Undoubtedly, the United States is the most developed country in the world for general aviation, and the cost of flying is among the lowest in the world.
As a private pilot, you have the freedom to fly above the clouds, reach new heights and explore the world from a unique perspective!
A Private Pilot License (PPL) is used primarily for private flight or recreation in a corresponding aircraft that is not operated non-operationally for pay.
Embarking on the journey of how to get your pilot’s license is both exciting and challenging.
What is Private Pilot License
A Private Pilot License (PPL) is a certification that allows an individual to act as the pilot in command of an aircraft for private, non-commercial purposes.
The PPL license allows the holder to fly an aircraft for private purposes, which typically includes personal transportation, recreational flying, or flying to and from airports for non-revenue purposes.
The license requires meeting age, knowledge, skill, and medical standards set by aviation authorities.
The PPL is a significant step in the journey to becoming a professional pilot, as it provides the foundation of flying skills and knowledge that can be built upon with further training and experience.
How to Get a Private Pilot License
To obtain a private pilot certificate (PPL) in the United States, you typically need to follow these steps:
Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Be at least 17 years old.
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English proficiently.
Hold at least a third-class medical certificate.
Research and Choose a Flight School
Find a flight school that is certified by your country’s aviation authority and is recognized by the relevant authorities.
Ensure the school offers training for the type of aircraft you wish to fly.
Medical Examination
Before you start your flight training, you’ll need to pass a medical examination.
Obtain a Class 2 medical certificate for the PPL flight test, and either a Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate to fly an aircraft.
The requirements for the medical certificate may vary depending on the country and the type of aircraft you’ll be flying.
Book an Introductory Flight
Many flight schools offer an introductory flight to give you a taste of what flying is like.
This can help you decide if a career in aviation is right for you.
Start Flight Training
Receive flight training from a certified flight instructor (CFI).
You’ll need to complete a certain number of flight hours, which include both dual (with an instructor) and solo flights.
The total number of hours required can vary, but typically ranges from 40 to 60 hours, including at least 10 hours of solo flying.
Aeronautical Knowledge
While flying, you’ll also need to study and pass written exams on various subjects such as meteorology, air law, navigation, and aircraft systems.
Gain experience in various maneuvers, navigation, and emergency procedures.
Pass the Flight Test
Once you have completed the required flight hours and passed the written exams, you’ll need to pass a practical flight test with an examiner from the aviation authority.
The flight test will assess your flying skills, knowledge, and ability to handle different situations.
Obtain Your PPL
If you successfully pass the flight test, you’ll be granted a Private Pilot License.
Maintain Your License
Once you have met all requirements and passed the checkride, you will be issued a private pilot certificate by the FAA.
To continue exercising the privileges of your PPL, you must meet currency requirements, including flight hours and periodic flight reviews.
It’s essential to follow the specific guidelines and requirements outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for obtaining a private pilot certificate in the USA.
Remember that the specific requirements and processes can vary by country, so it’s important to consult the regulations set by your country’s aviation authority and the flight school you choose.
Additionally, be prepared for the financial investment, as flying lessons and the necessary exams can be quite costly.
List of private pilot license cost
To get a private driver’s license in the United States, you need to pass a three-pronged test: written (Written), oral (Oral), and practical (Practical).
Since it is a test, someone needs to compile and maintain a question bank, there needs to be an interface for the test, and there needs to be an examiner.
So, there will be costs that need to be borne by the candidates.
Written Exam: $150
All FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) theory exams are computerized.
This fee is paid to the computerized testing center, and many FBO offices at airports that offer flight training offer the exam.
Road Test: $300-$400
Prices vary by school, but if the flight school has its own instructors who are also FAA examiners, the fee will be lower.
The fee is paid to the examiner, who prefers cash.
Theory Training
Training in flight theory and regulations is in the end about being able to pass the written test.
Americans don’t care how you learned this, as long as you actually understand it in the end.
So you can read the book completely self-study, there will not be do not understand to find your instructor to ask.
Or you can buy the existing training materials on the market.
Some famous ones are Sporty’s Pilot Shop, King’s School, Gleim and so on.
Buying a set of reference materials and textbooks is about $100+ dollars, depending on the publisher.
Flight Training
There is a difference between Part 61 and Part 141 (Part is part of the FAA Aviation Act) for flight training.
The difference between the more common 61 and 141 is that 61 is more flexible and can be adapted to your schedule, 141 is more like attending a school.
The 61 training program can be customized to fit your schedule and the instructor chooses which style of instruction is best for you, whereas the 141 program follows a more set syllabus.
The 141 program is generally a little more expensive than the 61 program because it costs money to apply to the FAA for a 141 certified flight school.
But no matter which flight school you choose, the end result is that you will get that little green card.
Rental Airplane Costs
Will be around $80USD-$140USD per hour, varying by model year configuration.
Cost: $4,800 – $8,400, plus one or two hours for the final flight test.
Flight Instructor Fee
Per hour, depending on the experience and reputation of the instructor, usually between 45USD-60USD.
When you fly alone, you don’t count the instructor’s fee.
Some instructors don’t charge for ground instruction, others do.
Fee: 1500USD – 2100USD (based on 35 instructor hours)
To sum up, the cost from the time you sign up to the time you get your private license is about $10,000.00.
Conclusion
A Private Pilot License (PPL) is a type of pilot license that allows the holder to fly an aircraft for private purposes.
This means that the pilot can fly for pleasure, or to transport family or friends, but cannot receive payment for flying.
In order to obtain a PPL, the candidate must complete a certain number of flying hours, pass theoretical exams, and demonstrate flying skills to a qualified flight instructor.
Hopefully, with this article, you can quickly and clearly understand how to become a certified private pilot.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?