What is a
Private Pilot Rating?
The Private Pilot Certificate is like a driver's license, allowing you to fly almost anywhere in the U.S., day or night, in good weather. The FAA requires at least 40 flight hours, including 20 with an instructor, covering specific tasks like landings, takeoffs, and cross-country trips over 50 miles. However, most students complete 55–65 hours due to personal schedules.
​
Chester County Aviation offers training using a web-based course by King Schools and Cessna. Ground training combines the Cessna curriculum with instructor-led discussions, and the WBI kit includes a course login, logbook, flight computer, and aircraft manual to support your progress toward certification.
Minimum
Requirements
40 Flight Hours
17 Years Old
3rd Class Medical
FAA Knowledge Exam
FAA Practical Exam
Our Training Platforms
Cirrus
Piper
Cessna
Time Requirements
Opinions on the national average flight hours required for a Private Pilot Certificate vary, but we recommend planning for about 75 hours to account for most students' schedules and learning pace. Under FAA Part 61, the minimum requirement is 40 hours, including at least 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight. Completion time heavily depends on your training frequency. With a schedule of three lessons per week, we typically estimate completing the program in around four months.
Age Requirements
The youngest age to be certified as a private pilot is 17, while students can solo as early as 16. There is no minimum age to start flight training, so aspiring pilots can begin ground school and flight lessons at any age to build foundational skills.
Medical Requirements
To obtain a Private Pilot Certificate, you need either a Third-Class Medical Certificate or a BasicMed qualification. A Third-Class Medical is issued by an FAA-authorized medical examiner and confirms that you meet specific health standards for piloting. BasicMed, an alternative for some pilots, allows you to fly if you’ve passed an FAA medical exam in the last 10 years and meet ongoing health and education requirements, offering a simpler option for non-commercial flying.
Testing Requirements
To earn a Private Pilot Certificate, you must pass two key tests: a written knowledge test and a practical test. The written test covers aviation topics like regulations, navigation, and weather, and must be completed before the practical test. The practical test, often called a check-ride, includes an oral exam and a flight evaluation with an FAA examiner to demonstrate your knowledge and piloting skills.
Lesson Structure and Materials
Chester County Aviation prepares you for your Private Pilot Certificate using a structured, web-based course developed by King Schools in conjunction with the Cessna Aircraft Company. Our instructors teach within the framework of this structured program and guide you through the requirements for your Pilot Certificate. The majority of your ground training is delivered through this program, complemented by instructor-led pre- and post-flight discussions tailored to your training needs. The WBI kit includes course access, a pilot logbook, a flight computer, and an aircraft manual, providing everything needed for progress toward your Private Pilot License. We also offer a variety of charts, books, and other pilot supplies to supplement the kit and support you throughout your training journey.
Training Costs
We estimate costs based on realistic training hours, with flight time for a Private Pilot License estimated at 75 hours. While many schools quote training costs based on FAA minimums, which few students achieve, we prioritize honesty and transparency to give you a clear understanding of the actual investment required. We aim to avoid surprises and ensure you can plan effectively for your training. Our estimates are based on the following numbers:
Flight Time: 75 Hours
Instructor Time: 75 Hours
Materials:
-
King Schools
-
PHAK
-
PFH
-
Charts
-
Other
Taxes and Fees: 6% Sales Tax on Aircraft, Materials, etc
Checkride: $800
​
These costs are estimated and do not reflect any guaranteed prices; results will vary per student.*
Type | Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|
Flight Time | $ 194 | $ 14,550 |
Instructor Time | $ 74 | $ 5,550 |
Materials | $ 500 | $ 500 |
Taxes and Fees (On Aircraft) | 6% | $ 1,000 |
FAA Checkride | $ 800 | $ 800 |
Total Estimated Cost: $22,400
Training Costs
We estimate costs based on realistic training hours, with flight time for a Private Pilot License estimated at 75 hours. While many schools quote training costs based on FAA minimums, which few students achieve, we prioritize honesty and transparency to give you a clear understanding of the actual investment required. We aim to avoid surprises and ensure you can plan effectively for your training. Our estimates are based on the following numbers:
Flight Time: 75 Hours
Instructor Time: 75 Hours
Materials:
-
King Schools
-
PHAK
-
PFH
-
Charts
-
Other
Taxes and Fees: 6% Sales Tax on Aircraft, Materials, etc
Checkride: $800
​
Type | Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|
Flight Time | $ 194 | $ 14,550 |
Instructor Time | $ 74 | $ 5,550 |
Materials | $ 500 | $ 500 |
Taxes and Fees (On Aircraft) | 6% | $ 1,000 |
FAA Checkride | $ 800 | $ 800 |
Total Estimated Cost: $22,400