You have gone on an Introductory Flight and you have been bitten by the flying bug…you NEED to fly. The next step is to begin training to achieve a Private Pilot certificate. Becoming a Private Pilot requires hard work and dedication, but it will be a fulfilling endeavor and an incredibly fun one at that!

Training will consist of both classroom sessions on the ground as well as flight lessons in the aircraft. Flights will consist of both instructional flights and solo flights. You will have to have a FAA medical exam, pass the FAA knowledge exam test, and have all of the flight hour requirements met. Upon completion of all of the requirements, you will take the FAA flight exam with a Pilot Examiner, if you pass, you will earn your Private Pilot Certificate. 

In addition to the flying, you will have to complete a Ground School Class to prepare you for the FAA knowledge exam test.  Learn more about Beverly Flight Centers Ground School Class! 

The flight training may be conducted in our C172M, Piper Warrior II, Piper Warrior III, or Piper Archer II.

Learn about Part 141 Training and the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 here. 

What Can You Do With a Private Pilot License?

     As a Private Pilot you may operate an aircraft for pleasure during periods of good weather. You may not profit directly from flying. Pack the airplane up with a friend or two on a nice day and fly to Martha’s Vineyard for lunch!

Minimum Requirements To Obtain A Private Pilot License:

40 flight hours total (broken down into)

20 hours of flight instruction

3 hours of instruction on cross-country flying

3 hours of instruction on night flying

3 hours of instructing on instrument flying (simulated)

10 hours of solo flight 

5 hours of solo cross-country flying

FAA Medical Exam

FAA Knowledge Exam Test

FAA Flight Exam 

Keep in mind that the above are the minimum requirements set forth by the FAA. Multiple factors will determine the actual number of hours necessary to complete the training. Based on current FAA data, nationwide the average student pilot will achieve the license in 65 hours of total flight time.