FAA Private Pilot License Requirements (FAR 61.109)
The FAA requires every person to have a medical certificate issued by the FAA before a pilot's license can be obtained. This medical certificate must be in your possession before taking you Private Pilot Checkride. We strongly recommend that you pass your medical examination before beginning flight training.
Ground school is designed to prepare you for taking a national standardized written test which you are required to pass before your private pilot's license can be issued. Ground instruction is taught in conjunction with flight training. Your first flight and your first logbook entry can take place before you ever open a book. Books and materials needed for flight training cost $222.00 plus tax. You will also need to purchase a headset. Headset range dramatically in price depending on your needs. We carry a basic headset with a lifetime warranty for $150.00.
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time to receive a private pilot's license. The national average, however, is over 70 hours. Your actual flight time required, and the resulting costs, are dependent on your abilities and the frequency of flight lessons. The FAA breaks down the required hours as 20 hours of dual instruction, 10 hours of solo flight, and 10 hours of either solo or dual instruction.
After you have completed the required skills that allow you to operate an aircraft safely as a private pilot, you will take a practical flight test (Checkride) that includes an oral exam with an FAA Examiner. The examiner cost is between $300.00-$400.00.