PRIVATE PILOT (PPL)

 The private pilot certificate is typically the first “pilot’s license” an aspiring pilot will obtain. This certificate enables you to act as Pilot in Command of a helicopter.

Privileges (as per Part 61,113)

• Carrying passengers
• Can fly day or night
• Can travel any distance
• Must maintain certain visual requirements

Requirements (as per Part 61,103)

• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Ability to pass an FAA medical examination – At least a 3rd Class Medical
• Age 17 or older to obtain a private pilot certificate (can begin training at any age!)

Flight Experience (as per Part 61,109)

• 20 Hours of dual flight time with an instructor
• 20 Hours of ground school with an instructor
• 10 Hours of solo flight
  • 3 Hours solo cross-country
  • 100 NM solo cross-country with three full stops (one 25+ NM leg)
  • 3 Takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop (involving flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.
• 3 Hours of cross-country flight training
• 3 Hours of night flight training
  • 50 NM total distance cross-country flight
  • 10 Takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (each involving flight in the traffic pattern).
• 3 Hours in preparation for the practical test within two months prior to the test date.
• Pass FAA written examination
• Pass FAA check ride

Cost
The overall cost of obtaining a certificate will vary from person to person mainly because a student pilot can only obtain a certificate upon demonstrating his/her complete proficiency in the operation of an aircraft. The following breakdown is based on the average student pilot who flies one to two times per week and acquires their certificate in 45 flight hours and 30 hours of ground school. Please note that this breakdown is based on our current rates and may change from time to time. Additionally, this estimate should provide you with an idea of virtually all of the costs associated with obtaining a private pilot certificate/license. We have established this estimate using a history of students that are average in ability, so students have a realistic idea of the cost to obtain their private pilot rating. If you have questions regarding how our pricing differs from the pricing of our competitors please feel free to contact us!

Note: We offer training in either the R22 Beta II or R44 Raven II helicopters

Private Pilot Cost Breakdown (R22 Beta II)

• Dual Flight (30 Hours) $9,300.00
• Ground School with CFI (30 Hours) $1,800.00
• Solo Flight (10 Hours) $2,600.00
• Books / Supplies (Private Pilot Kit) $250.00
• FAA Written Exam (Estimate) $160.00
• FAA Medical (Estimate) $100.00
• FAA Practical Test (Examiner Fee) $450.00 
• FAA Practical Test (Aircraft Rental 5 Hours) $1,300.00
• Total $15,960.00

Private Pilot Cost Breakdown (R44 Raven II)

• Dual Flight (30 Hours) $19,500.00
• Ground School with CFI (30 Hours) $1,800.00
• Solo Flight (10 Hours) $5,700.00
• Books / Supplies (Private Pilot Kit) $250.00
• FAA Written Exam (Estimate) $160.00
• FAA Medical (Estimate) $100.00
• FAA Practical Test (Examiner Fee) $450.00 
• FAA Practical Test (Aircraft Rental 4 Hours) $2,360.00
• Total $30,520.00