How do I get my

Private Pilot License?

✈️ Your Flight Path to a Private Pilot License

Here's a look at the key phases of training:

1. Pre-Solo Phase: Building the Basics

Your journey begins with learning the fundamentals of flight. You’ll gain confidence with each lesson as you develop essential skills like:

• Intro to Private Pilot flight maneuvers

• Trim and aircraft control

• Smooth, coordinated turns

• Slow flight and Stalls

• Takeoffs and landings

• Radio communication

• Situational awareness

• Safety procedures and emergency planning

Once you’ve built a solid foundation, your instructor will guide you toward your first solo flight ~ a milestone you’ll never forget.

Before soloing, you’ll also pass the FAA Written Exam to demonstrate your ground knowledge.

2. Cross-Country Phase: Expanding Your Horizons

After soloing, you'll begin flying to new airports and learning to navigate more independently. This stage includes:

• Preflight planning using charts, weather data, and performance calculations

• Fly to California destinations like Santa Maria (KSMX), Paso Robles (KPRB), Camarillo (KCMA), King City (KKIC), Santa Barbara (KSBA), Monterey (KMRY), and Oceano (L52)

• Practicing communication and airspace awareness at unfamiliar airports

• Your first solo cross-country flight, followed by an extended solo with stops at multiple airports

• A night cross-country with your instructor to expand your comfort zone

These flights help you sharpen your decision-making and navigation skills as you prepare for independent flying.

3. Checkride Prep: Polishing and Proving Your Skills

In the final phase, you’ll focus on reviewing everything you’ve learned and refining your maneuvers in preparation for the checkride.

Your FAA examiner (DPE) will examine your skills through:

• An oral exam covering regulations, systems, planning, and safety

• A practical flight test including takeoffs, landings (crosswind, soft field, short field), emergency procedures, and navigation skills

With solid preparation and support, you'll walk away from that checkride with your wings, a Private Pilot ~ ready to take on the skies.

"How long does the process take?"

While the FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours to become a Private Pilot, the national average is between 60-70 hours. Our students average around 55 hours for students who are flying consistently 2-3x per week and studying often.

The average student flies 2-3 times per week and earns their license in 4-6 months depending on their study skills, aptitude, and abilities.

We offer a 3-month accelerated training programs for qualified students who are available to train 4-5x per week and have the written exam completed before beginning training.

"How much does it cost?"

• Flight Instruction (40 hours @ $90/hr): $3,600

• Aircraft Rental (55 hours @ $195/hr): $10,725

• Ground Instruction (20-30 hours @ $90/hr): $1,800-$2,700

• Online Ground School: $200

  Estimated Total Cost:

  $16,125-$17,225

• Please note this is an estimate, and actual training programs may be less or more, and vary student to student

• Estimate not including DPE Examiner fee, Headset, and Additional Study Materials

"Is private pilot training right for me?"

Whether you’re 13 or 65, dreaming of weekend getaways, mountain flying, or a future airline career — this is where it starts.
If you’re curious, coachable, and ready to commit to the journey, we’ll meet you where you’re at and support you every step of the way.

Pacific Sky Aviation is a great fit if:

✅ You’re excited to challenge yourself, learn an invaluable new skill, and grow
✅ You’re ready to commit time and focus each week
✅ You value clear instruction, supportive culture, and safety
✅ You're pursuing a career in aviation or checking off a lifelong dream
✅ You're 14, 76, or anywhere in between—it's never too late to fly

We’ve worked with hobbyists, Cal Poly students, mid-life career changers, and future airline captains. No matter your path, you’ll be met with encouragement, structure, and a community that believes in your potential.