Private Pilot Training Package

Package Overview

Our Private Pilot Training Package is a comprehensive, flat-rate program designed to take you from zero experience to a fully certified Private Pilot. This package emphasizes quality of training over speed or our bottom line – you’ll receive personalized, one-on-one instruction at every step. With an all-inclusive approach (aircraft, instructor time, and a structured syllabus), you can focus on learning to fly without worrying about hourly costs adding up. Whether you choose an accelerated timeline or a flexible pace, the goal is to ensure you become a confident, safe pilot.

What's Included in the Package

  • 42 Hours of One-on-One Ground Instruction: Ground school is conducted individually with a personal instructor (your private tutor). This ensures you get tailored explanations and can learn at your own pace. Over these 42 hours, you’ll cover all required knowledge areas (aerodynamics, navigation, weather, regulations, etc.) and be fully prepared for the FAA Check-Ride. In addition to the 42 hours of personal instruction you will be given supplemental reading and an online ground school course to complete.

  • 40 Hours of Flight Instruction: Receive 40 hours of in-air flight training with a Certified Flight Instructor. You’ll learn basic maneuvers, take-offs and landings, navigation, emergency procedures, and all skills required for the Private Pilot practical test. These dual (instructor-accompanied) hours build your skills and confidence in the cockpit.

  • 52 Hours of Aircraft Rental: Use of the training aircraft (such as a Cessna 172) for 52 hours is included. This covers your 40 hours of dual flight instruction plus 10 hours of solo practice flight time to hone your skills. Included in this aircraft time is 2 hours for your final checkride (FAA practical test) – so the airplane usage for your exam day comes at no extra charge. (The 52-hour total exceeds the FAA minimum of 40 flight hours required for a Private Pilot, giving you additional training to not just meet the FAA standards but to meet Leading Edge Standards.)

  • All Required Endorsements: As you progress, your instructor will provide all necessary logbook endorsements – including your endorsements to solo, to conduct cross-country solos, and the final endorsement for the FAA practical test. Every endorsement you need to meet FAA requirements is covered within the program.

  • Training Syllabus & Materials: We provide a detailed training syllabus outlining each lesson and phase of your training. This keeps your training organized and transparent – you’ll always know what skills or topics are coming next. We’ll also assign you supplemental home-study ground school to use alongside your one-on-one lessons.

Flexible Scheduling – Accelerated or At Your Own Pace

We understand that every student’s schedule is different, so you have two pacing options with this package:

  • Accelerated 3-Month Program: If you’re eager to earn your license quickly, you can opt for an intensive schedule. By training several times per week, it’s possible to complete the program in about 3 months. This fast-track option covers the same content and hours, just in a condensed timeframe.

  • Self-Paced (Up to 12 Months): If you prefer to spread out training or have limited availability, you can train at your own pace. You have up to 1 year to use the package hours. Schedule lessons as they fit your life – whether that’s on weekends, evenings, or sporadically – we’ll accommodate your pace. The package’s included hours are valid for 12 months from purchase, giving you flexibility to balance flying with other commitments. We also find that when training takes longer than 12 months the probably of success decreases and the overall cost significantly increases. We want you to succeed so the expiration of the package is just a little extra motivation.

Either path you choose, you’ll receive the same one-on-one attention and comprehensive training. The accelerated option is there if you want a full-time training experience, but if you need to take it slower, that’s perfectly okay – the program is designed for thorough learning, not rushing.

Flat-Rate Pricing & Included Hours Breakdown

One of the key benefits of this package is predictable, flat-rate pricing. You pay one upfront package price and get all the training hours mentioned above, with no surprises. Here’s the cost breakdown and terms:

  • Flat-Rate Package Price: ~$14,580 total. This flat rate covers all the included instruction and aircraft rental in the package (42 hours ground, 40 hours flight instruction, 52 hours aircraft use). It’s calculated based on our standard rates of $170/hour for aircraft and $70/hour for instruction, bundled into one comprehensive fee (52 aircraft hours × $170 + 82 instructor hours × $70 ≈ $14,580). This means you know exactly what your core training will cost from the start.

  • What the Flat Rate Includes: All the lesson hours listed in the “What’s Included” section are paid for upfront. There’s no additional charge for using the aircraft on your check-ride day or for any endorsements or other instructor services during training – those are built into the package.

  • Additional Hours if Needed: While the package is designed to encompass a complete training program, sometimes students need a bit more practice beyond the included hours (and that’s okay!). If you require extra flight or ground instruction beyond the package allotment, it will simply be billed at our normal hourly rates ($170/hour for aircraft rental and $70/hour for instructor time). There are no penalties or inflated rates for extra training – you just pay as you go at the standard prices for any training beyond the package hours.

  • No “Use-It-Or-Lose-It” Pressure: Because we emphasize quality, we’ve allotted generous hours in this package (for example, including solo practice time above the minimums). Our goal isn’t to upsell you extra hours, but to give you the right amount of training. In fact, the 52 flight hours included means you’re getting more than the bare minimum required to ensure you’re fully prepared for your tests. If you finish your certificate using fewer hours than included, see our policy below on how unused hours can be handled.

Financing Options and Policies

  • Financing Available: We partner with financing companies that specialize in flight training. Financing options are available to spread out the cost of the package into affordable payments (yes, you can finance your training!). Many students get their Private Pilot training for a manageable monthly payment rather than one large sum upfront. Moreover, our financing partners may allow you to bundle in the additional costs (exam fees, supplies – see below) into the financed amount, meaning you could potentially start training with little to no immediate out-of-pocket expenses.

  • Validity Period – 12 Months: The package pricing is based on a block of training to be used within one year. We ask that you plan to complete your training within 12 months of starting. This ensures training momentum and also locks in your rates. (If life circumstances interrupt your training, we will of course work with you, but generally the package hours should be utilized within a year.)

  • No Refunds on Package (Credit for Unused Hours): We do not offer cash refunds for any unused hours or if a student stops training after partially using the package. However, we will credit any unused hours toward other training programs or ratings with us. For example, if you finish your Private Pilot training with some hours left over, those hours’ value can be applied if you choose to continue to an Instrument Rating or any other course we offer. This way, you never “lose” what you paid for – your investment remains valid for future training.

  • Designed for Quality, Not Our Bottom Line: Our ethos with this package is to provide exceptional training quality. The flat rate is calculated transparently from our hourly rates with no extra markup – it’s not a “shortcut” bare-bones course. We’ve built in ample time for you to learn thoroughly. This means you won’t be rushed through just to meet a minimum; if you need more instructor attention on a topic, you have the time. Our instructors are committed to your success, not watching a clock. The focus is on making you a safe, competent pilot, even if that means using every bit of those hours or a few more. Your success is our success.

Complete Training & Support (Syllabus, Exams, Endorsements)

From start to finish, we provide full support to ensure you meet every requirement for your Private Pilot License:

  • Structured Syllabus: Upon enrollment, you’ll receive a detailed syllabus outlining each lesson. This syllabus is a roadmap of your training – it covers ground lessons and flight training stages in a logical order. You’ll always know what topics or flight maneuvers are coming up, helping you prepare and study effectively. The syllabus also aligns with FAA requirements, so by following it you’ll cover everything needed for the Private Pilot level.

  • One-on-One Mentorship: All of your ground training is one-on-one, so think of your instructor as a personal mentor dedicated to your progress. You can ask questions freely, review any topics you find challenging, and get individualized feedback. This personal approach accelerates learning and helps build confidence. You essentially have a private tutor for all aviation subject matter – something you won’t get in large classroom courses.

  • Written Test Preparation: In addition to the 42 hours of personal ground school, we will guide you through your supplemental ground school program for home study. We recommend students use an online ground school to reinforce what they learn one-on-one. These programs typically include practice exams and, importantly, will issue you the endorsement to take the FAA Knowledge Test once you complete the course. The cost of an online ground school course is not included in the package, and you will pay the FAA Knowledge Test fee separately – see “Additional Costs” below. With your instructor’s tutoring plus an at-home course, you’ll be fully prepared to ace the written exam on your first try.

  • All FAA Required Endorsements: As part of your training, your instructor will sign off on all the required endorsements when you’re ready for them.

    Endorsements you’ll earn along the way include:

    • Student Pilot Solo Endorsement: after you’ve reached the required proficiency, your CFI will endorse you to fly solo.

    • Solo Cross-Country Endorsement: you'll be endorsed to conduct solo cross-country flights once you’ve prepared for navigation.

    • FAA Knowledge Test Endorsement: Provided via the online course.

    • Practical Test (Check-ride) Endorsement: when you’ve completed all training, your instructor will endorse you to take the final FAA practical exam.

      These endorsements(aside from the written exam endorsement) are all included in the training package – no additional fees for any endorsements or extra training needed to earn them. By the end of the program, you will have everything required to schedule and complete your FAA check-ride.

Additional Costs to Budget For (Not Included in Package)

For transparency, here is a list of other potential expenses you should anticipate that are not covered by the training package price. (These are standard costs all student pilots encounter on the path to certification, and our financing partners can often include many of these in your finance plan so you don’t have to pay them all out-of-pocket upfront.)

  • FAA Medical Exam (Third-Class Medical): Approximately $75–$200. Before you can solo, you’ll need an aviation medical certificate from an FAA-approved Medical Examiner. The cost for the exam can vary by provider (around $100 on average).

  • FAA Knowledge Test Fee: Approximately $175. This is the fee paid to an FAA-authorized testing center when you take the Private Pilot written exam. (Each attempt requires this fee, but with our preparation you should pass on the first try.)

  • FAA Practical Test (Check-ride) Examiner’s Fee: Approximately $600–$800. The final step is your flight test with a Designated Pilot Examiner. DPEs charge a fee for conducting the check-ride, typically in this price range. This fee is paid directly to the examiner on the day of your check-ride. (Remember, the aircraft rental for the check-ride is already included in your package – you will not pay extra for the plane on that day.)

  • Pilot Supplies & Training Materials: Approximately $200–$500 (depends on individual needs). This includes items like a headset, navigation plotter, iPad, kneeboard, logbook, books (Pilot’s Handbook, FAR/AIM), charts, etc. If you don’t already have these, you’ll need some basic gear and study materials. You have flexibility in how much you spend here – for example, a student headset might be ~$150, or you could invest in a higher-end headset for $800+. We can guide you on what you actually need to get started.

  • Supplemental Online Ground School: ~$250–$600. As mentioned, students enroll in an online ground school course for the written exam. Several great programs are available in the ~$300 range.

Financing Note: While the above items are not included in the base package price, our financing partners may be able to include some or all of these additional expenses in your financing package. This can greatly reduce your upfront costs. Essentially, you could finance the entire training package plus these extras together, so you’re not paying for exams or equipment out-of-pocket while training.

Ready to Fly? This Private Pilot Package offers a premium training experience with a personal instructor, a clear plan, and no hidden costs. It’s an investment in becoming the best pilot you can be!