Private Pilot (Airplane) Flight-Training:

The FAA requires all private pilot applicants to prove they can meet the national private pilot airmen certification standards. This is done through completion of flight training, passing a knowledge test, and passing a check-ride, also called the practical test. You’ll have the opportunity to developed flying and risk management skills along with a wealth of aeronautical knowledge.

The FAA’s minimum requirements are:

• • • 40 flight hour minimum (recommended 55-70 flight hours)
      
    • FAA medical certificate (Visit FAA Medical Certification for info)
      
    • Can fly under day or night visual flight rules (VFR) unless instrument rating is obtained
    • Be at least 16 to solo an airplane
    • Be at least 17 to test for a private pilot airplane certificate
    • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
    • Pass an FAA private pilot knowledge test. TakeWING is a testing center. (click for more on: FAA aeronautical knowledge tests)
    • Pass a the private pilot practical exam (oral and flight) “check ride”

How long should I expect my private pilot training to take?

Flight hours v. calendar days. We want you to complete your training in as short as possible amount of time as it will take to make you a safe pilot. The FAA requires applicants training under Part 61 of the code of Federal Aviation Regulations to have a minimum of 40 flight-hours, pass an aeronautical knowledge test, and pass a practical test (oral and flight test) for certification as a private pilot.

There’s usually a conflict between finishing your pilot certificate within the FAA’s minimum flight time requirements and fitting the training into your “real-life” of living and working.

Most working adults are not able to devote enough personal time both at the airport and at home (study-time) to complete knowledge and flight hour requirements within the FAA minimums. A reasonable goal is about 50 to 70 flight hours and between 12 to 18 months for completing private pilot training.

How often should I schedule lessons?

For best results plan on one or two lessons and two to four hours of home study per week.

TakeWING offers you a self-paced training program with flexible lesson times. You can choose a different day and/or time(s) each week to meet your personal and work-day preferences. However, you will also need to put aside time at home to complete assignments and study aeronautical subjects. Much of this is done using the Cessna web-based ground school course—the most modern training curriculum available today (Click here for the Cessna web-based program).

A typical lesson session is from 2 to 3 hours.

How much does private pilot training cost?

If you take weekly lessons and meet lesson objectives and standards consistently the estimated cost of your training will be between $15,000 and $17,000. This cost estimate is base on more-than the minimum flight and instructional hours! For busy adults and high school students a part time, pay-as-you-train, self-paced program works best. An average 2-hour lesson including aircraft and instruction (ground and flight) will cost $270.

Our Rates and Fees:

• • • • • • Instructor fee: $65 per hour
          • Aircraft rental: C172 (Skyhawk) $146 per hour (including fuel, insurance)
          • Club Dues: $90/mo

Other Costs:

• • • • • • FAA medical +/- $120 (depending on the doctor)
          • FAA student pilot certificate application processing fee: $45
          • Initial costs for books and pilot training software and consumables
          • TakeWING club application and school orientation: $200

*Cost estimates are based on higher than minimum hour completion times. Prices are subject to change without notice.