Private Pilot

Earning your private pilot certificate can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. The more frequently you fly, the less it will cost. The recommended minimum frequency is twice per week, which will typically result in completion of your private pilot training within 6 months. To earn your private pilot certificate you must pass an FAA written knowledge test and have at least 40 flight hours. At the completion of the training, you will take a test with an FAA designated examine involving both an oral and flight portion.

Take Flight San Diego has developed a training plan that outlines a logical and clear sequence of lessons so that you know how to prepare for each flight. Read the full Training Plan here. Your training is also enhanced through videos providing guidance for both the flight and oral portions of the FAA test. Developed by our own flight training company, these videos follow the training plan and result in a complete learning experience.  The material is available for iPad, Android, PC, and Mac and can be viewed at www.flighttrainingapps.com.

The cost of private pilot training varies widely and depends largely on the frequency of lessons and quality of instruction. See testimonials from former students. Some students have finished their training in as little as 6 weeks while others have taken as long as a year.  The average student at Take Flight San Diego takes 6 months, flies twice per week, accumulates 50 flight hours and spends an all-inclusive total of $10,000 which includes instruction, airplane rental, supplies, and tests.  Some flight schools quote much less by using minimum flight hours which are rarely sufficient and also exclude some necessary expenses.  Many students are surprised when the actual costs are as much as double the original estimate.