Private pilot training aircraft
Your First Step into Aviation

Private Pilot License

Turn your dreams of flight into reality. Master the fundamentals of aviation with expert instruction.

Course Overview

What is a Private Pilot License?

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is your gateway to personal aviation freedom. It allows you to fly aircraft for personal and recreational purposes, opening endless possibilities for adventure, travel, and the pure joy of flight.

Personal Aviation Freedom

Take yourself, family, and friends on flights for pleasure, business, or adventure to destinations near and far

Day and Night Operations

Master flying in both day and night conditions with comprehensive training in all weather scenarios

Foundation for Advanced Training

Build the solid foundation needed for instrument, commercial, and airline transport pilot certifications

Private pilot in cockpit
40+
Flight Hours
Getting Started

Requirements

Simple prerequisites to begin your aviation journey

Age Requirement

17 years old minimum
(16 for solo flight)

Medical Certificate

3rd Class FAA Medical Certificate or BasicMed

Flight Experience

40 total flight hours minimum
(includes dual & solo)

Knowledge Test

Pass Written Exam
(70% minimum score)

FAA Requirements

Detailed Training Requirements

Meeting and exceeding FAA standards for your Private Pilot License

Flight Training

20
Dual Instruction Hours

Minimum dual instruction with certified flight instructor

3
Cross-Country Training

Hours of cross-country flight training with instructor

3
Night Flight Training

Including pattern work and cross-country navigation

3
Instrument Training

Basic attitude instrument flying proficiency

Solo & Preparation

3
Checkride Preparation

Intensive preparation with certified instructor

10
Solo Flight Hours

Including local area and cross-country flights

5
Solo Cross-Country

Including 150+ nautical mile flight requirement

Ground Training

Comprehensive aeronautical knowledge areas

40+

Total Flight Hours

2

FAA Exams

100%

Pass Rate Goal

Educational Excellence

Training Curriculum

Comprehensive ground and flight training designed to create safe, confident pilots

Ground School

Theoretical Foundation

A

Aerodynamics & Principles of Flight

Master the four forces of flight, wing design, and how aircraft achieve and maintain flight

S

Aircraft Systems & Operations

Engine, electrical, fuel, hydraulic, propeller, landing gear, flight controls & modern avionics

R

Federal Aviation Regulations

Essential rules, airspace, aircraft certification, pilot privileges and limitations

W

Weather & Meteorology

Weather systems, forecasting, hazardous conditions, and weather decision-making

N

Navigation & Cross-Country Planning

Chart reading, GPS navigation, flight planning, weight & balance calculations

H

Human Factors & Decision Making

Risk management, situational awareness, and aeronautical decision making

Flight Training

Practical Application

Pre-Flight & Aircraft Systems

Thorough aircraft inspection, systems operation, and safety procedures

Basic to Advanced Flight Maneuvers

From basic aircraft control to advanced maneuvers, stalls, spins, and emergency procedures

Airport Operations & Communications

Traffic patterns, radio communications, controlled and uncontrolled airports

Solo Flight Development

Progressive solo training from pattern work to cross-country navigation

Cross-Country & Navigation

Long-distance flight planning, pilotage, dead reckoning, and GPS navigation

Night Flying & Instrument Basics

Night operations, lighting systems, and basic instrument flying skills

Checkride Preparation

Intensive preparation for both oral and practical examinations with DPE standards

100+
Training Hours
13
Core Subjects
2
FAA Exams
95%
Pass Rate

This is not an exhaustive list and does not represent our entire course curriculum

Your Journey

Training Timeline

Typical progression from first lesson to licensed pilot

*Timeline varies based on student commitment and weather conditions*

1

Phase 1: Foundation

Weeks 1-6

  • Ground school fundamentals
  • First flight experiences
  • Aircraft systems familiarization
  • Basic flight maneuvers
0-15
Flight Hours
10-20
Ground Hours
2

Phase 2: Solo Preparation

Weeks 7-12

  • Pattern work mastery
  • Emergency procedures training
  • First solo flight achievement
  • Radio communications
15-25
Flight Hours
15-25
Ground Hours
3

Phase 3: Cross-Country & Advanced

Weeks 13-20

  • Navigation training
  • Solo cross-country flights
  • Night flying operations
  • Instrument flight basics
25-40
Flight Hours
25-35
Ground Hours
4

Phase 4: Checkride & Certification

Weeks 18-24

  • Written exam completion
  • Intensive checkride preparation
  • Mock checkrides
  • Private pilot practical exam
40-50
Flight Hours
35-45
Ground Hours

Private pilot training typically requires 40+ hours of flight time with a certified instructor and solo practice. The program can be completed in as little as 3-6 months with consistent training, weather permitting. These foundational hours count towards building total time for advanced ratings.

Training Fleet

Modern Aircraft

Train in state-of-the-art aircraft with advanced avionics and safety systems

Cessna 172
N300KZ

Cessna 172

The world's most trusted training aircraft

Advanced Features

Aspen 1000 PFD Glass Cockpit
Spacious 4-Seat Configuration
Exceptional Flight Stability
State-of-the-Art Avionics
Upgraded 180HP Lycoming Engine

The perfect aircraft for learning to fly with confidence

N300KZ features cutting-edge technology including a Glass Cockpit with traditional backup instruments, touchscreen GPS with moving map display, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), terrain avoidance, real-time weather, ADS-B in/out capability, crystal clear audio systems, autopilot, and a digital engine monitor for comprehensive flight training.

180HP
Engine Power
4 Seats
Capacity
Glass
Cockpit
Investment in Your Future

Training Investment

Transparent pricing with flexible payment options

Pay-As-You-Go

At Dependable Aviation, we believe your money should never be tied down to your flight training. We follow a simple Pay-As-You-Go structure that gives you complete flexibility.

Our intuitive software allows you to deposit training funds ahead of time or be billed per flight. Any funds deposited are yours alone and will only be used for YOUR training.

Most Popular

Our Rates

Aircraft Rental:

$200/HR

Wet Rate (includes fuel)

Certified Flight Instructor:

$80/HR

ESTIMATED Program Cost:

Private Pilot License

Duration:3-6 months

Flight Hours:40-60 Hours

Ground School:30-40 Hours

(includes comprehensive training)

Total Investment:

$14,000 - $18,000

*Includes aircraft, instructor, and materials

Accelerated Program

• Training deposit of $2,000 required

(Applied towards your training costs)

• One-time admission fee of $2,500

(Non-refundable program enrollment)

Guaranteed priority scheduling

Pay-As-You-Go after admission

Intensive, focused training schedule

Dedicated instructor assignment

Your Aviation Future

Beyond Private Pilot

Your private pilot license is the foundation for an exciting aviation journey. Advance your skills with additional ratings and pursue professional opportunities.

Instrument Rating

Fly safely in clouds and poor weather conditions

Essential Next Step

$

Commercial License

Get paid to fly and pursue aviation careers

Professional Path

Flight Instructor

Share your passion and teach others to fly

Build Experience

Multi-Engine

Master twin-engine aircraft operations

Advanced Training

Professional Pilot Career Pathway

PPL

Private Pilot

40+ hours

IR

Instrument Rating

40+ hours

CPL

Commercial Pilot

250 hours

ATP

Airline Transport Pilot

1,500 hours

Start Your Journey

Ready to Soar?

Take the first step toward earning your private pilot license and discovering the freedom of flight

Your Flight Path:

1

Discovery Flight

Experience the thrill of flying with a certified instructor

2

Medical Certificate

Obtain your FAA medical certificate from an AME

3

Begin Training

Start your comprehensive flight training program

4

Earn Your License

Pass your checkride and become a licensed pilot!

Aircraft at sunset

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