Private Pilot License
Your first certificate and the first step towards earning your freedom to fly. Train alongside instructors with professional airline experience.
What is a Private Pilot License
A Private Pilot License is the first FAA certificate you will earn, and it qualifies you to act as pilot in command of a single engine aircraft.
With a Private Pilot License you can fly for personal use, carry passengers, and fly day or night in visual conditions. While a private pilot cannot fly for compensation, this certificate is the required first step for every professional pilot path, from regional airlines to major carriers.
AeroStar’s Private Pilot License course is FAA Part 141 approved, which means a structured curriculum, defined stage checks, and fewer required flight hours compared to Part 61 training.
Course Details at a Glance
- Ground School
10.2 hours of instructor led classroom training at our Kissimmee campus
- Online Study
King Schools computer based training completed from home before arrival
- Dual Flight Time
30 hours of flight training with a certified flight instructor
- Solo Flight Time
5 hours of supervised solo flight with instructor ground monitoring
- Location
AeroStar main campus, Kissimmee, FL (KISM)
- Aircraft
Cessna 150 or Cessna 172 Technically Advanced Aircraft
Course Investment
Pricing based on FAA Part 141 minimum required hours.
Cessna 150
$160/hr wet rental | $75/hr instructor
$11,809.00
Total minimum cost
- 35 hours dual flight instruction
- 5 hours supervised solo
- King Schools online ground course
- 25.6 hours CFI led ground school
- Supplies and study materials
Cessna 172
$195/hr wet rental | $75/hr instructor
$13,209.00
Total minimum cost
- 35 hours dual flight instruction
- 5 hours supervised solo
- King Schools online ground course
- 25.6 hours CFI led ground school
- Supplies and study materials
*These are minimum required hours for course completion. Actual flight hours will vary based on individual needs and FAA certification standards. Pre and post briefing costs are not included. All programs require an iPad.
Prerequisites
No Experience
This course is designed for students with zero prior flight time. We start from the very beginning.
Age Requirement
Must be at least 17 years old to earn the Private Pilot License. You can begin training earlier.
FAA Medical
Must hold or obtain a current and valid FAA medical certificate before solo flight.
English Proficiency
Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English per FAA requirements.
What You Will Learn
- Pre-flight inspections and aircraft walk around procedures
- Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings
- Straight and level flight, climbs, descents, and turns
- VFR navigation using charts, instruments, and GPS
- Radio communications with ATC and uncontrolled airports
- Basic instrument flight for inadvertent IMC recovery
- Emergency procedures including engine failures and go arounds
- Night flying operations
- Solo cross country flight planning and execution
- FAA written knowledge test preparation
How Training Works
AeroStar’s Part 141 Private Pilot course follows a structured three phase process.
- 1Study at Home
Complete your King Schools computer based training online before arriving at AeroStar. Study at your own pace on any device, 24 hours a day.
- 2Train at AeroStar
Pass your FAA written knowledge test and practical checkride with an AeroStar in-house evaluator. Walk away with your Private Pilot License.
- 3Earn Your Private Pilot License
Attend instructor led ground school and begin flight training at our Kissimmee campus. Build skills through structured dual instruction and supervised solo flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Private Pilot License course take?
The timeline varies by student. Under Part 141, the minimum required hours are 35 hours of flight time. With consistent training, most students complete the course in 6 to 12 weeks. Students who have completed the King Schools online ground study before arriving tend to progress faster.
What is the difference between Part 141 and Part 61?
Part 141 is an FAA approved structured curriculum with defined stage checks, lesson plans, and completion standards. It requires fewer minimum flight hours (35 for Private Pilot License versus 40 under Part 61) because the training is more structured and FAA audited. AeroStar’s Private Pilot License course is Part 141 certified.
What is the King Schools online study?
King Schools provides interactive, self-paced computer based training that covers the ground school knowledge requirements. You complete this from home on any device before arriving at AeroStar for on-site training. All assigned computer based training lessons must be fully completed before your first day on campus.
Do I need to live in Florida during training?
You will need to be in the Kissimmee area during the on-site training phase. AeroStar works with several local hotels that offer corporate discounts and special trainee rates, including some with long stay accommodations and in-room kitchens.
What happens if I need more hours than the minimum?
The prices listed are based on FAA Part 141 minimum required hours. Many students require additional flight time beyond the minimums. Additional hours are billed at the published hourly aircraft rental and instructor rates.
Is the Private Pilot License course GI Bill approved?
AeroStar is approved for Veterans Assistance and several other funding programs. Contact our admissions team at 689-285-5418 to confirm eligibility for your specific situation.