument training commercial students need.

AGI (Advanced Ground Instructor) and IGI (Instrument Ground Instructor)

If you are looking at being a CFI for your primary career it is encouraged to also get either or both of your ground certificates, this gives you the ability to obtain a gold seal on your flight instructor license and this gives you some credit in the CFI industry.

MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor)

Another add-on you can get giving you the ability to teach in multi-engine aircraft, again this is not something we offer but can direct you on where to go. Please feel free to speak with us about the need for this certification and we would be glad to refer you to another school that is able to assist you in this goal