What does it take to get a private pilot license?
To get your pilot license, you must:
- Be 17 years old
- Be able to speak, read, write , and understand English
- Pass an FAA Class III physical examination
- Pass an FAA aeronautical knowledge test
- Have an FAA flight test
- Have a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, of which a minimum of 20 hours must be with an instructor
How long will it take for me to get my pilot license?
It depends on how often you fly, and how much time and effort you put into studying. The more often you fly, the less time it will take and the more fun you will have! Every student is different, with some people wanting to schedule many hours of training each week and others spreading out their training over many months. It's up to you.
How often can I fly?
You can fly as often as your schedule will allow. We recommend that you fly a minimum of 1 day per week. Most students fly at least twice a week. However, some students fly 4-5 times per week.
Can I fly at night?
Yes. As part of your basic training you are required to have a minimum of 3 hours of night training including a night cross country with an instructor.
Can I take passengers when I get my license?
Yes. One of the most enjoyable activities when you get your license is taking friends and family for a flight - maybe for the famous "$100 hamburger". You can share flight expenses with your passengers, but you cannot fly for "hire".
What about "ground school"?
In the past, the theory and knowledge required to become a pilot was typically taught in a classroom setting. Classes were usually held once or twice weekly for as long as 3 months. Today, most of us have busier work schedules that make this method of training impractical. We have addressed this concern with the revolutionary Jeppesen multimedia training program. As a Piper training Center, USFA offers the interactive multimedia CBI programs for the Private, Instrument and Commercial Pilot courses. This exceptional software is proven to expedite your progress and efficiency. Additionally, the Jeppesen Deluxe Private Pilot contains all the information you will need for your written and oral examination. Items include:
- Private Pilot Manual
- Maneuvers Manual
- Syllabus
- Stage Exam Set
- Oral Exam Study Guide
- Airman Knowledge Test Guide
- Presolo Written Exam
- FAA Exam Package
Ground briefings will be given prior to, and following each flight to discuss procedures and your progress. You will typically spend 30 minutes to 1 hour of ground briefing/instruction for each hour flown with your instructor.
How much will it cost to get my license?
Several variables affect the cost of getting your license. Some of them are:
1. The type of airplane you train in. For your private pilot license, we have two 2003 DA20
's and two 2003 Diamond DA20's.
2. How frequently you fly. The more often you fly, the greater the lesson and skill retention between lessons, and the more fun you will have. It is actually less expensive in the long run to fly more often.
3. Your learning speed. Some people learn more quickly than others.
4. Your skill aptitude. Some people pick up physical skills faster than others.
An example of complete Private Pilot training in our 2003 DA20
is as follows:
- 45 hours of aircraft time at $105 per hour = $4,725
- 25 hours of dual instruction at $44 per hour = $1,100
- 20 hours of ground instruction at $44 per hour = $880
- Books & Study Materials: $275
- Headset: $130
- Class III medical exam (average): $60
- Written test exam fee (average): $80
- FAA Examiner's fee: $250
Total Cost: $7,370 estimated.
This is an example only. Everyone is different; some spend less, some more.
How do I pay for my pilot license?
You may "pay as you go" using cash, checks, and credit cards, or you may apply for financing through VA or SLM Financial Corporation, a Sallie Mae company.
USFA is a FAA Approved flight training school, certified by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 141 for Private, Commercial, Instrument, Single and Multi-engine Land airplanes, and all three Instructor Programs. This means most USFA students are eligible for student loans and other financial aid, available in the U.S. or abroad. Just ask our staff for assistance in obtaining financial assistance. Student loan information:
SLM Financial Corporation, a Sallie Mae Corporation.
When can I start flying?
Right now! Today! Just come in, call or access our 24/7 scheduling system here and you will be placed with an instructor and on the schedule. You are ready to fly on your very first lesson! (You will need to obtain your 3rd class medical certificate prior to your first solo flight.)
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