Pilot Certificates

Private Pilot

Private Pilots Certificate will allow you to take friends or family to anywhere in the world you would like. It is the first step in your aviation training. You will also be able to fly any kind of single-engine airplane under 200 horsepower. To fly a multi-engine aircraft it is a short time of training and a checkride. If you wish to fly a high performance or complex aircraft it requires additional training from an instructor.

Requirements: Private Pilot

  •  17 years of age
  •  Private written exam
  •  FAA Third class medical
  •  40 flight hours
    • 20 hours dual (with instructor)
      • 3 flight hours cross country
      • 3 flight hours of simulated instrument flight conditions
      • 3 flight hours at night
    • 10 flight hours solo
      • 5 flight hours cross-country

Costs: Private Pilot

40 hours in aircraft
$3,880
20 hours dual in aircraft
$700
10 hours pre/post briefings with instructor
$350
Private Pilot Kit and books
$260
Knowledge Test (Written Exam)
$100
Headset, Kneeboard, & Charts
$280
Checkride
$400
Total
$5,970

Instrument Rating

The instrument rating is a great addition to a Private Pilot’s certificate. It will give you the ability to fly through the clouds. It is extremely appreciated when it allows you to climb up through a thin layer of clouds and proceed to your destination. The instrument rating will teach you many new skills about air traffic control and the ability to fly solely on the flight instruments and navigation systems.

Requirements: Instrument Rating

  • 17 years of age
  • Private Pilot Certificate
  • Instrument written exam
  • FAA Third class medical
  • 50 flight hours PIC cross-country
  • 40 flight hours actual or simulated instrument conditions
  • 15 flight hours dual
  • 250 nm cross-country

Costs: Instrument Rating

45 hours cross-country-
$4,365
35 hours simulated instrument-
$3,395
35 hours dual flight-
$1,225
10 hours pre/post briefings with instructor-
$350
Books and charts-
$250
Knowledge Test (Written Exam)-
$100
Checkride-
$425
Total-
$10,110

Multi Engine Rating

The multi engine rating is a great addition to a Private or Commercial Pilot’s certificate. The multi engine training will tune up your flying skills and give you the ability to yet another class of aircraft. During the multi engine training you will learn how to fly the aircraft with both engines running and with only one engine running. The sight of looking out on the wing and seeing the propeller stopped is quite the experience.

Requirements: Multi Engine Rating

  • Private Pilot Certificate
    • (you can get your initial Private license in a multi– but uncommon)
  • No written exam
  • FAA Third class medical
  • 3 hours of preparation for the checkride

Costs: Multi Engine Rating

8 hours multi engine -
$1,400
8 hours dual flight-
$360
5 hours pre/post briefings with instructor-
$225
Books and charts-
$75
Checkride-
$400
Total-
$2,460

Commercial Pilot

Becoming a commercial pilot allows you to receive compensation for flying. You will become available to be hired by a company to work and be paid as a pilot. It is also a requirement to become an instructor. This certificate trains you to become a master of the flight controls and be able to maneuver the aircraft in a professional manner. A second class medical is only needed if you plan to use your commercial certificate.

Requirements: Commercial Pilot

  • 18 years of age
  • Private Pilot Certificate
  • Commercial written exam
  • FAA Third class medical (Second class if using certificate)
  • 250 flight hours total time
    • 100 flight hours PIC
      • 50 flight hours in airplanes
      • 50 flight hours PIC cross-country
    • 20 flight hours dual
      • 10 flight hours instrument training
      • 10 flight hours in a complex aircraft
      • 100 nm / 2 flight hours day cross-country
      • 100 nm / 2 flight hours night cross-country
    • 10 flight hours solo
      • 300 nm cross-country
      • 5 flight hours at night

Costs: Commercial Pilot

250 total time-
$0-12,000
10 hours in complex aircraft-
$1,380
10 hours dual-
$350
Written-
$100
Checkride-
$400
Total-
$2,230

The 250 hours for total time will include the time acquired during the private and instrument training. Depending on how you build this time the costs will vary.

Certified Flight Instructor

To earn your certified flight instructor certificate you must go through intensive training on learning all there is to learn about becoming a pilot and be able to teach your knowledge. Once achieving your instructors certificate you will be able to watch the accomplishments and joys from many new pilots as they go through the process of becoming a pilot. The rewards are endless and well worth all the time spent acquiring this certificate. A flight instructor certificate also allow you to build time while being paid. It is a good step for those looking to move to the airline or charter.

Requirements: Certified Flight Instructor

  • 18 years of age
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate and Instrument rating
  • Instructor and FOI written exam
  • FAA Third class medical
  • 15 flight hours PIC in category and class aircraft for rating sought

Costs: Certified Flight Instructor

15 hours dual training-
$2,595
20 hours dual ground-
$700
Writtens-
$200
Checkride-
$600
Total-
$4,095

Airline Transport Pilot

An Airline Transport Pilot Certificate allows you to operate as a captain for an airline or charter company. The ATP certificate can also be a hiring minimum for some companies. It requires higher flight times and more precise minimums during your checkride.

Requirements: Airline Transport Pilot

  • 23 years of age
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate and Instrument rating
  • ATP written exam
  • FAA Third class medical (First class if using certificate)
  • 1500 flight hours total time (including many requirements within that time)
  • 15 flight hours PIC in category and class aircraft for rating sought

Costs: Airline Transport Pilot

5 hours dual training-
$1,100
Written-
$100
Checkride-
$500
Total-
$1,700

All prices above are an estimate and are subject to change. Some of the time may be combined to cut costs. It may also take more flight time, therefore costing a different amount. Any instructor can give you input on how to combine flight time to make your costs at a minimum.