Getting a Private Pilot’s License

Private Pilot’s License Overview

Private Pilot training is the first step into the aviation world. Like getting a driver’s license there are many steps involved in the process. To become a pilot you must complete the following:

  • Apply for a Student Pilot License online with the help of an instructor.

  • Earn enough skills to fly SOLO. The FIRST SOLO flight is a big deal and is well celebrated.

  • Pass an FAA 60 question multiple choice test from an authorized test center.

  • Complete the required aeronautical experience to apply for the certificate.

  • Pass a oral and flight test with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

AMFC is proud to offer tailored training that follows a training map. Nothing about the training map is rigid, but it does create a building block style of training that allows there to be great anticipation of what is next in training.

Private Pilot Training Cost

Average cost per lesson (including aircraft rental + 2 hours instructor time) : $215-375

  • Instructor rate per hour $60

  • Total cost for a Private Pilot’s license: Varies and below is why

  • How long will it take: Most pilots get their license within one year. But examples below could drastically change this.

  • Need cost information beyond your Private Pilot’s License? Click here!

Rental Rates: $105-$165 depending on aircraft.

You’ll hear from many people that “the more frequent you fly, the less it will cost”. On average, most students get their private pilot’s license with a cost of $13,000 – $15,000 in total.

Anytime of the year is a great time to start your Private Pilot training at AMFC! The first lesson that you will be taking with AMFC will be an exciting one. In order to proceed with your first lesson, you will need to bring proof of citizenship and a government picture ID (for the aircraft rental) and a willingness to learn! We have rental headsets available. Your first lesson should be exciting and memorable at AMFC.

Flight School Enrollment

Aircraft Availability

You do not need to own an airplane to learn to fly. We have a fleet of Cessna 150s and 172s available. Not sure what aircraft to choose? Cessna airplanes are safe, proven, and very forgiving to train on. We offer two types of Cessna aircraft (please check our fleet for performance details):

The Cessna 150 is a very common training airplane that seats two and it is one of the most economical ways of getting your Private Pilot’s license. For maximum aircraft performance and student comfort, we recommend that students weigh less than 180 lbs and are under 5′ 10″. The Cessna 150’s cabin is smaller, so this will be a great bird for smaller individuals.

The Cessna 172 is one of the most popular planes in aviation. There are 4 seats, has a larger cabin than the Cessna 150, and has modern navigation instruments. For taller individuals or individuals that weigh more than 180 lbs, we would recommend that you fly the Cessna 172.

Private Pilot Ground School

Monday and Wednesday (and Tuesday/Thursday when demand dictates) evening classes are a great gateway into aviation. During this eight week course you will learn so much about how airplanes work and how the airspace above us is segmented to ensure safe operations for all sizes and speeds of aircraft. Navigation via the air does not involve road signs, so training is necessary to learn how to use charts and locate positions. At the conclusion of this class you will have been exposed to every topic that the FAA will ask of you on the FAA written test. Its is a 60 question multiple choice test with a large test bank of questions. With a little studying you should feel prepared to take and ace the test. Click here for detailed information regarding our Private Pilot Ground School.

Can you study this information on your own? Yes, of course you can. But it is challenging material and the class is really fun, interactive, and hands on. We have a medical examiner speak to us and we visit an ATC tower and visit an aircraft maintenance shop. If your schedule does not allow for evening classes, then you may ask your flight instructor to walk you through the material or use an online course.