Let’s get an idea of what to expect from initial pilot training
Phases of Private Pilot Training
Phase 1 - Pre Solo
In phase 1 you’ll learn all the maneuvers required of a private pilot and get comfortable flying the plane. Once you’re comfortable flying, taking off and most importantly landing, we’ll get you ready to take the plane up by yourself on your first solo.
Phase 2 - Cross Country Training
In phase 2 we’ll complete more private pilot requirements by getting comfortable flying all around Southern California. You’ll learn skills needed to take airplane trips that you’ll use in your future flying.
Phase 3 - Checkride Prep
In phase 3, we’ll knock out any outstanding requirements and sharpen your skills so that you can consistently meet required standards. When you’re ready, we’ll schedule a checkride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and get you your certificate.
What’s Required to be a Private Pilot?
Be at least 17 years of age (can start training earlier)
Pass the required knowledge test
Hold at least a third class medical certificate*
Hold a student pilot certificate
40 hours of total time in an airplane
20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor
3 hours of cross country training (flights with landing over 50 nm away)
3 hours of night training with 10 takeoffs and landings
1 nighttime cross country training flight
3 hours of instrument flight training
10 hours of solo flight time
5 hours of solo cross country time
1 solo cross country flight with landings at 3 points of at least 150 nm
*Some exceptions apply see 14 CFR 61.113 (i)
What will it cost?
Everyone goes through pilot training a little bit differently. The requirements outlined above are minimums and it is very rare that anyone completes their training right at these minimums. The typical timeline for a dedicated learner is between 60 and 80 hours of training, but everyone’s timing will vary based on a number of factors. Below are a few estimates, based on a three different learners, all dedicated to devote weekly time to their pilot training.
Scenario 1 - The Fast Learner
In this scenario, you are dedicated to flying a minimum of 3 days per week with devotion to learning the material on your own time outside of lessons. You quickly pick up both the book knowledge and the flying skills and are ready for the check ride before the typical person in approximately 50 hours of training.
Instruction Costs
35 hours of in plane training at $75 / hr : $2625
Additional Ground Training: $200
Potential Discounts for bundling training: -$300
Total paid to Nice to be Nice Aviation: $2,525
Airplane Cost
50 hours of total time at *$165 / hr: $8,250
Plus One Flyers Dues: $37.50 x 4 months: $150
Total Airplane Cost: $8,400
Supplies
Headset: $500 - $1300
Flight Bag: $25
Instrument Hood: $20
Logbook: $10
Kneeboard and Notepad: $20
Charts and Supplements: $15
Sectional Plotter: $10
E6B Flight Computer (electronic recommended): $80
Headlamp with red light setting: $20
FAR/AIM: $20
Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: $20
FAA Airplane Flying Handbook: $20
ASA Oral Exam Guide: $20
Airmen Certification Standards: $10
Total Supplies: $800 - $1,600
*Many pilots will choose to fly with an iPad and a subscription to Foreflight for enhanced situational awareness. We recommend that you start your training without it and gauge if you would like to add it later.
Written Test
Written test self study course: $300
Written Test Fee: $175
Total Written Test: $475
Checkride
Examiner Fee: $1,000 - $1,500
Total Cost Scenario 1
$13,200 - $14,500
Scenario 2 - Typical Learner
In this scenario you are still dedicated to regularly flying and studying, but may have other things going on in your life that preclude you from focusing just on flying. Or, like most people, you take a little extra time to perfect the skills of a pilot (it’s usually the landings). This learner will be ready for the check ride in approximately 70 hours of training.
Instruction Costs
55 hours of in plane training at $75 / hr : $4125
Additional Ground Training: $200
Potential Discounts for bundling training: -$500
Total paid to Nice to be Nice Aviation: $3,825
Airplane Cost
70 hours of total time at *$165 / hr: $11,550
Plus One Flyers Dues: $37.50 x 6 months: $225
Total Airplane Cost: $11,775
Supplies
Headset: $500 - $1300
Flight Bag: $25
Instrument Hood: $20
Logbook: $10
Kneeboard and Notepad: $20
Charts and Supplements: $15
Sectional Plotter: $10
E6B Flight Computer (electronic recommended): $80
Headlamp with red light setting: $20
FAR/AIM: $20
Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: $20
FAA Airplane Flying Handbook: $20
ASA Oral Exam Guide: $20
Airmen Certification Standards: $10
Total Supplies: $800 - $1,600
*Many pilots will choose to fly with an iPad and a subscription to Foreflight for enhanced situational awareness. We recommend that you start your training without it and gauge if you would like to add it later.
Written Test
Written test self study course: $300
Written Test Fee: $175
Total Written Test: $475
Checkride
Examiner Fee: $1,000 - $1,500
Total Cost Scenario 2
$17,875 - $19,175
Scenario 3 - A Few Roadblocks
In this scenario you may have some hiccups that preclude you from being consistently dedicated to flying, or you have some roadblocks that make it so certain aspects of the process are just not fully clicking. This learner will be ready for the check ride in approximately 90 hours of training.
Instruction Costs
70 hours of in plane training at $75 / hr : $5,250
Additional Ground Training: $300
Potential Discounts for bundling training: -$700
Total paid to Nice to be Nice Aviation: $4,850
Airplane Cost
90 hours of total time at *$165 / hr: $14,850
Plus One Flyers Dues: $37.50 x 8 months: $300
Total Airplane Cost: $15,150
Supplies
Headset: $500 - $1300
Flight Bag: $25
Instrument Hood: $20
Logbook: $10
Kneeboard and Notepad: $20
Charts and Supplements: $15
Sectional Plotter: $10
E6B Flight Computer (electronic recommended): $80
Headlamp with red light setting: $20
FAR/AIM: $20
Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: $20
FAA Airplane Flying Handbook: $20
ASA Oral Exam Guide: $20
Airmen Certification Standards: $10
Total Supplies: $800 - $1,600
*Many pilots will choose to fly with an iPad and a subscription to Foreflight for enhanced situational awareness. We recommend that you start your training without it and gauge if you would like to add it later.
Written Test
Written test self study course: $300
Written Test Fee: $175
Total Written Test: $475
Checkride
Examiner Fee: $1,000 - $1,500
Total Cost Scenario 3
$22,275 - $23,575