Private License
Interested in becoming a pilot?
Official Flight training Requirements for Private Pilot License (FAA)
- You can start training at any time, but you must be 17 years old to be eligible for a pilot’s license.
- You must be able to read, write, understand and speak English.
You must visit an FAA flight Surgeon, pass a medical exam and hold an FAA medical certificate prior to your first solo. - You must show evidence of U.S. citizenship or receive approval from TSA to begin training.
- You must have a minimum of 40 hours of flight time in a helicopter including:
20 hours of dual flight instruction, including:
- 3 hours of dual cross-country flight
- 3 hours of night flight, including 50 NM x-country and 10 takeoffs and landings
- 3 hours in preparation for the flight test:
- 10 hours of solo flight time, including:
- 3hrs of a cross-country flight, including 75 NM x-country
- You must complete a course of ground instruction with a Certified Flight or Ground Instructor
- You must take and pass a written test
- You must take and pass an FAA oral and practical flight test with an FAA-designated examiner (check-ride)
Student Pilot Rates:
- R-22 Dual Instruction $400/hr
- R-44 Dual Instruction $600/hr
- Ground Instruction $50/hr
How much will it cost to get my private pilot license?
Instruction Needed / Hours | Cost | |
Dual flight training (30 hours) | $ 9,150 | |
Solo flight (pilot in command – 10 hrs) | $ 3,050 | |
Ground instruction (40 Hours) | $ 1,800 | |
Books and Supplies | $ 400 | |
Medical Certificate | $ 100 | |
Written Test | $ 100 | |
Examiner Fee | $ 500 | |
TOTAL | $15,100 |
Please note that the flight time listed is the minimum needed assuming training in the R-22. The average student generally requires between 50-60 hours of flight time before being ready to take their check ride.