Whether you want to become an Airline Pilot, fly for fun, or anything in between, it all starts with a Private Pilot Certificate.
Private Pilot Certificate Requirements
ANY
AGE TO FLY
16
AGE TO SOLO
17
AGE FOR CERTIFICATE
$71.55
CFI HOURLY RATE
$133-199
AIRCRAFT HOURLY RATE
65 HOURS
AIRCRAFT ESTIMATE
$18,000
PROGRAM ESTIMATE
8 MONTHS
TIME FRAME ESTIMATE
Note: Checkride, Testing, and Pilot Equipment costs are not included in this estimate.
What Will I Learn?
Ground Knowledge:
Aircraft Aerodynamics
Principles of Flight
Federal Aviation Regulations
Aircraft Preflight
Risk Management
Aeronautical Decision Making
Aircraft Systems
Flight Experience:
Basic Aircraft Handling
Stall Prevention and Recovery
Aerial Navigation
Air Traffic Control Communication
Performance Maneuvers
Emergency Procedures
Basic Instrument Flying
Training Breakdown
Discovery Flight
Begin your adventure in aviation with a Discovery Flight, an introductory lesson where you will get your first hands on flight experience in an airplane.
Ground Training
Ground training covers the information required to safely act as the pilot in command of an aircraft. The training will be completed through a combination of one-on-one sessions with your instructor and through a home study course.
Pre-Solo Flight Training
Training begins with learning the fundamentals of flight through ground briefings and flight lessons. Your instructor will introduce the maneuvers and procedures required to safely operate an aircraft, while helping you build good aeronautical decision making skills. Before moving onto the next stage of training, your instructor will assist you in obtaining an FAA Medical Certificate and Student Pilot Certificate.
Solo Flight Training
With approval from your instructor, you’ll complete the required 10 hours of solo flight time. Solo training will include both local flights, and cross country flights to other airports.
Cross Country Training
The next phase of training involves cross country flight, or flying to another airport at least 50 nautical miles away from KBTV. Cross country training teaches the skills of detailed planning, and accurate navigation skills. After completing cross country training with an instructor, you will embark on a solo cross country flight.
Instructor Endorsement
Your instructor will give you multiple endorsements throughout your training, allowing you to take your FAA Knowledge Exam, Solo Flights and Checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
FAA Knowledge Exam
The FAA Knowledge Exam is a multiple-choice test with 60 questions that covers the fundamental knowledge required to become a Private Pilot. Once you and your instructor have determined you’re ready for the test, it can be completed at VFA’s onsite FAA Certified Testing Center. Applicants must study for and pass the examination.
Oral & Practical Test
After meeting all of the FAA Private Pilot requirements and your instructor has determined you’re ready, you will take the Oral Exam and Practical Test with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. The Oral Exam focuses on aeronautical decision making, scenario based training, and general knowledge. The Practical Test will evaluate your ability to safely operate the aircraft and complete several maneuvers and simulated emergency procedures. Upon successful completion, you will be issued your Private Pilot Certificate.
The VFA Difference
Advanced Fleet
With the largest and most advanced rental fleet in the state, VFA has the right aircraft for you. All of our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards by our in-house maintenance department.
Passionate Staff
VFA has a diverse group of passionate and knowledgeable instructors here to help you achieve your goals. No matter your learning style, we have the right instructor for you.
Aviation Community
When you join us at VFA, you join a passionate community dedicated to furthering aviation education in Vermont. Every lesson you take at VFA helps to contribute to providing flights to underprivileged children in Vermont.
FAQs
FAQ
- Do I have to fly with the same instructor who did my Discovery Flight?
- How old do I have to be to get my Private Pilot Certificate?
- How long will it take to earn my Private Pilot Certificate?
- What will my Private Pilot training involve?
- What are the limitations of flying with a Private Pilot Certificate?
- What can I do once I have my Private Pilot Certificate?
- Once I get my Private Pilot Certificate, what do I have to do to keep it current?