How To Get Your Private Pilot License
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Issued by the FAA, a private pilot certificate is granted to an applicant after they pass the appropriate knowledge and practical tests. Once obtained, it allows the applicant to fly the specific aircraft in which they have received their flight training* for private purposes. Please note that a private pilot certificate does not allow the holder to receive compensation for services.
*WAir provides the training for a single engine land rating
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EXPECTED HOURS, TIMEFRAME & COSTS WHEN TRAINING 3x per WEEK
Approximately 8 months of time commitment
60-80 flight hours
100-120 ground hours
Approximately $30K-40K total costs
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ELIGIBILITY
Must be at least 17 years old (note: flight training may begin at any age)
Must read, write, speak and understand the English language
Must obtain a FAA Student Pilot Certificate
Must obtain a FAA Medical Certificate
Must be a US citizen or obtain TSA approval
TRAINING
Flight training on required flight maneuvers and procedures
Ground training on required aviation technical subjects
FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
Please note that as mentioned above, the vast majority of all trainees should expect to require significantly more hours than the minimums listed below
MINIMUM of 40 flight hours that includes:
Training with an Authorized Instructor: 20 hours
Cross-Country Flight Time: 3 hours w/ instructor, 5 hours solo
Night Flight Time: 3 hours
Instrument Training: 3 hours
Solo Flight Time: 10 hours (5 hours of cross-country)
TESTS
Pass an FAA written exam
Pass a ground and flight practical exam with the FAA