Private Pilot

A private pilot certificate is for people who've always dreamed of flying and serves as the first step for those with bigger aviation aspirations.

 

Many private pilots enjoy flying for fun and trying out different types of aircraft. Some learn to fly so they can use an airplane for their business needs, like personally attending meetings to save time on travel. Regardless of the goal, private pilots have various options.

 

The majority of active pilots in the USA hold a private pilot certificate. This certificate allows them to pilot any aircraft weighing less than 12,500 lbs (with appropriate ratings) for personal use. It provides almost unlimited authority to fly under visual flight rules (VFR). Private pilots can carry passengers and use the aircraft for business purposes but can't receive payment for their services as a pilot. Passengers can only contribute a fair share of flight expenses, such as fuel or rental costs.

​

What can you do as a Private Pilot?

Getting a private pilot certificate allows you to rent airplanes from AV8R UNLIMITED and fly all over the United States. This certificate is the starting point for getting more qualifications and advanced certificates. AV8R UNLIMITED offers different advanced certificates and ratings. You can choose from options like flying planes with advanced technology, high-performance aircraft, learning to fly tailwheel planes, and getting trained for flying in mountainous areas.

​

What’s involved in Flight Training?

Private pilot training consists of two main parts: ground school and flight training. Ground school is completed through online training, allowing you to go at your own pace and learn from the comfort of your home. It covers essential background information that pilots need but isn't easily taught during actual flights. Topics in ground school include regulations, airplane systems, navigation, aerodynamics, weather theory, and radio communications.

 

Typically, 3-hour lessons are scheduled, during which students log 1-2 hours of flight time. Each lesson is designed to cover specific maneuvers necessary to master in order to obtain a certificate. This training prepares students for both the written and practical tests. Certification is earned upon successful completion of these two tests.

​

At AV8R UNLIMITED, our PPL certification goes beyond the basics. Since we're in Arizona, flying means crossing mountains and deserts. Learning how to navigate these areas is crucial to becoming a skilled and safe AV8R. Our standard PPL training includes special endorsements: one for landing in places other than airports (dirt and grass strips) and another for flying in mountainous regions. These certifications ensure you're well-prepared for flying anywhere in Arizona.

​

What aircraft will you fly?

AV8R UNLIMITED's training aircraft is N527A (Cessna 150M/150). The Cessna 150 is renowned for it's simplicity, excellent visibility, and forgiving flight characteristics. With two seats and reliable performance, they are well-suited for flight training.

​

How long does it take?

The time it takes for training can be different for each student. If you consistently fly and study on your own, you'll spend less time in the air and with an instructor. By having at least three 3-hour lessons every week, most students can get their certificate in about 8 weeks. If you're looking into flight training for a career as a professional pilot, we recommend contacting us for a more detailed training plan.

​

​

How can I pay for training?

AV8R UNLIMITED accepts all major forms of payment including:

• Cash / Check

• Credit Card

• Financing

 

Finance Your Flight Training

The first major hurdle for your flight training is the age-old question that everyone must answer... How do I pay for it? Flight training financing options can seem like a maze of different programs and options that present endless challenges. At AV8R UNLIMITED, we want to help you understand and manage the process of obtaining pilot financing for your goals.

 

First – Know your credit score and history. If you have good credit then getting approved for financing can be an easy process. If you don’t have good credit or limited credit history then you should be prepared to have a co-signer ready to help you complete the financing application. Personal Financing Options below: I am not affiliated with any of these fiancing lenders. They are simply options for loans I am aware of.​

​​

• AOPA

• Lendingtree

• LightStream

• SoFi

• Upstart

• Discover Personal Loans

• upgrade

• bestegg

• Happy Money

• Universal Credit

​

​

Second – Consider applying for an aviation scholarship from a variety of groups. We have included a list of flight training scholarships that you may want to consider. While the flight training financing options are varied, this list is not inclusive of all scholarships that may be available and we encourage you to look at all available local flight groups and organizations.

​​

• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

• Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)

• National Air Transportation Association (NATA) 

• National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)

• National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA)

• The Nighty Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots

• Women in Aviation, (WAI) International

• Arizona Business Aviation Association (AZBAA)

• FAA Minority Scholarships

​

What are the Prerequisites?

To begin you’ll need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or TSA approval

Prior to your first solo flight, you’ll need:

• FAA third class Medical Certificate

• FAA Student Pilot Certificate

Before your final checkride, you will need to:

• Be 17 years old

• Have a minimum of 40 hours flight time – including 20 hours of flight instruction and 10 hours of solo flight

• Pass the FAA Private Pilot written exam

• Learn basic flight maneuvers, take offs and landings, cross country flying, pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR and GPS navigation, and basic instrument flying

• Learn aeronautical decision-making, safety of flight considerations, basic aviation weather information, basic aerodynamics, and airport operations

​

How much will it cost?

​

Standard Costs NO MATTER what school you attend...

​

​FAA First Class Medical​

$125.00

​

Online Ground School​

$300.00

​

Non-Owned Aircraft Insurance

$500.00​​​​​​

(Estimated Premium)

​

FAA Written Exam​

$175.00

​

DPE Checkride Fee​​

$800.00

​

​

AV8R Unlimited's Specific Costs...

​

Discovery Flight

$200.00​​​​​​

​

Aircraft Rental

$120.00​​​​​

(Fuel & Oil Included)

​

Duel Flight Instruction

Hourly Rate to be determined between pilot and Independent Instructor

​

​

​

* These prices are just an estimate. Actual costs will vary on an individual basis depending on different learning styles, the proficiency and preparation of the pilot, time and location of testing, and companies used for insurance. FAA Examiner costs vary by location, your examiner will give you their cost when contacted for your exam.