How much does it cost for a private certificate?

How much a private pilot certificate costs can vary pretty widely, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost an exorbitant amount. The main factors that will reduce your overall cost are how much time you can set aside to train properly, where you train, and what plane you choose to train in. Head over to our cost page to get a better idea of how much it costs to fly with Matt.

How long does it take to get a certificate?

The FAA has very specific minimum qualifications laid out for every certificate, and depending on which certificate you’re working towards there is a federal regulation that will explain what is required. For example, the minimum number of hours required to complete a private pilot certificate is 40 hours. Does this mean that everyone can finish their certificate in exactly the minimum hours required? No. Everyone learns at a different pace, and the number one goal is to make sure that everyone achieves their goal safely and effectively. When you talk with Matt he’ll work with you to map out a training plan, and if you’re goal is to finish quickly, he’ll help guide you through the most efficient route to your goal.

how soon can I start?

Scheduling is a bit of a hassle in the flight training world, so expecting to start right away and having a convenient schedule may not work out the gate. There are two factors that affect scheduling: daylight and plane availability. With the Fall/Winter time change, daylight is at a premium, and flight instruction is available in block of time either Morning, Noon, and Afternoon. In order to block out a particular time period and plane, booking 1 month in advance is the best way you can get ahead of scheduling issues. Planes and instructor time are first come first served, and generally if you wait until the week-of to schedule a lesson, the plane will not be available.

What happens if I need to cancel a reservation?

While it is requested that you give at least 24 hours notice, if you can’t make a flight, because of weather, health, stress, or any of the numerous reasons that can come up, it won’t be an issue. Anything canceled less than 24 hours before will be handled on a case by case basis.