Private Pilot Training

Begin your aviation journey with your private pilot’s certificate.

Whether you aspire to kickstart a new career as an airline pilot or fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming an aviator, obtaining your private pilot’s certificate is the essential first step.

How Does It Work? What can I expect?
Becoming a pilot is a little different from traditional schooling. There is minimal classroom time. You can think of getting your pilot’s license as an apprenticeship. I will give you all the resources you need to study and pass the FAA practical exam.

  1. We will discuss your overall aviation goals so we can tailor your lessons to fit your goals.

  2. For my accelerated training program, you will want to plan on flying at least every day and sometimes twice a day.(Weather permitting) You can get your private license in as little as 3 weeks. Average for most students is 3 - 6 months. The pace at which you can complete the accelerated private pilot training depends on the work you put into it. You need to live and breathe flight training. Practice radio calls,(https://apps.apple.com/us/app/planeenglish-arsim/id1461037185)  chair flying, and complete your ground school training ahead of time. 

  3. We will schedule based on your availability

    1. 3-4 hours of training per day

    2. 1-2 hrs of in-flight training per day

    3. 1 hr of one-on-one ground training per day

    4. Remember, I want to maximize your time as effectively as possible while you are training with me. That means showing up prepared.

  4. I will give you content to review and study before each lesson

  5. Sign up for The Finer Points Ground School App and complete the ground study course. The most successful pilots are those that put in equal effort on the ground as in the air. (My students get 25% off The Finer Points Ground School?)

  6. When you are ready for your written exam the instructor/or ground school app will sign you off.

  7. Once you are proficient in the maneuvers and procedures outlined in the Airmen Certification Standards, and meet the hours required, I will sign you off to go to the check ride.

  8. Congratulations! Once you pass the check ride you will get a temporary certificate, good for 120 days while you wait for your hard copy Private Pilot license in the mail.

General Requirements

  • 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

    • For details, see FAR/AIM 61.109

Personalized Private Pilot Training in Pagosa Springs to help you reach your aviation goals.
! Personalized, accelerated training to help you reach your aviation goals in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
! Personalized, accelerated training to help you reach your aviation goals in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

FAQs

How much will it cost?

Everyone learns at their own unique pace. While I cannot guarantee a timeframe and budget, I would budget around $10,000-$15,000 for the training and checkride.

  • $160 per hour for the Cessna 172(includes fuel and oil)

  • $60 per hour for my instructor rate

What supplies will I need?

You will need:

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:

  1. Make a profile

  2. Start a new application

  3. Accept your application (I will review your app to accept it)

I want to learn to fly but cannot commit to an accelerated training schedule.

Not everyone prefers accelerated training, and that's perfectly okay. Whatever your schedule and preferences may be, I am committed to customizing the training experience to best suit your needs.

Do you have lodging available?

Yes we do! We can put together a lodging/training package together for you if needed. Please contact me to find out more.