The goal of flight training is to earn your Private Pilot Certificate, which permits
you to fly a wide variety of aircraft and to carry passengers virtually anywhere.
New Private Pilots are restricted from flying in non-visual conditions (clouds and
other "bad" weather).
Requirements
Applicants need to meet standards in three separate areas to qualify for FAA pilot
certificates: Flight experience, Flight skill, and Theoretical understanding.
Flight experience
An applicant for the Private Pilot certificate must have 40 hours flight time, to
include a minimum of 20 hours dual instruction and 10 hours solo. Part 141 students
have slightly lower requirements: 35 hours total, to include 20 hours dual and 5
hours solo. In either case, it is normal for most students to require significantly
more time: Private Pilot training nationally averages over 70 hours. The private
pilot syllabus is designed to achieve its training goals in 50 hours--40 dual and
10 solo.
Flight skill
The skills required for the Private Certificate can be grouped into three broad
areas:
- Solo flight
- Cross-country navigation and night flight
- Pilot-in-Command experience
In each area, DRG Aviation aims to deliver training well above the minimum standards
established by the FAA. As an example, all DRG Aviation students are carefully
taken through the training necessary to master spins, an element we believe essential
in enhancing competence and safety.
Theory and knowledge testing
To thoroughly teach the necessary theory and to prepare students for FAA knowledge
exams, DRG Aviation offers two alternatives: a classroom ground school taught by
senior flight instructors and Cessna's interactive Computer Based Instruction program.
Both provide strong support for student pilots. For your convenience, DRG Aviation
Test Center offers FAA Computer Exam testing on the premises.
Estimated cost of a private pilot certificate
50 hours instructor training |
$5,250.00 |
10 hours solo |
$700.00 |
20 hours pre- and post-flight instruction |
$700.00 |
Ground School |
$225.00 |
Supplies |
$135.00 |
FAA Computer Exam |
$90.00 |
FAA Flight Test |
$300.00 |
TOTAL |
$7,400.00 |
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