The private pilot certificate is typically the first “pilot’s license” an aspiring pilot will obtain. This certificate enables you to act as Pilot in Command of an aircraft (typically single engine, however it is possible get a multi-engine certificate first).
Privileges
- Carry passengers
- Fly day or night
- Travel any distance
- Must maintain certain visual requirements
Requirements (Part 61)
General
- Ability to read, write and speak English
- Ability to pass an FAA medical examination
- Age 17 or older to obtain certificate (can begin training at any age!)
Flight Experience
- 40 Hours of flight time
- 20 Hours of flight training from an authorized instructor
- 10 Hours of solo flight
- 5 Hours solo cross-country (at least 50 NM)
- 150 NM solo cross-country with three full stops (one 50+ NM leg)
- 3 Takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop (involving flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.
- 3 Hours of cross-country flight training
- 3 Hours of night flight training
- 100 NM total distance cross-country flight
- 10 Takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (each involving flight in the traffic pattern).
- 3 Hours of instrument training
- 3 Hours in preparation for the practical test within 60 days prior to the test date.
- Pass FAA written examination
- Pass FAA check ride
Cost
The overall cost of obtaining a certificate will vary from person to person mainly because a student pilot can only obtain a certificate upon demonstrating their complete proficiency in the operation of an aircraft. The following breakdown is based on the average student pilot who flies one to two times per week and acquires their certificate in 60-75 hours. Please note that this breakdown is based on our Bedford rates and will vary between locations.
This estimate should provide you with an idea of virtually all of the costs associated with obtaining a certificate. We have established this estimate using a fairly conservative approach to avoid unexpected expenses. If you have questions regarding how our flight school pricing differs from the pricing of our competitors, please feel free to contact us!
| Private Pilot Cost Breakdown | Tomahawk | Warrior II/C172M | Warrior III | |
| Dual Flight (30 Hour FAA Requirement) ** | $ 7,170 | $ 8,550 | $ 8,550 | |
| Solo Flight (10 Hour FAA Requirement) | $ 1,590 | $ 2,050 | $ 2,150 | |
| Dual Flight (35 Hour Average Student) ** | $ 8,365 | $ 9,975 | $ 10,325 | |
| Dual Ground (40 Hour Average Student) | $ 3,200 | $ 3,200 | $ 3,200 | |
| Books / Supplies (Private Pilot Kit) | $ 200 | $ 200 | $ 200 | |
| FAA Written Exam | $ 175 | $ 175 | $ 175 | |
| FAA Medical (Estimate, Paid to Provider) | $ 150 | $ 150 | $ 150 | |
| FAA Practical Test (Examiner Fee) | $ 750 | $ 750 | $ 750 | |
| FAA Practical Test (Aircraft – Approx. 1.5 Hrs) | $ 239 | $ 308 | $ 323 | |
| Total (75 Hour Private Pilot) | $ 21,839 | $ 25,358 | $26,123 | |
** Add $10 per hour for Senior Instructor