The Private Pilot Certificate is the foundation to all of your future flying. This certificate will allow you to fly anywhere in the United States in a single engine airplane under visual flight conditions (VMC) with your friends and family as passengers. Using the exclusive Cessna Computer Based Interactive CD-Rom flight training syllabus, your training is broken down into three easy steps as outlined below.

STAGE 1 - Pre Solo

This stage will introduce you to basic flight maneuvers, radio communications, and airport operations. On the ground during this stage, you will learn how to conduct a pre-flight inspection, the aerodynamics of flight, aircraft systems and how the Federal Aviation regulations apply to you. In the airplane you will learn the four fundamentals of flight: slow flight, steep bank turns, emergency procedures, and normal take-offs and landings. This stage will prepare you for your solo flight time.

STAGE II - Cross Country

During this phase you will learn how to read and interpret weather data, how to determine aircraft performance, and how to plan a cross country flight (over 150 nautical miles total distance). In the air you will learn how to navigate using pilotage and dead reckoning in order to arrive at your destination airport.

STAGE III - Test Preparation

This stage will be preparing you to complete your practical test. The practical test, otherwise known as a checkride, is an oral exam, followed by a flight test. In order to prepare for this, you and your instructor will review all of your ground lesson material as well as refine the flight maneuvers you have previously learned in order to ensure you meet the standards set forth by the FAA. It is Trade Winds' policy that we ensure you not only have the skill set required to successfully pass your exam; but upon completion of your checkride, you will be a safe and proficient Private Pilot.

Certification Costs

55* Hours - Cessna 172S $130/Hour $7,150
40 Hours - Flight Instruction $50/Hour $2,000
20 Hours - Ground Instruction   $960
Cessna Online Flight
  $325
Training Kit
    
Additional Supplies   $100
Medical Exam Fee   $80
Written Test Fee   $80
Practical Test Fee   $300
2 Hours - Cessna 172P (Practical Test $130/ Hour $260
  TOTAL COST $11,255

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Note: 55 hours is an estimated flight time based on flight training using the Cessna CD-ROM Interactive Training Kit. The national average to complete the Private Pilot Certificate is 72 hours and your training hours may vary.

FAA Requirements

According to FAA FAR 61.103 a person must satisfy the following requirements to be eligible for a Private Pilot Certificate:

  • Be at least 17 years of age for a rating in other than a glider or balloon.
  • Be at least 16 years of age for a rating in a glider or balloon.
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
  • Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
  1. Conducted the training or reviewed the person's home study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in Sec. 61.105(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
  2. Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test.
  • Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in Sec. 61.105(b) of this part.
  • Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
  1. Conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
  2. Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
  • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought before applying for the practical test.
  • Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought.
  • Comply with the appropriate sections of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.

According to FAA FAR 61.109 a person must satisfy the following aeronautical experience requirements for a single-engine airplane rating:

  • For an airplane single-engine rating. Except as provided in paragraph (k) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b)(1) of this part, and the training must include at least--
  1. 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane;
  2. Except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine airplane that includes--
    • One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and
    • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
  3. 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;
  4. 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a single-engine airplane, which must have been performed within 60 days preceding the date of the test; and 
  5. 10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane, consisting of at least--
    • 5 hours of solo cross-country time;
    • One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
    • Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

*Note: This list is intended for informational purposes only goto FAA.gov for more information.