What are some of the general requirements to become a private pilot?
Be at least 17 years old on the date of the practical examination
Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
Pass the written knowledge examination
Hold a student pilot certificate (the flight instructor will help you process this certificate, it is very easy!)
Meet the aeronautical experience requirements
Aeronautical experience requirements for the private pilot certificate? (single-engine land)
At least 40 hours of total time (below will be listed what that 40 hours must consist of)
20 hours of flight instruction
10 hours of solo flight (below are the requirements for the solo flight time)
5 hours of solo cross-country
One solo cross country with the first leg being at least 150 nautical miles away and an additional point being at least 50 nautical miles away
3 takeoffs and landings at an airport with a control tower
3 hours of cross-country flight training (cross-country flights are flights conducted to other airports that are at least 50 nautical miles straight line distance)
3 hours of night flight training. (below are two requirements for the 3 hours)
1 cross-country flight over 100 nautical miles
10 take off and landings
3 hours of check-ride exam preparation
What is the written knowledge examination and the practical examination?
The written knowledge test is something that must be completed prior to the practical examination. This test is completed at a PSI testing facility and requires an endorsement from a flight instructor that says your preparation is adequate to take this test. The cost of this exam is $175 to complete. Our ground school program is able to prepare students and provide them with the endorsement upon meeting our practice test requirements. This exam is 60 questions and a student must achieve a score of 70% or higher. A student must complete the exam in 2 hours.
The practical examination is the last step in completing the private pilot license. This exam is completed with a Federal Aviation Administration Designated Pilot Examiner (FAA DPE). This practical test includes an oral ground portion and the flying portion. One must pass the oral before getting to fly. This exam is not cheap, so it is important to be prepared the first time. Practical examination fees run from $500 all the way up to a $1000. These prices will fluctuate around the country, but will all be about the same. This practical exam will take the majority of the day. Upon passing the exam you will receive your temporary certificate and a hard copy will be mailed once the license is processed.
How much does it cost?
Every student is different based on their needs which causes the variation in pricing. In the future Aeromastery hopes to offer Part 61 flight training. Part 61 flight training is less intensive than Part 141 training, but can take longer to complete. Part 141 training can be compared to training done at flight schools and they often have stage check evaluations which add pressure to the student. Completing your training can range from $5,000 to $22,000. It is often easier to tell how much it will cost after an instructor has a few lessons with a student.
