Private Pilot Certificate
Earn your private pilot certification.
Duration
Min 40 hours
Schedule
At your own pace
Starting cost
$10,449
Private Pilot Certification is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing a person to legally operate an aircraft with passengers. Whether your dream is to earn your FAA Private Pilot Certificate or you are planning to eventually earn advanced ratings, this step is the most fundamental toward becoming a professional pilot. It is the basis upon which all your flight experience and advanced training will be built upon.
If you are a United States citizen, the Transportation Security Administration requires us to simply make a copy of your birth certificate and photo ID issued by a government agency or a United States Passport to verify your citizenship. If you are not an American citizen, TSA will require you to complete a TSA screening process. No worries, we can guide you through that process. Once the TSA screening is complete, you are ready to enroll in our private pilot course.
Start your Private Pilot Certification journey today.
How it Works
How to Earn Your FAA Private Pilot Certificate
01
Take a discovery flight.
Begin your journey with an introductory flight alongside a certified instructor. Learn basic aircraft operations and experience the thrill of flying, sparking your interest in pursuing a Private Pilot Certificate.
02
Complete your primary training.
Develop flight skills through our comprehensive private pilot certificate training program by training with a certified instructor. Progress to solo flights, and fulfill required flight hours, cross-country flights, and night flying to become a proficient private pilot.
03
Pass your written and practical tests.
To complete your private training you must pass both a written and practical exam. Your ground school materials will provide you with the means to pass the written exam. The practical exam will consist of an oral and flight performance check which your flight instructor will prepare you for.
Prepare for take-off with our full course brochure!
Short on time? Take a look at our full brochure that tells you everything you need to know about Blue River’s flight training school’s programs!
Private Pilot Certificate Training Requirements
- Candidate must be at least 17 years old to acquire your private pilot license. Candidate must be 16 years old to solo. There is no minimum age to begin flight training.
- You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- You must possess at least a third-class FAA medical to solo.
- You must receive flight training from a FAA certified flight instructor.
- 40 hours minimum which consists of at least:
- Dual: 20 hours minimum of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:
- 3 hours of cross country flight training in a single engine airplane;
- 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least: a) 1 cross country flight of over 100 nm total distance; and b) 10 T/O’s and 10 landings to a full stop with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport.
- 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane; and
- 3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the 60 days prior to the practical test.
- Solo: 10 hours minimum of solo flying in a single engine airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:
- 5 hours of solo cross country flying;
- 1 solo cross country flight of at least 150nm total distance with full stop landings at 3 points and one segment of at least 50nm between T/O and landings; and
- 3 T/O’s and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.
- Dual: 20 hours minimum of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:
- You must pass the written aeronautical knowledge test.
- You must pass your Private Pilot Flight test
Our Fleet
The best aircraft in the business.
Blue River Aviation is proud of our expansive fleet. We provide aircraft for a wide variety of training. These include: Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), Complex, Floats, Skis, Tailwheels, and Multi-Engine. Go check out the Blue River fleet!
CESSNA 172 N – SINGLE ENGINE
Still unsure?
Try a discovery flight
During this flight, a flight instructor will demonstrate how to prepare for a flight and operate the airplane systems. You will be at the controls for takeoff and in-flight and assist in the landing. The introductory flight lesson will give you a taste of the fun and excitement of learning to fly.