Private Pilot Certificate
Private pilots are able to fly with passengers aboard an aircraft and have no limitations on where they can fly.
This is the first FAA certificate students obtain if they eventually want to upgrade to higher certificates and ratings. Content includes basic maneuvering flight, takeoffs, landings, and cross-country flying. Ground training includes in-depth training on meteorology, aerodynamics, national airspace structure and navigation, and aircraft systems.
Rates
*Professional Pilot Aircraft Rental Rates
| Plane |
Rate |
Fuel Cost Per Gallon |
Fuel Consumption Rate |
Hourly Rate with Fuel |
| Non-Complex Aircraft |
$83.39 |
$4.29 |
9 GPH |
$122.00 |
| Complex Aircraft |
$129.44 |
$4.29 |
14 GPH |
$189.50 |
*Aircraft costs vary with the current fuel market price.
*Private Pilot Certificate
|
Flight Hours |
Hourly Rate with Fuel |
Total |
| Aircraft Rental |
60 minimum hours |
$122.00 |
$7,320.00 |
| Pre and Post Briefings |
60 hours |
$12.00 |
$720.00 |
| Dual Instruction |
47 hours |
$50.00 |
$2,350.00 |
| Total Flight Fee Costs |
$10,390.00 |
*Aircraft costs vary with the current fuel market price.
Other Exams
FAA Knowledge Test – 1 @ $150.00 each
Check for current cost with instructor. |
$150.00 |
FAA Medical Exam
Check with FAA examiner for current cost.
FAA medical and examiner fee paid to provider. |
$150.00 |
FAA Check Ride – 1 @ Examiner Fee
(Approximately $500.00 each) |
$500.00 |
FAA Check Ride – 1 @ Aircraft Rental Fee
(Approximately $200.00 each) |
$200.00 |
Employability Requirements
To be employed as a professional pilot, at the minimum, one must possess a commercial pilot certificate. This certificate is obtained by passing a Federal Aviation Administration written test and flight test and obtaining a Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate.
Program Length
This certificate program is approximately two quarters long, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.
Admission Dates
Summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Completion Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
- Must be at least 16 1/2 years of age.
- Must obtain a second-class FAA medical examination and comply with FAA licensing standards.
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that U.S. citizens prove citizenship status before beginning flight training by providing a current passport or birth certificate and driver’s license. Non-U.S. students must submit to a background and fingerprint check from the TSA prior to beginning training.
- Please note that many students need additional training hours to master the required competencies.
- 60 hours total flight time. 47 hours dual and 13 hours solo. Ground instruction—60 hours. Pre- and post-flight briefings—60 hours.
- Industry average flight time for Private Pilot certification is 60-75 hours.
Program Course List
Optional Elective Courses
| AVP 118 | Private Pilot Practical Test Standards I | 4 |
| AVP 138 | Private Pilot Practical Test Standards II | 4 |
Note: Students often complete their program requirements at different rates due to their own skills and abilities and the availability of aircraft and suitable weather. Thus, the number of quarters needed to satisfactorily complete all of the requirements may exceed those listed above in some cases.