Private Pilot License
What Training Looks Like
Private pilot training follows a structured path from your first ground lesson to your checkride. Here's what to expect at each phase.
GROUND SCHOOL
Complete Sporty's online ground school covering aerodynamics, weather theory, navigation, FAA regulations, and aircraft systems. You'll need to pass the FAA written knowledge test before your checkride, and ground school prepares you for it. We recommend starting ground school alongside your flight training rather than before it. Neither has to be completed first, they complement each other and reinforce what you're learning in the aircraft.
BASIC FLIGHT TRAINING
Your first lessons focus on getting comfortable in the aircraft. You'll learn the fundamentals of aircraft control, including straight-and-level flight, coordinated turns, climbs, and descents — building the muscle memory you'll carry throughout your career.
PATTERN WORKS AND LANDINGS
Takeoffs and landings are where most early training time is spent, and for good reason. You'll practice normal, crosswind, short-field, and soft-field techniques until they become second nature.
FIRST SOLO
After your instructor signs you off, you'll fly the aircraft alone for the first time. It's one of the most memorable moments in any pilot's career, and proof that you're ready to keep going.
CROSS-COUNTRY & NIGHT FLYING
You'll plan and fly navigation routes beyond 50 nautical miles, work with VOR and GPS navigation, and complete required night flying hours. This phase builds the real-world decision-making that separates students from pilots.
CHECKRIDE PREP & PRACTICAL TEST
Your instructor will walk you through every task on the FAA Airman Certification Standards, first in a mock oral, then in the air. When you sit down with the examiner, there are no surprises.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
FAA REQUIREMENTS
These requirements must be met by the time of your checkride, not before you start training. We'll guide you through each one.
AGE
Must be at least 17 years old to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate (16 to fly solo).
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Must hold at least a Third Class Medical Certificate issued by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
FLIGHT HOURS
Minimum 40 hours total flight time (Part 61) or 35 hours (Part 141), including solo, cross-country, and instrument time.
KNOWLEDGE TEST
Must pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test with a score of 70% or higher.
PART 61
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40 hours total flight time
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20 hours flight training with an authorized instructor
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10 hours solo flight time
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3 hours cross-country flight training
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3 hours night flight training (including 1 cross-country over 100nm and 10 takeoffs and landings)
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3 hours instrument flight training
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3 hours checkride prep within 2 calendar months
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5 hours solo cross-country, including one flight over 150nm with full-stop landings at 3 points
PART 61 vs. PART 141
HOURLY REQUIREMENTS
PART 141
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35 hours total flight time
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20 hours flight training with an authorized instructor
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5 hours solo flight time
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3 hours cross-country flight training
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3 hours night flight training
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3 hours instrument flight training
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3 hours checkride prep within 2 calendar months
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Solo cross-country requirements per FAA-approved curriculum
Ready to Get Started?
There's no better time to begin than right now. Take the next step, and we'll walk you through everything and have you in the air before you know it.
WHERE WE ARE
Our Locations
We operate out of two airports in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Got any Questions?
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE
An Unforgettable Introduction to Aviation
Experience the thrill of flight with a hands-on Discovery Flight at Bravo. You'll meet your instructor, learn the basics of flying, take the controls, and experience the cockpit for yourself.
PRE-FLIGHT BRIEFING
Meet your instructor and learn the fundamentals of flight.
TAKE THE CONTROLS
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Experience what it's like to fly the aircraft with your instructor by your side.
SCENIC FLIGHT
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Enjoy a memorable flight over the beautiful Maryland/West Virginia region.
THE PERFECT GIFT
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A unique experience for aviation enthusiasts, aspiring pilots, birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.