How To Get Your Private Pilot Certificate

  • 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

  • When Training 2x per Week:

    • 12 months of total training time

    • Approximately 100 hours of flight time

    • 80 hours of ground instruction (learning material for the written test and practical test with the FAA)

    • 60 hours of pre-flight and post-flight instruction

    • Approximate cost $35,000 - $40,000

  • 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

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