Buy a Discovery Flight
PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE

Become a
Private Pilot

Start your journey with the certificate every pilot earns first.

Start Your Training
Private Pilot Training

What Can You Do with a Private Pilot Certificate?

Fly for Fun

Enjoy the freedom to explore from a whole new perspective. Take scenic flights, travel to new destinations, attend aviation events, or simply enjoy flying with friends and family.

Travel More Efficiently

Many private pilots use general aviation to reach destinations that commercial airlines don’t serve, reduce travel time, and enjoy greater flexibility for personal and business travel.

Rent and Fly a Variety of Aircraft

As a private pilot, you’ll have access to rent aircraft from American Flight Schools’ fleet and continue building experience long after you’ve earned your certificate.

Continue Your Flight Training

Your Private Pilot Certificate is the prerequisite for advanced ratings and endorsements, including:

  • Instrument Rating
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • Tailwheel, mountain flying, technically advanced aircraft, and other specialty endorsements

What You'll Learn

Our FAA-approved curriculum combines classroom knowledge with hands-on flight instruction to build safe, confident pilots.

CLASSROOM
Ground School

Develop the foundational knowledge every pilot needs.

TOPICS INCLUDE
  • FAA regulations
  • Aerodynamics
  • Navigation
  • Flight planning
  • Aircraft systems
  • Weather
  • Radio communications
  • Safety/aeronautical decision making
IN THE AIRCRAFT
Flight Training

Apply what you’ve learned with instruction from a CFI.

YOU'LL MASTER SKILLS INCLUDING
  • Preflight Inspection
  • Takeoffs and landings
  • Navigation
  • Cross-country flying
  • Taxiing
  • Basic flight maneuvers
  • Emergency procedures
  • Solo flight
WHERE IT CAN TAKE YOU

Your Certificate Is Step One

The Private Pilot Certificate is the first step toward advanced ratings and professional aviation.

1YOU ARE HERE
Private Pilot
Certificate
Learn the fundamentals of flying and earn your first FAA certificate.
2ADVANCE SKILLS
Instrument
Rating
Expand your skills by flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
3GET PAID TO FLY
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Earn the FAA certificate required to be compensated for flying.
4BUILD FLIGHT HOURS
Flight Hour Requirements
Gain the experience required for your next career milestone. Many pilots pursue their CFI to build hours while getting paid to fly.
5LAUNCH CAREER
Professional Flying Careers
Use your training and experience to pursue careers with airlines, charter operators, corporate aviation, and more.

Time & Investment

Every pilot's experience is different.

Depending on choice of aircraft, frequency of training, training location, 3rd party check ride fees, previous experience, study habits, choice of training equipment will influence the range of pricing.

AOPA published guidance puts the all-in PPL range at $6,000 to $20,000, with $12,000 to $18,000 as the realistic mid-range for most students. Other current industry estimates for 2026 cluster around $10,000–$20,000+ depending on region, aircraft, and actual hours flown.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Many of our students begin with no prior aviation experience. Our Private Pilot Certificate program is designed to take you from your first flight through earning your certificate, regardless of your experience level.

To begin training, you’ll need:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or TSA approval
  • Training materials (we recommend the American Flight Schools Complete Essentials Bundle)

Before your first solo flight, you’ll also need:

  • FAA Third Class Medical Certificate
  • FAA Student Pilot Certificate

Students commonly train in Cessna 172s, Piper Warriors, Piper Archers, Diamond DA40s, and Seminole. Aircraft availability varies by location, giving students access to one of the largest and most diverse training fleets in the country.

Absolutely. Many of our students train while balancing work, school, or family commitments. Our flexible scheduling makes it possible to train at a pace that fits your lifestyle.

Yes. One of the most memorable milestones in flight training is your first solo flight. Before flying on your own, your instructor will ensure you’ve demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to fly safely.

Yes. Once you’ve earned your Private Pilot Certificate, you may fly passengers for personal and recreational purposes. While private pilots cannot be compensated for flying, passengers may share eligible flight expenses in accordance with FAA regulations.

A Discovery Flight is the perfect introduction to aviation if you’re unsure whether flight training is right for you. You’ll meet with a Certified Flight Instructor, take the controls of the aircraft, and experience what it’s like to fly before committing to training.

Still have questions about Private Pilot training?

Contact Our Team