Private Pilot Certificate

Real-world breakdown of how to

Become a Private Pilot

1. Make sure you’re eligible

Minimum age: 17 years old (you can fly solo at 16, and start training when you can reach the pedals!))
Able to read, speak, and understand English
Meet basic medical fitness requirements

2. Get a medical certificate

Before or early in training, you’ll visit an aviation medical examiner to get a Third-Class Medical, a basic exam physical exam.

This ensures you’re fit to fly (vision, hearing, general health).

3. Start ground school

You’ll learn the “book knowledge” behind flying, including:

Aerodynamics
Weather
Navigation
Airspace rules
Aircraft systems

You can do this:

In-person at a flight school
Or online (very common now)

4. Begin flight training

You’ll train with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in a small aircraft like a Cessna 172.

Training includes:

Basic maneuvers (turns, climbs, descents)
Takeoffs and landings
Emergency procedures
Navigation flights

5. First solo flight (big milestone)

After enough training (often around 10–20 hours), your instructor will let you fly by yourself for the first time.

This is a huge moment in every pilot’s journey.

6. Build required flight hours

Typical minimums:

U.S. (FAA): 40 hours

Most people realistically finish around 55–70 hours, they like extra practice before their final checkride.

7. Pass the written exam

You’ll take a multiple-choice test covering everything from ground school.

U.S.: FAA Knowledge Test

8. Pass the flight test (checkride)

This is your final exam with an examiner who is a contractor for the FAA. Usually a retired airline captain that loves to make new pilots.

Oral questions (knowledge)
Flight test (skills)

Pass this, and you earn your license

What does it cost?

Typically $8,000 – $10,000
Depends on:
- Aircraft rental rates
- Instructor time
- How often you train (faster = cheaper overall)

How long does it take?

Full-time: 3-4 months
Part-time: 6–12 months (most common)
You train on your own time and budget, whatever fits your needs.

What you can do with a Private Pilot License

Fly for fun or travel
Take friends and family (not for hire)
Build hours toward commercial aviation

Pro tip

Start with a discovery flight first. It confirms you actually enjoy flying before investing time and money.

HOW TO GET STARTED

1. Take a Discovery Flight

Contact us to schedule a no-obligation introductory Discovery Flight! You’ll sit in the pilot’s seat with an instructor by your side for a fun, relaxed first flight. You’ll learn the basics and experience what it’s like to fly—spoiler alert: you’re going to love it. Best of all, your flight time counts toward your Private Pilot Certificate!

2. Train on Your Schedule

If you decide to continue, you’ll gain access to our online scheduling system, allowing you to book aircraft and instructors based on your availability and budget.

3. Get Your Student Pilot Certificate

We’ll help verify your citizenship (via birth certificate or passport) and submit your application for a Student Pilot Certificate through the Federal Aviation Administration—at no cost to you. This is your official “license to learn!”
Non-U.S. citizens are welcome to train as well, with TSA approval.

4. Complete Your Medical Certificate

Before your first solo flight, you’ll need a 3rd Class Aviation Medical Certificate. This is a simple exam (vision, hearing, and general health) conducted by an FAA-authorized physician and typically costs under $100.

5. Pass the Written Exam

You’ll prepare for the FAA written knowledge test using our complete Private Pilot training materials or by attending one of our ground school courses. Your test results are valid for 24 months.

6. Build Flight Experience

The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours before taking your practical (checkride) exam—though many students fly a bit more to be fully prepared and confident.

7. Enjoy the Freedom of Flight

Once you’re certified, the sky is yours—whether that means flying friends and family to Mackinac Island for lunch or exploring new destinations across Michigan and beyond.