Private
Pilot Course

To start your journey toward a Private Pilot License, you’ll need to meet a few basic eligibility requirements set by the FAA. Here at Universal Flight Training, we help guide you through this process, which includes obtaining a third-class medical certificate (or higher) from an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. This medical clearance ensures you’re ready to begin training and handle the responsibilities of flying.

In addition to the medical exam, you’ll need to be at least 17 years old and able to read, speak, write, and understand English. Once cleared, you’re ready to start flight training!

With ground school underway, your flight training begins! Universal Flight Training offers 40 hours of aircraft time, 20 of which will be conducted with an instructor. During these flights, you’ll learn essential maneuvers such as takeoffs, landings, climbs, descents, and turns, gaining confidence and control as you progress. In addition, you’ll practice emergency procedures and work on honing your skills to meet FAA standards.

As part of the 40 hours, you’ll also complete at least 3 hours of simulated instrument training and 3 hours of night flying, essential skills for safe, well-rounded piloting.

Part of the PPL requirements includes cross-country flights and additional night training. At Universal Flight Training, we provide guided cross-country training to prepare you for navigating longer flights to unfamiliar airports. You’ll plan routes, monitor fuel consumption, communicate with various air traffic controllers, and handle weather challenges along the way.

Night flying training is also essential. It helps you build confidence in navigating and operating in reduced visibility. These skills expand your capability to fly in different conditions and prepare you for real-world situations you’ll encounter as a licensed pilot.

The final step is the checkride, an FAA-administered test that includes both an oral and practical exam. During the oral portion, you’ll demonstrate your knowledge of aviation principles, regulations, and safety procedures. In the practical portion, you’ll perform a series of flight maneuvers with an FAA examiner to showcase your flying skills.

At Universal Flight Training, our instructors prepare you thoroughly for this assessment, providing mock checkrides and personalized feedback to help you succeed. Once you pass, you’ll receive your Private Pilot Certificate and can act as PIC in a single-engine airplane under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).