Private Pilot Certificate

The Private Pilot Certificate is a versatile option for you to get started in aviation for both recreational pilots and aspiring airline pilots. Earning your Private Pilot Certificate provides foundational knowledge and skills for all future aircraft pilot training. As a Private Pilot, you can fly most single engine aircraft. You can even carry passengers, as well as fly to vacation spots without the hassle of driving and worrying about traffic.

How to Get Started

  • Begin flight training right away with a Discovery Flight! It is a great option to get an idea about what flying is all about. At the end of the flight we can schedule you for a free orientation to answer any questions you may have regarding getting started with your flight training with us.

  • Enroll in a private pilot ground school. Avian Flight Center offers a few options for this which includes both an in-person course and an online course.

FAA REQUIREMENTS

  • To get a Private Pilot certificate you must be at least 17 years of age. You can solo as young as 16. You can actually start flight training even younger that that!

  • Hold a U.S. student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate, or recreational pilot certificate.

  • Obtain at least a third class FAA medical certificate.

  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

COMPLETION TIME

The completion time for a private pilot certificate will vary based on the competency level of the student and other external factors such as training schedule, weather, periodic aircraft maintenance, and FAA/DPE examiner availability. The more often you train, the quicker your training will proceed.

We recommend that students try to fly at least 2-3 times a week so that they stay proficient and retain muscle memory of controlling the aircraft. It is also important keep up with studying at home to speed up the training process.

Training can take anywhere from 4-6 months or more if you’re unable to fly as frequently. Everyone learns at a different pace, therefore, these times are not guaranteed.

The Stages of Flight Training

STAGE I – PRE SOLO

This stage will introduce you to aviation in general. Before you begin flying, your instructor will introduce you to the aircraft and show you how the various flight controls work and how they affect the aerodynamics of the airplane. You will learn how to conduct a preflight inspection before each flight. Once in the air, you will be introduced to slow flight, steep banked turns, emergency procedures, and takeoff and landings.

STAGE II – SOLO

After you demonstrate basic competence in the airplane and you feel comfortable, it’s time for you to take the airplane on a few flights by yourself. In the air, you will review the maneuvers you have practiced with your instructor and practice your takeoff and landings.

STAGE III – CROSS COUNTRY

During this stage you will be introduced to planning and flying cross country flights (flights with a distance more than 50 nautical miles). You will learn how to plan aircraft fuel burn, compensate for winds aloft, examine weather patterns, navigate, and talk to air traffic control. The cross country routes can be individually tailored; if there is a certain destination you want to visit, let your instructor know.

STAGE IV – CHECKRIDE

The end of your training will consist of preparation for your practical test. You will work with your instructor on all of the required ground knowledge items and flight maneuvers until you can meet the standards of the practical test. The practical test is taken with an FAA designated examiner and will consist of an oral exam and a flight test. Your instructor will insure that you are completely prepared to pass the checkride and that you are an overall safe and competent pilot. Once you pass your checkride, you will receive your airman’s certificate and you will be a fully certified private pilot able to carry passengers.

ESTIMATED COST

In 2024 the National Average for individuals obtaining their Private Pilot Certificate Part 61 ranged from 60-75 Flight Hours. Cost estimates based on $185/hr aircraft rental and $77/hr flight instruction.

  • 70 Hours Flight Time $ 12,950.00*

  • 70 Hours Flight Instruction $ 5,390.00*

  • 20 Hours Pre/Post & Ground $ 1,540.00**

    additional Costs

  • Private Pilot Ground School $ 385.00

  • Jeppesen Private Pilot Kit $ 320.00

  • FAA Written Exam $ 175.00

  • FAA Private Pilot Practical Test Fee $ 800.00***

  • FAA Medical Exam $ 150.00***

Total Approximate Cost   

Current Avian pricing 70 hrs. $ 19,880.00

National average $ 16,000.00 - $ 21,000.00

*The above costs are based on FAA part 61 average of 70 Hours
**The ground instruction time (Pre/Post flight briefings) is approximate and depends on the knowledge of the student.
***These costs are averages and may vary depending on the Designated Pilot Examiner and AME.

These prices are a guideline to approximate total flight costs. They are based on current (July 1, 2025) aircraft prices in the aircraft suitable for that type of training. Everyone learns at a different pace, therefore, these times are not guaranteed for everyone. 

Partnership with Purdue Global

  • Credit for Prior Learning: See the University Catalog for Prior Learning policy. Credits for certifications apply only to BS in Professional Flight.

  • Employment and Completion Time: Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. This program is relatively new and thus historical data regarding time to completion are not available. Completion time estimates based on: 3 years, 2 courses per term; 2 years, 3 courses per term.  

  • Nationally Ranked and Respected: Source: www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-public-universities-united-states. Rankings apply to Purdue University West Lafayette and not to Purdue Global.

  • Textbooks: Not all courses require textbooks; some use electronic instructional materials. Books and course materials are included in the price of tuition for all undergraduate courses. Graduate students are responsible for the cost of textbooks/instructional materials. 

  • Tuition Reduction: Must be an employee, member (if an association), flight student (if a flight school), or family member of an employee, member, or flight student of an organization with which Purdue Global has an educational relationship; family members include spouses, domestic partners, parents, siblings, and children. Tuition reduction cannot be applied in conjunction with any other Purdue Global reduction, voucher, scholarship, military tuition reductions, or ExcelTrack® pricing.