A private pilot license will allow you to take friends, family and colleagues on flights with great weather, and it is the first stepping stone for anyone with additional aviation goals. A private pilot who is current with night landings is also able to fly at night with passengers. After getting your private license, you can be endorsed to fly additional planes for variations in speed and gear to accommodate your flight intentions. 

The training schedule is up to you! To be the most cost-effective, we recommend 2-3 flights per week. This will allow the information to stay fresh in your mind without overloading yourself between lessons and can significantly reduce the total cost of flying. In order to prepare you for your written test and oral exam, FlightGest uses an online ground school that is self-paced and used in conjunction with flight training. We will also work with you individually to assure you become the best pilot you can be!

Once you pass the practical exam and obtain your private pilot certificate, you're an official pilot for life! You may now carry passengers and start your own adventures in VFR conditions. You can also continue on with FlightGest to obtain your instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate, multi-engine rating, instructor certificate or airline transport pilot rating. Also, note that pilots often rent our well-equipped aircraft for personal or business trips.

Aeronautical Experience Requirements

For your solo flight

• 16 years of age
• At least a FAA Third Class Medical or BasicMed
• Student Pilot Certificate
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
  

For your checkride

• 17 years of age
• A minimum of 40 hours
  • 20 hours of flight instruction with a CFI
  • 10 hours of solo time 
    • 5 hours of solo cross country time
    • 1 solo cross country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance
  • 3 hours of night time
    • 10 landings made to a full stop
    • 1 night cross country of over 100 nautical miles total distance
  • Pass the Private Pilot written exam 

Above: Just after Todd's solo!