Now forming. Booking opens once instructor certification is complete.
This is planned training. Nothing is bookable yet. Join the waitlist to hear when booking opens.
Who it's for
New pilots, and people who started training before and want to finish. The private pilot certificate lets you fly for personal travel and fun and carry passengers, but generally not fly for compensation or hire.
What it generally covers
- Ground knowledge: aerodynamics, airplane systems, weather, navigation, airspace, regulations, radio communication, and decision-making
- Flight skills: basic maneuvers, takeoffs and landings, stalls, emergency procedures, and flying in and out of busy South Florida airspace
- Solo flight: flying on your own once your instructor signs you off
- Cross-country flying: planning and flying trips to other airports, with your instructor and solo
- Checkride preparation: getting ready to fly to the standards in the FAA's Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
General FAA steps
- Check basic eligibility. You must be at least 16 to fly solo in an airplane and at least 17 to earn the private pilot certificate, and you must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
- Get your medical. In most cases you'll need an FAA medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner before you fly solo. Why it helps to do this first.
- Apply for a student pilot certificate. You need one before you fly solo. Your instructor can help you apply through the FAA's online system (IACRA).
- Train on the ground and in the air. Your instructor gives you logbook endorsements as you reach milestones such as your first solo and solo cross-country flights.
- Pass the FAA knowledge test. A computer-based, multiple-choice test taken at an approved testing center, usually after an endorsement from your instructor or a ground school course.
- Meet the FAA's flight experience requirements. The FAA sets minimum training and experience requirements in 14 CFR 61.109. Your instructor will track them with you. How long it takes varies from person to person.
- Pass the practical test (checkride). An oral exam and a flight with an FAA examiner, usually a Designated Pilot Examiner, after your instructor endorses you as ready.
About the training airplane. Private pilot training is planned in a Cessna 152, a basic two-seat trainer. It is a common choice for private pilot training because it typically costs less per hour to rent and burns less fuel than a four-seat Cessna 172. Why a Cessna 150 or 152? The exact airplane will be shared when booking opens.
What to bring or ask
- A photo ID, and your medical certificate once you have it
- A pilot logbook (you'll keep it for your whole flying life)
- A headset, or ask whether one can be borrowed while you decide which to buy
- Ask how ground school will work: one-on-one, a home-study course, or a mix
- Ask how often you'll be able to fly. Flying regularly usually means less time spent reviewing.
- Ask how progress, scheduling, weather cancellations, and billing will work. See what drives the cost.
General information only. FAA requirements are set out in 14 CFR Part 61 and the Airman Certification Standards, and they can change. Specific requirements will be confirmed with you directly before any training begins.
Interested? Join the waitlist.
Booking isn't open yet. Join the waitlist to hear first when it opens. Waitlist order also decides the Founding Five.