PRIVATE PILOT'S CERTIFICATE
Is this right for me?
Less than one percent of the U.S. population holds a Private Pilot Certificate. You have just taken the first step towards joining one of the most elite groups of individuals in this country. Training to become a Private Pilot will challenge you mentally, physically and emotionally. Zone Aviation’s experienced flight instructors will allow you to join this elite group with confidence.
How much time will it take?
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training to be eligible for certification. The time required can be as little as several weeks if you enroll in our accelerated training program but whether it’s weeks or months is up to you. Immerse yourself in flight instruction several times a week or spread it out over several months, the choice is yours.
How much will it cost?
The FAA has a set of minimums required to gain a Private Pilot certificate. We have found that most students will require slightly more training than the minimum requirements. The tables below will approximate the cost of a private pilot certificate at the FAA minimums, and at an average that we at Zone Aviation have found to be accurate.
Detailed Costs
| 40 Hour FAA Minimum Requirement | Cost | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Dual Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate, Fuel, and Instruction Rate | 5,100.00 | |||
| 15 Solo Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate and Fuel | 2,235.00 | |||
| Ground Course with Books and Materials | 619.00 | |||
| Pilot Supplies (headsets, charts, fuel tester, log book, additional books, etc.) | 400.00 | |||
| FAA Knowledge Test | 165.00 | |||
| FAA Practical Test Designated Pilot Examiner’s Fee | 500.00 | |||
| Club Annual Membership Fee | 500.00 | |||
| One Year Unlimited Simulator Package | 700.00 | |||
| Estimated Total: | $ 10,219.00 | |||
| 50 Hour Zone Aviation Student Average | Cost | |||||
| 35 Dual Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate, Fuel, and Instruction Rate | 7,140.00 | |||||
| 15 Solo Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate and Fuel | 2,235.00 | |||||
| Ground Course with Books and Materials | 619.00 | |||||
| Pilot Supplies (headsets, charts, fuel tester, log book, additional books, etc.) | 400.00 | |||||
| FAA Knowledge Test | 165.00 | |||||
| FAA Practical Test Designated Pilot Examiner’s Fee | 500.00 | |||||
| Club Annual Membership Fee | 500.00 | |||||
| One Year Unlimited Simulator Package | 700.00 | |||||
| Estimated Total: | $ 12,259.00 | |||||
Estimate only. Actual time and cost may vary depending on pilot proficiency, frequency, and consistency of flight lessons. All Training is completed to standard of pilot proficiency and safety, and not only on FAA minimum hours required.
What other expenses should I expect?
There will be other miscellaneous expenses associated with flight training. The largest additional expense you can expect is the cost to buy a pilot’s headset. A basic headset can be bought for around 150 dollars, with the most advanced headsets available costing nearly 1000 dollars. If you are unsure of what type you need, your instructor would be glad to assist you. You should also plan on spending some additional money on books, reference materials, and other supplies.
What are the steps to get my certificate?
- Prepare for the written test. From the first flight with your instructor you’ll need to study along the way in preparation for your written exam which is usually taken towards the end of your flight training.
- Dual Instruction. The majority of the hours flown in the beginning will be with a certified FAA flight instructor. During this time you will be introduced to maneuvers and skills required to develop into a proficient pilot.
- Acquire a FAA medical certificate. Before you may engage in solo flight training you must obtain at least a Third Class Medical Certificate issued by an FAA designated medical examiner.
- Solo Flight Training. When you are ready, your instructor will set you free to make your first solo flight. During this phase of flight training you will go out on your own and fine tune your skills. During this period you will build the confidence necessary to become a proficient pilot. You will remember that first solo for the rest of your life!
- Cross Country Flight. Not as daunting as it sounds, but you will, with the supervision of your instructor, travel solo from your home airport to one or more airports and back home. These exercises will ensure your ability to fly and navigate safely.
- Oral and Practical Test. Once you meet all the flight training requirements and you instructor believes you are proficient, you are then ready for your “check-ride”. This check ride is composed of an oral examination and a hands-on flight in the aircraft with an FAA designated examiner. The check ride examines your knowledge, practices, and proficiency at the controls of the aircraft.