Pilot License Training
A private pilot certificate is similar to what a driver’s license is for an automobile. Earning a private pilot certificate means you can legally fly an aircraft.
Private Pilot license training requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, which includes 20 hours of instruction. For best results you’ll want to plan on flying at least 2-3 times a week. You can get your private license in as little as one month, but average is 3 – 6 months. A typical one-on-one lesson with a Redtail instructor includes 30 minutes of “ground school,” then an hour or so of flying the airplane, followed by a 30-minute debriefing to discuss what you learned.
When you are ready for your written exam the instructor will sign you off.
Once you are proficient in the maneuvers and procedures outlined in the Airmen Certification Standards, and meet the hours required, the CFI will sign you off to go to the check ride.
Congratulations! Once you pass the check ride you will get a temporary certificate, good for 120 days while you wait for you hard copy Private Pilot license in the mail. Once you have your license, you will have it for life. Every two years you will take a flight review with your instructor to insure that you are current and maintaining proficiency. You will continue to perfect and enjoy your flying skills for the rest of your flying career.
PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE TRAINING — WHAT TO EXPECT
On the first day of flight instruction, you will actually fly! You will be in the pilot seat of one of Redtail’s Cessna 172’s, a four-seat, single-engine, high-wing aircraft equipped with a Dynon Skyview glass panel. The 172 is one of the most popular aircraft ever produced and is not only a good training platform but is a great airplane to fly after receiving your license.
- 40 Hours Minimum Flight Time
- 20 Hours With A Certified Flight Instructor
- 10 Hours Solo Flying Time
- 20 Hours Ground Instruction
- Must Be At Least 17 Years Of Age To Get Pilots License
- Receive A Medical Exam Certificate
- Complete & Pass A Written Private Pilot Test
- Pass Check Ride With A FAA Certified Check Airman
Private Pilot License Requirements
Age
- At least 16 years of age to solo
- At least 17 to take check ride
Hours
A minimum 40 hours total
Of those 40 hours you will need:
- a minimum of 20 hours with an instructor
- a minimum of 10 hours solo
Supplies
You will need:
- Non-owner’s aircraft insurance
- An aviation medical (third class is sufficient for private)
- Headset – Redtail has headsets available, but most students feel comfortable using their own
- Flight Logbook
How do I get my Student Pilot Certificate?
To get your Student Pilot Certificate you will need to create an account on IACRA.
There are three steps to the process:
- Make a profile
- Start a new application
- Accept your application (the CFI will review your app to accept it)
Ground School & Written Exam
Have you always wanted to learn how to fly? Now is the perfect chance. Take this course Sporty’s online course before, during or after starting your flight training.
This course will focus on the aeronautical knowledge needed to get your Private Pilot Certificate. It will also help you prepare for the FAA knowledge exam. The CFI will endorse you to take your written exam if you get 85% or better on two practice exams.
A great resource to help prepare you for the written exam is Sporty’s Learn To Fly Course: Private Pilot Test Prep.
Continuing Education & Flight Hours
For those seeking solo flight hours in air, and who have already obtained guided flight instruction at another school are permitted to reserve an aircraft through Redtail Air. All fuel will be charged accordingly and the aircraft rented on an hourly basis.
LET’S GET YOU IN THE AIR!
Flying is our passion & we want to share that passion through flight instruction!
