by Rod Machado
©2007 Rod Machado
What does it take to earn a private pilot license? Here's some information that you may find useful. If you'd like to stay and read more, I'll also tell you what it takes to become an airline pilot in the advanced pilot section, too.
Aviation is a wonderful business. If you have what it takes -- I don't mean a rich uncle in high places either -- you can fly for a living. What does it take? The most important quality is desire. Over the years I've taught many people to fly. Many of these folks went on to become airline pilots, corporate pilot and flight instructors. In each case, anyone who wanted a flying job got one. Let me state this in a different way: I've never known anyone with a deep desire to fly airplanes for a living that didn't eventually get some type of flying job That's a fact! Of course, a person has to have the basic physical, mental qualifications and the willingness to work hard, but given these qualities, flying for a living is possible. The single most important quality that allowed them to achieve this goal was desire. So let's begin with the minimum requirements for a private pilot certificate. Please note. I've listed the estimated costs for the different licenses. There are several reasons these costs many vary. These are estimates based on my experience as a flight instructor.
The Private Pilot Certificate
To become a private pilot you need to be at least 17 years old and be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language. You can solo an airplane in the United States at 16, but you must be 17 to earn the private pilot license.
The first thing you should do is visit your local airport and find a good flight school. These schools are sometimes called FBOs or Fixed Based Operators. If you'd like to find a school in your area please visit:
If you're not at all familiar with airplanes and aviation, you might also find it advantageous to take an introductory flight. At participating FBOs (and there are many across the U.S.) you can obtain an introductory flight for as little as $49. Isn't that fantastic? If you've never flown before, you can hop in an airplane with a qualified instructor and experience an actual flight.
Once you've found a good flight school and good instructor, you're ready to begin your training. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time for the private pilot certificate. About half of this will be spent with your flight instructor and the other half will be solo (that's where you fly the airplane all by yourself -- you'll love it). To be realistic, it normally takes a little longer than 40 hours to earn the private pilot certificate. In fact, the national average for the private pilot certificate is 71 hours. But don't let this disturb you. Remember, some folks stretch out their training for a year or two, which results in their needing many more hours to finish the training. This, of course, inflates the average hours needed to complete the program.
Plan on about 50 to 55 hours of flight training. How long will it take? Earning the private pilot certificate normally takes about six months. Of course, if you're planning on taking flying lessons in the middle of winter, then plan on canceling and rescheduling many of your flights, especially if you live where the winters are intense. In some parts of the country, it's so rare to see the sun during the winter that everyone reports it as a UFO when it pops out from behind a cloud. If you can train where the weather's good, then that's even better for you. I have to admit that I've known some pretty creative instructors who manage to accomplish a lot of flight training even when the weather's bad.
With good weather, it's possible to earn a private certificate in a much shorter time. My friend and fellow flight instructor Wally Funk once taught someone to fly in 13 days. But then again, Wally is one of the best flight instructors in the business. Want to know how her student did it in two weeks? Read on.
How Someone Obtained Her Private Pilot Certificate in Less Than Two Weeks
First, Wally's student (let's call her Susan, because that's her name) had already taken and passed her knowledge exam (written test). Yes, you must pass a 60 question (multiple choice) written test to obtain a private pilot certificate (in addition to a practical flight test). How do you go about preparing for the written exam? First, you'll need a good text book. I just happen to know someone who writes educational and humorous books on aviation -- me! Take a look at my Private Pilot Handbook . You'll be amazed at how much fun it is to read and learn from. It will make your training a lot easier with its clear explanations and abundance of pictures. You'll also want to purchase the Private Pilot Workbook, too. It has over 1,800 questions that provide you with a programmed learning format while using the Private Pilot Handbook. Oh, one final note on the written test. While you don't have to have the written exam passed before you start flight training, you should plan on having it passed by the time you solo (solo usually occurs within the first seven to eight weeks of training). Therefore, you want to start studying for the written exam as soon as you begin your flight training. And no, you don't need to have any flight experience to begin preparing for the written exam, as long as the book you're using is sufficiently explanatory (hint!).
Susan had also obtained her medical certificate before she began her flight training. Yep, you have to demonstrate some degree of good health before you can solo an airplane, much less act as a private pilot. Therefore, you'll need a third-class medical certificate. Don't worry. This isn't a tough exam. If you can see lightning and hear thunder you'll probably do OK. In fact, you'll be amazed to know that it's possible to fly with many different disabilities including certain types of diabetes, vision impairments, amputations (hopefully, not too many amputations, of course), etc. To read about the FAA's medical standards for the first, second and third class medical click here.
If you want to know more about these medical standards, then you should join the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). I'll talk more about this great organization in a bit. The AOPA has a special aviation medical hot line just to answer these types of questions (I can't answer them for you since this is not my area of expertise). Once you've begun the medical examination, don't be surprised if the Doc asks you to do strange things like jump up and down on one foot for 20 seconds. Don't worry, this is all part of the test (I always thought this was a test to see if you could dislodge a stuck landing gear during fight). Make sure you listen carefully during the exam, too. A friend once told me that he heard the Doc say, "OK, touch the nose with the finger." Unfortunately my friend tried to put his finger on the Doc's nose.
If you'd like to schedule a medical exam, then check for an FAA medical examiner in your local area by clicking the link shown. This exam typically costs between $60 and $75 and usually takes less than an hour to complete. I always advise my students to obtain their third-class medical before they start flight training. This way they'll know if they're medically qualified to fly before investing their money. Click here to search the FAA's database for an aviation medical examiner in your local area. If you suspect you might have a problem a third class medical after reading the previous requirements, then don't take the exam. The reason being that you can still acquire a Sport Pilot license without having a medical exam but you must not have any record of being turned down for any medical certificate in the past. To read more about this, check the "To Become a Sport Pilot" section of this site.
Once Susan passed the written test and the medical exam, Wally began training her every day, nearly all day, for 13 days. Susan did get her license in less than two weeks. Of course, Wally didn't just pull the license out of her pocket and give it to Susan. The applicant had to take a checkride to obtain the private pilot certificate. This checkride normally takes about four hours and is given by FAA designated flight examiners. You can search for one of these designated flight examiners in your local area just in case you have any questions you'd like to ask them (except chemistry questions, of course).
Can you earn your license in two weeks? Well, the stars, moon and all the planets would have to be perfectly aligned, to say nothing about having accommodating weather and an incredible flight instructor (also known as a CFI or certified flight instructor). You'd also need to be a dedicated, bright student, but it can be done. Nevertheless, I think it's more realistic to plan on about four to six months to complete your flight training.
How Much Does a Private Pilot Certificate Cost to Earn?
This depends on several things, one of which is the type of airplane you use for training. My recommendation is to find an airplane that's fun and affordable to fly. A two- or four-seat trainer is a good choice. Generally, people that are six feet or taller or who weight more than 200 pounds, will usually find a four-seat airplane more comfortable. As a general rule, find the easiest airplane to fly that's within your budget. And don't let anyone talk you into flying a more complex airplane under the assumption that it will make you a better pilot. It's difficult to find any logic or truth in that idea. Remember, you're training to be a private pilot not a fighter pilot.
Generally, you can plan on paying between $80 to $90 per hour to rent a small two-seat trainer. A four-seat trainer usually costs between $100 and $120 an hour to rent. If you hear someone say that airplanes are rented wet that doesn't mean that the owner will hose it down before you fly it. It means that fuel is included in the price of the airplane (the quoted rental price almost always includes fuel). The flight instructor generally costs around $35 or more per hour. Let's examine the cost of obtaining a private pilot certificate under the assumption that it takes 60 hours of flight time (which includes the checkride).
Here's what you can expect to pay for the private pilot certificate:
60 hours of airplane rental @ $85/hr. = $5,100
40 hours of dual instruction @ $35/hr. = $1,400
Medical exam = $60
Written exam fee = $50
Designated Examiner fee for checkride = $175
Rod's Private Pilot Handbook and Workbook = $34.95 +24.95
Additional supplies = $100
Total Cost = $6,944.90
Of course, this estimate may vary based on many variables. It's quite possible to acquire a license for over $5,000 if your completed the training in 45 hours. Can this actually be done? You bet it can and there are several flight schools that do it regularly. Perhaps one of the most important secrets to assisting you in keeping down the costs of flight training is to use Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Yep, that's no joke. As long as you aren't still using a Commodore 64 computer (circa 1980), you can benefit by installing this software on your computer ($59 as many stores) and take the flight lessons offered in the simulation package. Flight lessons? You bet. These are actual flight lessons that teach the fundamentals of flying as best they can be taught on a computer. You can look at an overview of these lessons by clicking here. Are they realistic lessons? I think so. Then again, I wrote those lessons so I'm a little biased. That's right. It's my voice you'll hear on all those flying lessons. In my opinion, and based on all the letters I've received from pilots over the years, these lessons can help you learn much more quickly when you actually enter the airplane. Click here if you'd like to learn a little more about the equipment needed to enhance you flight sim learning experience.
Let's keep things in perspective here. Drop into you local Kawasaki store and check the price of the Ultra 150 jet ski. It's a two place water motorcycle that will cost you around $8,500, to say nothing of the trailer on which you'll need to tote it. You'll probably use it for three years and that will be the end of that. For an investment between $5,000-7,000, you can earn a pilots license and it will be a gift to yourself that will last a life time, to say nothing about how much more exciting flying an airplane can be. And, if you want to get comparative about it, you can actually buy a small used airplane for the cost of new Harely (and you don't have to wear a helmet when you fly--unless you really want to).
Believe me when I say that this investment is worthwhile, because it's an investment for life. A pilot certificate lasts forever. It's an investment in your future.
What Does the Private Pilot Certificate Allow You to Do?
Impress neighbors? Meet girls? Guys? Well, I suppose it allows you to do that, although it's really a license that permits you to carry passengers in an airplane. The advantage here is that passengers can help share the cost of flying, thereby making this enterprise less expensive. And yes, you can rent airplanes, too.
Renting an airplane is similar to renting a car. In some cases, it's cheaper and the contract is less scary. You can expect to pay anywhere from $80 per hour and up for rental airplanes. Since I mentioned jet skis, keep in mind that a double Waverunner typically rents for $130 dollars an hour. So, besides price, there are many more advantages to flying an airplane than driving a jet ski (and I've never known anyone who fell off an airplane, either). And yes, there are many airports with FBOs that will rent you an airplane once you meet their checkout requirements. Once you obtain your private pilots certificate, you can get a checkout in larger airplanes, too. For instance, some places rent six-seaters. Just think, if you rent a four-seat airplane costing $110 per hour and share this expense with three passengers, that makes for an inexpensive flight, doesn't it? Not bad, eh? Rent a three-person jet ski and everyone wants to drive. Rent an airplane and everyone will want to drive, too. But all you have to do is say, "Show me your license," and the best that most can do is show you a picture of their new jet ski.
Now you're ready to travel. So get going. There are airports all over these United States. As a private pilot, you'll be able to land at most of them (most are open to the public).
Is Learning to Fly Difficult?
Not necessarily. Yes, it does take dedication and study. As a flight instructor since 1973 , my experience indicates that almost anyone can learn to fly. Age is no barrier. I've taught folks advanced as 70 years of age and as young as 16. I've even taught them as early as 10 years of age (but they can't legally solo an airplane until they're 16). Young people can, however, solo a glider or a balloon at 14 years of age.
I'm often asked if it's wise for a person younger than 16 to begin taking flying lessons. My response is, "Yes." I've known young people who began taking flying lessons at 13 and, when reaching their sixteenth birthday, they soloed an airplane.
Do you need athletic-type reflexes to fly? No. Although if you're the type of person whose reflexes are so slow that you're likely to get run over by two guys pushing a car with a flat tire, then you might have some difficulty. You don't, however, need what some folks call The Right Stuff . What's the right stuff? Well, let's just say that Forest Gump didn't have it, if you understand what I mean. If you have enthusiasm and desire, then you probably have what it takes.
What's the Biggest Obstacle to Obtaining A Pilots Certificate?
As I see it, it's the instructor. Not all instructors are created equal. Your success at flight training hinges on finding a good CFI (Certified Flight Instructor). You might want to read a little more on this subject by clicking the following links.
Read: The Right Amount of Ground Instruction.
Read: Problems With Flight Instructors.
What About Part 61 and Part 141 Flight Training?
Part 61 is simply the FAA rule number or name of the regulations under which flight training is conducted. This is similar to saying that the laws of the road are based on vehicle code number blah, blah, blah . Part 141 is another block of regulations under which a flight school may operate in training students. All flight schools operate under Part 61 of the regulations unless these schools have specifically applied for and met the FAA's requirements to train pilots under Part 141 of the regulations.
Why would a flight school want to train you under Part 141? The main reason is that it allows you to achieve your licenses in a slightly lower amount of total time (35 hour minimum under Part 141 as compared to a 40 hour minimum under Part 91). In a sense, the FAA keeps a closer eye on Part 141 certified flight schools. I'd like to say that this always ensures a higher quality of training, but this isn't necessarily true. There are Part 61 flight schools that are simply spectacular and offer excellent training, too. What determines whether a school does or doesn't do a good job is not the regulations, it's the owner, manager and other people involved in that school. And, based on my experience, students take about the same amount of time to complete their training under Part 141 as they do Part 61. Therefore, when choosing a flight school, look for things like a good reputation, enthusiastic instructors and good airplane maintenance. Practically speaking, if the school advertises themselves as a Part 141 or Part 61 facility, this really doesn't make all that much difference.
Finally, never forget that you're the consumer. You deserve to be treated properly and professionally. You have the right to expect quality flight training, so ask for it. And remember: you get what you pay for . If you're looking for a good deal, then good luck. I've found that the best way to lose in the long run is to always look for the good deal! It's took me many years to learn how goofy this type of thinking is. If you have to pay a little more to get higher quality service, then do so. You simply can't expect as much from poorly maintained airplanes, underpaid instructors and overall cheap services (even if no one at the flight school wears overalls).
As an additional note, there are two others versions of the private pilot certificate you might want to consider. It's called the sport pilot certificate and the recreational pilot certificate.
If you wanted to earn a private pilot certificate just to have fun, then you can stop reading right here. If, however, you have other ambitions, like flying for a career, then take a look at my site: Advanced Pilot Ratings.
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