Custom Training Plans

Private Pilot

  • Intro Flight. The process begins with an intro flight. It’s about an hour flight to give you an idea if you want to pursue training further.

  • FAA Medical. Get an FAA medical certificate—1st class for a career, 3rd class for hobby flying. Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) on the FAA website under Pilots & Airmen → Find an AME. Search by Location (you may need to use Olympia), set Designee Type to “AME” and Designation Types to “1st class” (1st-class AMEs can issue 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class medicals). Contact the listed AME to schedule an exam (similar to a sports physical). After the exam you’ll be certified as medically fit to fly.

  • Begin Flight Training. At this point we begin working on both ground, (knowledge), and flight training to get you to fly solo for the first time. You will learn radio communications, basic aircraft control, airspace requirements, emergency procedures, weather, and more. (Month 1-3)

  • First Solo Flight. Once passing a pre-solo written test provided by the instructor and after you are able to demonstrate proficiency in takeoffs, landings, traffic patterns, emergency procedures, and other related events, I will give you an endorsement to take your first solo flight around Chehalis. A huge milestone!!! You will now be able to fly solo under the restrictions imposed by the regulations and instructor judgement. (Month 2-4)

  • Cross-Country Training & FAA Written Exam. You’ll learn cross-country planning which covers navigation, fuel planning, airspace, weather, diversions, and more. Before starting this phase, you must pass the FAA written exam (70%+). After passing, complete day and night cross-country flights to meet experience/hour requirements, then a solo cross-country to three airports totaling at least 150 NM. (Month 4–7)

  • Checkride Prep and Final Requirements. At this stage we begin wrapping up with any final requirements needed before your final examination (Checkride). Most of the training now is to fine tune your flying and knowledge to prepare you for a checkride with a designated pilot examiner (DPE). Before sending you to take a checkride, we will have a mock checkride for you to get an idea of what the process is like and to assess if your ready to take the test. (Month 7-12)

  • Checkride. The final exam by a DPE for private pilot certification. It has oral and flight portions. The oral tests knowledge, decision‑making, and risk management. If you pass the oral, you fly with the examiner to demonstrate navigation, radio use, performance and ground‑reference maneuvers, takeoffs/landings, and all private pilot ACS tasks. It's pass/fail—continuing through the test means you’re passing; only failing requires a re‑test. (Month 8–12)

  • Congrats You are a Private Pilot. If all goes well the DPE will give you a temporary airmen certificate till you permanent one comes in the mail. Now it’s time to celebrate!

    Full timeline is somewhere between 8-12 months, but may be shorter or longer depending on the student and how often a week they have lessons.

    Cost

  • The minimum flight time required is 40 hours, but the national average is 60-70 hours.

  • Local Aircraft Rental Cost: $168/hour - $185/hour.

  • Instruction Hourly Rate: $85/hour (From when the engine is running, pre-flight and post-flight aren’t billed)

  • The following estimation is based on a minimum of 2 lessons per week. Expect training cost to increase by 10-20% if doing less than twice a week (Requires Re-learning)

  • $10,920- Aircraft Rental (65 Hours)x$168

  • $4,675- In-Flight Instruction (55 Hours)x$85

  • $1,700- Estimated Classroom Instruction (20 Hours)x$85

  • $175- fee for the FAA Written Test

  • $900-$1200- Checkride fee (Depending on examiner)

    Total Before Study Materials & Equipment-

    $18,670

  • ~$300- Online Ground School (Gold Seal Recommended; other options “King’s Schools & Sporty’s Learn to Fly”)

  • $130-$240 per Year- Foreflight Subscription (Starter Subscription for Leisure Flying. Essential Subscription for anything past Private Pilot) *iOS Only

  • $40- Aviation Sectional Plotter & E6B Flight Computer (Whiz Wheel Style)

  • $20- Foggles (View Limiting Device)

  • $300-$1,300 Dual Plug Aviation Headset (Price Varys depending on ANR & Bluetooth Functionalities) (Brand Ex. KORE KA-1, David Clark, Light Speed Zulu, Bose A30)

  • If Needed/Desired: iPad MINI w/ Cellular ~$700 + Cellular Line (Recommended) OR existing iPhone. ***(Don’t get a Normal iPad, it will be too large)

    Total for Study Materials & Equipment-

    $790-$1900 (With existing iOS Device)

    OR

    $1,490-$2,600 (No existing iOS Device)

    Total After Study Materials & Equipment-

    $19,460-$21,270 (Variation due to Equipment)

    • This is just an estimate, full cost can vary depending on student learning rate and time commitment.

    Schedule an Intro Flight Today!

Instrument Rating and Commercial Rating Timelines Coming Soon