PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE
Take flight today and get your Private Pilot Certificate in Southern California with EFI Flight School.
PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE
Take flight today and get your Private Pilot Certificate in Southern California with EFI Flight School.
The Private Pilot License (PPL) is the most popular certificate held and a great place to start for those who are serious about learning how to fly.
The Private Pilot Certificate is an entry level pilot license from the FAA. Whether you want to fly for fun or as a professional pilot, this is where to start. This license allows you to fly for personal business and/or pleasure, but not engage in work for compensation or hire.
With your Private Pilot Certificate, you are permitted to take family and friends on board an aircraft while acting as Pilot in Command.
Are you ready to take flight?
General Requirements
General Requirements
FAA required 40 hours total time must include the following:
Note: Part 141 requires 35 hours of flight time.
Materials Needed
Program Costs
There are a lot of variables that affect the cost of learning to fly, including aptitude, the frequency of flight lessons, weather, the type of aircraft in which you are training and its availability for scheduling.
Private Pilot Certificate Packages begin at $16,790
How Long Will it Take?
The FAA requires 35 hours of flight time to become a Private Pilot, however most students will take somewhere between 55-70 hours. The average time it takes to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate is 4-6 months.
We recommend our students fly at least 2-3 times per week for efficient continuous learning. You can fly less frequently than that, it will just take you longer than to complete your certificate.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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, building the confidence necessary to become a proficient pilot. You will remember that first solo for the rest of your life!
5. 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.
6. Oral and Practical Test
Once you meet all the flight training requirements and your 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.
