Pilot Training

Financing and Scheduling

Second, review with your instructor any time or money constraints you may have. He or she will be happy to try to accommodate your busy schedule and, while our fees and costs are competitive with area flight schools, ask whether you might qualify for block time discounts or financial assistance through the Veterans Administration or SLM Financial.

Pilot Requirements

Now you’re ready to begin your journey to becoming a pilot! To obtain a private pilot certificate, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 17 years of age
• Have a current FAA third-class medical certificate
• Log at least 40 hours of flight
• Have at least 20 hours of flight with an instructor
• Have at least 10 hours of solo flight
• Pass the FAA Private Pilot Airmen Knowledge written test on site at Journeys
• Pass a FAA Private Pilot practical test on site at Journeys Aviation™

While 40 is the minimum number of hours necessary to obtain a private pilot certificate, the actual number of hours will vary from individual to individual depending upon a variety of factors including weather, personal schedule, and dedication. A student who consistently flies twice a week is far more likely to require fewer hours of training than one who flies only once or twice a month. That said, it generally takes about six to nine months to complete the requirements. The average cost to obtain a private pilot’s license is approximately between $6,000 and $8,000 depending on the type of aircraft used and the number of flight hours required to meet the proficiency standards set forth in the Practical Test Standards (PTS) published by the FAA.