Private Pilot Program

Earning your Private Pilot's License allows you to operate a single-engine aircraft following visual flight rules (VFR), which require a minimum visibility of three miles and also permits nighttime flying. Carrying passengers is permitted, however you are not allowed to receive compensation for your services. You are permitted to share the operational costs with your passengers.

Course Description

Our Private Pilot Training course includes ground and flight instruction in which you are able to complete at your own pace, so you can be on your way to flying your own airplane in practically no time. You will be training with some of our finest instructors, using high quality Piper and Cessna aircraft, some of which include full glass flight decks. No prior flight experience required.

Pilots sumping fuel tanks

Your Roadmap

Aviation pathways can be very overwhelming, don't worry, we'll be with you every step of the way

Orientation / Discover flight

Private Pilot Training

Private Pilot Checkride

Private Pilot Acheived

What Do You Need to Start?

In order to begin your training you must be able to read, write, speak and understand English proficiently. Before you can fly, you'll need to pass your medical exam and acquire a medical certificate from an FAA approved aviation medical examiner (AME). You will also need to show proof of U.S. Citizenship or TSA approval as well as your student pilot certificate.

Checkride Information

A check-ride is an essential part of the pilot certification process that includes both a flight test and an oral exam. During a check-ride, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) assesses the pilot's ability to operate an aircraft safely and proficiently. The examination covers various aspects, including flight maneuvers, navigation, emergency procedures, communication skills, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations.

Pilot holding wings

Checkride Prerequisites

There's just a few things for you to check off before we can get your checkride scheduled

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language proficiently
  • Hold a U.S. student pilot, sport pilot, or recreational pilot certificate
  • Receive ground training or home study the required aeronautical knowledge
  • Have an instructor certifying that you are prepared for the required knowledge test
  • Have an instructor certify that you are prepared for the practical test
  • Pass the knowledge test on aeronautical knowledge
  • Have received flight training from a certified flight instructor in areas of operation (listed below)
  • Pass the practical test

Flight Proficiency

  • Preflight preparation
  • Preflight procedures
  • Airport operations
  • Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds
  • Performance maneuvers
  • Ground reference maneuvers
  • Navigation
  • Slow flight and stalls
  • Basic instrument maneuvers
  • Emergency operations
  • Night operations
  • Post-flight procedures

Aeronautical experience

  • At least 40 total hours of flying
  • At least 20 hours of flight training
  • At least 10 hours of solo flight
  • At least 5 hours of solo cross-country flying
  • One solo cross country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations
  • 3 takeoffs and landings involving flight in the airport traffic pattern with an operational control tower
  • At least 3 hours of cross-country training
  • At least 3 hours of night flight training
  • One cross-country over 100nm
  • 10 takeoffs and landings involving flight in the airport traffic pattern
  • At least 3 hours of simulated instrument training
Student pilot with temporary airman certificate

Pilot programs

Aircraft rental


Flight instruction


Ground instruction


Included


Cost (USD)

Sport pilot

Aircraft rental

20hrs


Flight instruction

15hrs


Ground instruction

10hrs


Included

Pilot kit


Cost (USD)

$5,277.00

Private pilot

Aircraft rental

40hrs


Flight instruction

25hrs


Ground instruction

10hrs


Included

Pilot kit


Cost (USD)

$12,530.00

Instrument rating

Aircraft rental

20hrs


Flight instruction

15hrs


Ground instruction

10hrs


Included

Foreflight


Cost (USD)

$7,265.00

Commercial SEL

Aircraft rental

25hrs


Flight instruction

25hrs


Ground instruction

10hrs


Included

N/A


Cost (USD)

$9,180.00

Multi-Engine Add-On

Aircraft rental

12hrs


Flight instruction

10hrs


Ground instruction

10hrs


Included

CBT


Cost (USD)

$6,998.00

Rental & service rates

Hourly rental


Block (50+ hrs)


Instruction

Tecnam P92 Eaglet

tecnam eaglet

Hourly rental

$159/hr


Block (50+ hrs)

$129/hr


Instruction

$79/hr

Piper Cherokee 140

piper cherokee

Hourly rental

$159/hr


Block (50+ hrs)

$129/hr


Instruction

$79/hr

Cessna 172K

cessna 172K

Hourly rental

$169/hr


Block (50+ hrs)

$159/hr


Instruction

$79/hr

Cessna 172S

cessna 172S

Hourly rental

$189/hr


Block (50+ hrs)

$179/hr


Instruction

$79/hr

Piper 100i

piper pilot 100i

Hourly rental

$225/hr


Block (50+ hrs)

$199/hr


Instruction

$89/hr

Tecnam P2006t

tecnam p2006t

Hourly rental

$325/hr


Block (50+ hrs)

$299/hr


Instruction

$99/hr

DISCOVERY FLIGHT

KICK START YOUR AVIATION EXPERIENCE

We offer a 1-hour discovery flight to give you the opportunity to experience taking to the air. A certified flight instructor will demonstrate preflight and flying techniques before you climb aboard, will taxi down the runway and before you know it, you are in the air! During the flight, you will have the opportunity to control the plane through the sky and try out several maneuvers before the pilot takes over again for landing. At the subsequent debriefing, guests pen their first logbook entry and review their performance.

Financing Available!

Wondering how to pay?

First Landings offers financing options with the ability to finance 100% of your flight training for reasonable rates. The application process is fairly quick and most applicants have received short response times. Feel free to ask us questions about our partner financing programs.

Apply for financing

Frequently asked questions

What is a Private Pilot License (PPL)?

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is a certificate that allows individuals to operate aircraft for personal use and non-commercial purposes. It's the first step towards becoming a pilot.

Do I need any prior experience to start a private pilot course?

No prior experience is required. Private pilot courses are designed for beginners. However, you must be at least 17 years old to apply for a PPL.

How long does it take to get a private pilot license?

The duration of the course can vary depending on factors like your availability and the flight school's curriculum. On average, it takes about 3 to 6 months to earn a PPL.

Can I work while taking the course?

Many students work part-time while pursuing their PPL. However, it's essential to balance your time effectively to ensure successful completion of the course.

What subjects will I study during the private pilot course?

You will study a range of topics, including aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, regulations, and flight planning.

Can I choose when to schedule my flight lessons?

Yes, flight lessons are often flexible and can be scheduled to fit your availability, as long as your flight instructor is available.

Hear from our clients

“These group of pilots and trainers are professional and experienced. They have a diverse training staff. So whether it’s age, gender, or personality you are seeking then First Landings may be the place for you. As an executive of this firm my schedule is packed. The team here works with me all the time to ensure I have consistent flight time flying the aircraft I prefer. I am satisfied i choose them for my flight instruction. Come and try a discovery flight.“

- Mark Anderson

“I want to thank everyone on the first landings team for everything that they did for me to get me to my private pilots certification. Everyone was great to work with and be around. The energy they bring is awesome. I want to give a special shout out to Sean. I did most of my training with him. This guy knows his stuff! He has experience, professionalism and most of all patience. Awesome instructor.“

- Ryan Gonzalez

“Started my aviation training here and had an amazing experience. I was able to pass my written test and private pilots check-ride on the first attempt for both, due to the amazing training i received. They have very experienced flight instructors there that want to see you strive. The pricing is very reasonable and the aircraft are well maintained. Any issue I found they addressed it right away and get it safely resolved.“

- Bradley Doss
runaway life

What are you waiting for?

Contact one of our instructors today

Want to start exploring your flight training or career track in aviation? Reach out to us and one of our Training Advisors will address any inquiries you may have. We're are here to provide you with comprehensive insights and guide you through the exciting possibilities that aviation training and careers have to offer. Your aspirations are important to us, and we're committed to assisting you every step of the way.