Private Pilot
| License Type | Private | Instrument | Commercial | Instructor | Multi | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min.Age | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | ||
| Medical Class | III | III | II | II | N/A | ||
| Passengers | yes | yes | yes | yes | N/A | ||
| Instrument Flight | no | yes | yes | yes | N/A | ||
| For Hire | no | no | yes | yes | N/A | ||
| Min. Hours | 40 | * | 250 | * | N/A |
Private pilots make up the vast majority of certified pilots. The rules are fairly straight forward. An individual must be at least 17 years old, complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight time (at least 20 hours instruction, and 10 hours solo). However, there is an accelerated program which permits a minimum of 35 hours if you complete your training at an FAA Part 141 Certified Flight School. A Private Pilot may also carry passengers, but cannot fly for hire. Private Pilots must pass a Class III medical which must be renewed every 24-36 months, contingent upon age. The private pilot's license must be re-validated every 24 months via review with a certified flight instructor (CFI).
Private Pilot Costs
| 2004 Cessna 172SP- N65331 | Hours | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172SP Rental | 40 | $ 120.00 | $ 4,800.00 |
| Flight Instruction | 30 | $ 35.00 | $ 1,050.00 |
| Private Pilot Starter Kit* | $ 612.50 | $ 612.50 | |
| FAA Medical Exam | $ 100.00 | $ 100.00 | |
| FAA Examiner's Fees | $ 300.00 | $ 300.00 | |
| FAA Written Exam | $ 90.00 | $ 90.00 | |
| Estimated Cost | $ 6,952.50 | ||
| 2006 Cessna 172SP - N24447 | |||
| G1000 CD-ROM Package | $ 149.00 | $ 149.00 | |
| Cessna 172SP Rental | 40 | $ 135.00 | $ 5,400.00 |
| Flight Instruction | 30 | $ 35.00 | $ 1,050.00 |
| Private Pilot Starter Kit* | $ 612.50 | $ 612.50 | |
| FAA Medical Exam | $ 100.00 | $ 100.00 | |
| FAA Examiner's Fees | $ 300.00 | $ 300.00 | |
| FAA Written Exam | $ 90.00 | $ 90.00 | |
| Estimated Cost | $ 7,701.50 | ||
The FAA only requires 40 hours of flight time. We find that most students end up in the 50's. Any additional hours will be charged at the standard rates. Block Rates will decrease the hourly charge by $5.00/hr resulting in a savings of $200.00
*Private Pilot starter Kit Includes – Cleared for Takeoff CD-ROM set (27 CDs with binder), Cleared for Takeoff textbook, Syllabus, E6B flight computer and plotter, Cessna Pilot Logbook, FAR/AIM CD-ROM, Cessna 172 Pilot Operating Handbook, Safety Supplement, Private Pilot “Practical Test Standards†(PTS) book, blue canvas carrying case, IFR demo CD-ROM, ASA headset and Bag, Goggles, Houston Sectional, Knee board, Flashlight, Private Oral Test Prep, and FAR/AIM






