Private Pilot Certificate

The private pilot certificate is typically the first “license” that an aspiring commercial pilot will obtain. This certificate enables you to act as Pilot in Command of an aircraft and fly your friends or family for non-compensation pleasure flights.

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

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 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 landings to a full stop 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

Mixed SEL/SES Training

As we do not permit solo flights in our aircraft, we have partnered with another local flight school to provide students with a very unique mixed SEL/SES training experience. There are several benefits to this co-op, including the ability to train in a variety of aircraft (including a Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Diamond Star DA40, Cirrus SR20, J3 Piper Cub, and Piper Archer), and a significant cost savings over flying 100% seaplanes (as they are more expensive to fly). Finally, if the practical test is taken in the amphibious Searey, students can obtain their Sport Pilot Certificate with a Single Engine Land (SEL) rating, Single Engine Sea (SES) rating, and tailwheel endorsement, all in a single check-ride!

Cost

The cost of obtaining a pilot certificate will vary from person to person mainly because a student pilot must demonstrate proficiency in the operation of an aircraft. The following breakdown is based on the average student pilot who flies two to three times per week and does the ground school portion on their own. While this estimate will provide you with an idea of all costs associated with obtaining a certificate, please keep in mind that it will vary based on a student’s learning ability.

“Typical” Private Pilot Mixed SEL/SES Course:

24 hours SeaRey Dual Instruction - $8,376

12 hours Cessna 172 Dual Instruction - $2,748

10 hours Ground School - $600

10 hours Cessna 172 Solo Flight* - $1,550     

Books / Supplies - $300

FAA Written Exam - $150

FAA Medical - $100

FAA Practical Test (Examiner Fee) - $600

FAA Practical Test (1 Hour Aircraft Rental) - $349

TOTAL**: $14,773

* Solo flights are not permitted in our aircraft, however, we are partnered with a local flight school that can help you achieve this requirement.

** Estimated prices, based on the average amount of training required for pilot proficiency. Every student has different skill and comfort levels and will require a little more or a little less training. To get “the best bang for your buck” we highly recommend flying 1-2 days per week - We’ve found that this will allow you to complete your training in less time, and LESS MONEY! :)

Foreign Pilots

New TSA and FAA policies affecting foreign pilots training in the US were implemented after September 11, 2001. A letter of verification from the FAA is now required for pilots holding a US certificate based on their foreign and for pilots seeking a foreign license conversion.  This process takes 45-90 days and the letter is only valid for six months.  The verification letter can be emailed or faxed to the requested FSDO or to the training facility designated by the pilot. German pilots, please note that the letter of verification MUST verify your medical.  This also pertains to any country that does not verify the airman’s medical.  If the medical is not verified on the letter of verification, you must obtain an FAA medical prior to the ASES rating or license conversion.  Foreign pilots seeking the ASES rating must also meet the foreign pilot flight requirement hours.

For more information please visit www.FAA.gov.