The more frequently you take lessons and the harder you study at home all equate to how long it will take you to get your pilot’s license. The 40-hour minimum is just that, a minimum. It will take as long as it takes for you to be safe and knowledgeable enough to pass your flight exam. The FAA says that the national average for someone learning to fly is 80-90 hours.

60 hours of Aviation Skills Development
7 hours simulator time in a Cessna 172 with an Instructor
40 hours flight time in a G-1000 Cessna 172
10 hours of solo flight time in a G-1000 Cessna 172
20 hours of one-on-one ground
6 hours of pre/post activity briefing

Student pilots have to pass a pre-solo written exam before taking their solo flight, the FAA private pilot written exam, and a practical exam/ checkride (flight test). These three requirements must be met to obtain a private pilot license.

First and foremost STUDY before you go to the airport
While studying at home write down all your questions and come prepared to ask your instructor when you show up to the airport. You will learn more as an engaged student asking questions versus a one-way discussion where the instructor preaches aeronautical theory for an hour.
Fly regularly
Unfortunately flying is not like riding a bike. There are too many things that must be kept fresh in a new pilots mind and if they do not fly often they will be lost and have to be re-learned. You should commit yourself to fly at least two times a week. Flying is easy but earning a pilot certificate does take regular practice.
Become an airport geek and get to know other pilots!
Aviation is a tight-knit community. Knowing other pilots has its advantages such as meeting an aircraft owner who you can learn a lot about aviation. Also knowing people around the field you might land your first job since many flying positions are not posted publicly and are word of mouth.

Flight simulators
Flight simulators are especially great for learning instrument procedures since they can reset an approach in a matter of seconds. This allows a pilot to fly several more instrument approaches an hour versus just 1 or 2 in an aircraft. Also, this time in a simulator is significantly cheaper than flying an aircraft and counts towards required hours to complete the private, instrument, and commercial certificates!

After you become a private pilot, you will need an instrument rating, a commercial pilot’s certificate, a multi-engine rating and a Certified Flight Instructor certificate (CFI).

We can provide IFR training, Commercial pilot license training and Commercial multi-engine rating as well and look forward to helping you attain your flying goals!

The possibilities are endless! Contact us to talk about the opportunities available to you. Having earned your PPL means you are ready to continue on to earn your Instrument Rating. After that, you can decide if you want to continue with your Commercial Pilot’s License.

The FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, internationally referred to as Commercial Pilot License (CPL) qualifies pilots to be financially compensated for piloting an aircraft. Unlike the Private Pilot Certificate, which is designed for recreational use and only permits the licensed pilot to share the cost of the flight, a CPL is a key to earning money through your service as an aircraft pilot.