Private Pilot Certificate
Take the first step toward your aviation career. Learn the fundamentals of flight, navigation, and safety while building the skills and confidence to fly as Pilot in Command.
ABOUT THIS CERTIFICATE
The Private Pilot Certificate is your entry point into aviation. This is where you'll learn to fly — from your very first takeoff to confident solo flights and cross-country navigation. You'll train in our Piper Archers at Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ) in Mesa, Arizona, one of the best VFR training environments in the country with 325+ days of flyable weather.
Our structured 10-week curriculum takes you from zero experience to earning your Private Pilot Certificate. You'll master takeoffs and landings, airspace navigation, radio communications, weather evaluation, emergency procedures, and the aeronautical decision-making skills that form the foundation of every professional pilot's career.
Whether you're pursuing an airline career through our Airline Pilot Academy or training for the PPL as a standalone certificate, this course gives you the knowledge and stick-and-rudder skills to fly confidently as Pilot in Command.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Takeoffs, landings & traffic patterns
- VFR navigation & cross-country planning
- Radio communications & airspace
- Emergency procedures & decision-making
- Solo flight privileges
- Night flying fundamentals
ESTIMATED HOURS
PREREQUISITES & FAA REQUIREMENTS
PREREQUISITES
- No prior flight experience required
- Must be at least 17 years old to take the checkride
- FAA medical certificate (Class 1, 2, or 3)
- Ability to read, speak, and understand English
FAA REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 40 hours total flight time (national avg. ~60–70 hrs)
- 20 hours of flight training with an instructor
- 10 hours of solo flight time
- 3 hours of night flight training
- 3 hours of instrument training
- 5 hours of solo cross-country flight
- FAA Knowledge Test (written exam)
- Practical Test (checkride) with FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
TRAINING INCLUDES
INVESTMENT
Prices are estimates and may vary based on individual progress.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. The Private Pilot Certificate is designed for complete beginners. You'll start from your very first flight lesson.
The FAA minimum is 40 hours, but the national average is 60–70 hours. Our structured program typically gets students to checkride readiness in approximately 50 hours of flight training.
You'll train exclusively in Piper Archers — reliable, well-maintained single-engine aircraft ideal for primary flight training.
Absolutely. Every hour you log during PPL training counts toward the 250 total hours required for your Commercial Pilot Certificate.
START YOUR PPL TRAINING
Take the next step in your aviation career. Contact us to discuss your training goals, schedule a tour of our facilities at Falcon Field, and learn how we can help you earn your private pilot certificate.