What are the requirements to get a private pilot certificate?
The FAA Requires that you be at least 17 years old (FAR 61.103), however training may begin at any age. In addition to the FAR requirement you must obtain a minimum of 40 hours of total flight time (FAR 61.109). To master the skills necessary to be a safe pilot, most students take longer than the 40 hours required by the FAA. With a reasonable effort, you could get your license in 50-to-60 hours of instruction. The required 40 hours are broken down as follows…
A) 20hr of flight training from a certified flight instructor (CFI) including at least…
1) 3hr of cross-country (going to another airport over 50 NM)
2) 3hr night flight including…
a) One night cross country over 100NM total distance
b) 10 takeoff and landings to a full stop
3) 3hr of instrument flight training
4) 3hr of test prep 60 days prior to the final check-ride.
B) 10hr of solo flight including…
1) 5hrs of cross country
2) One solo cross country of at least 150NM total distance with full stop landings at a minimum of three points with one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of 50NM between the takeoff and landings locations.
3) Three takeoff and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.
Is there anything I need to do before I solo?
The FAA requires you complete an application online to receive your student pilot certificate. This can be completed at https://iacra.faa.gov. You will need to register an account and submit your application. You and your instructor will then need to review and digitally sign your application together before you are able to submit it.
An FAA 3rd class medical is required. We recommend making an appointment as soon as you begin flight training. The initial examination must be performed by an FAA approved medical examiner. Here is a list of the nearest Designated Medical examiners.
Dr. Mack Shotts
Paragould Doctors’ Clinic
4000 Linwood Drive, Suite A
Paragould, AR
870-239-8503
Dr. James Palen
3129 Blattner Drive
Cape Girardeau, Mo
573-335-0166
Before arriving be sure to create an account and complete an application at https://medxpress.faa.gov/medxpress/ . You will be emailed a number that you will need to present to
the medical examiner.
How often should I fly?
The more often you fly, the faster you’ll earn your license. Also, flying frequently avoids having to review previously learned skills that become “rusty” through lack of practice. We recommend taking lessons at least 2-to-3 times per week until you solo and one lesson per week thereafter.
What tests will I be required to pass?
There are three major tests that you will need to complete
A) Presolo written – This test is made up by the instructor and covers the operations and limitations specific to the airplane that you will solo. It will also cover the airspace surrounding
your airport as well as applicable portions of FAR part 61 (pilot certification) and 91 (general operating rules).
B) Computer based written test – This test must be conducted at an approved testing center.Cape Girardeau is the closest location. This test is proctored and consists of 60 questions chosen randomly. You will be given 2 ½ hours to complete the test. Once completed you will be printed out the results and will be required to present the original printout during the final check ride.
C) Check ride – This is the final exam and must be completed with a designated examiner. It consists of two parts, the oral and practical exams. The oral portion will be completed first. During the oral you will sit down with the examiner and he will ask you questions. This will last usually about 1 ½ hours. The second portion consists of the practical (flying portion) exam. During the practical the examiner will ask you to perform tasks that must be completed to ACS standards. This portion usually takes 1 ½ hours.
Will I need books?
We have a self-study course available that will help you to pass the computer based written exam as well as guide you through your flight training. This kit contains everything you will need (except an airplane and CFI) to complete your training. At some point, you will need to pick up a current sectional (MAP) as well. These expire every 56 days and you will need this when you start your cross-country training as well as on your check ride. The cost of the kit is $179.95.
The kit contains the following…
• Flight Computer
• FAR/AIM
• FAA Test Prep Online-Private Pilot
• Logbook
• Pilot Handbook
• Plotter
• Private Pilot ACS and Oral Exam Guide
• Private Pilot Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Prep
• Private Pilot FAA Knowledge Test book
• Private Pilot Syllabus book
• Flight bag
Are there any discounts available?
Yes, we offer block time for our C-150 and PA28-140.
Is financing available?
Yes, financing is available through AOPA finance. For details see https://finance.aopa.org/flight-training-finance.
How much will it cost me to get my private pilot certificate?
The cost may vary based on how often you fly and how long it may take to become proficient enough to pass the final check ride with the examiner. The following are examples based on our 10 hour block time rates and the FAA minimum requirements. Keep in mind that most people need at least 55-60 hours in order be become proficient enough to pass the final check ride.
Option 1 (C-150 with 10 block time and 40 hours of flight time.)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Medical Exam | $135 |
| Gleim kit | $179.95 |
| Aeronautical sectional | $12 |
| 30 hr. of Dual ($90/hr. aircraft + $50/hr. instructor) | $4200 |
| 10 hr. of Solo ($90/hr. aircraft) | $900 |
| 15 hr. ground instruction ($50/hr. instructor) | $750 |
| Knowledge test fee | $160 |
| Rental of aircraft for check ride | $260 |
| Designated Examiner fee for check ride | $600 |
| Foreflight Electronic Flight Bag | $99.99/one year |
| Total estimated cost : | $7,296.94 |
Option 2 (PA28-140 with 10 block time and 40 hours of flight time.)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Medical Exam | $135 |
| Gleim kit | $179.95 |
| Aeronautical sectional | $12 |
| 30 hr. of Dual ($125/hr. aircraft + $50/hr. instructor) | $5250 |
| 10 hr. of Solo ($125/hr. aircraft) | $1250 |
| 15 hr. ground instruction ($50/hr. instructor) | $750 |
| Knowledge test fee | $160 |
| Rental of aircraft for check ride | $350 |
| Designated Examiner fee for check ride | $600 |
| Foreflght Electronic Flight Bag | $99.99/one year |
| Total estimated cost : | $8,786.94 |
Is there anything else I should know about learning to fly?
Check out this free e-booklet from Gleim that explains everything you need to know about getting your pilot certificate. http://www.gleim.com/ltf