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Rainbow Amid Clouds

Private Pilot

The Private Pilot License is a US Government certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which allows you to operate a private aircraft in the American airspace. It allows a broad set of aircraft operating privileges as shown below. The Private Pilot certificate allows aviation operations in a wide variety of aircraft, with passengers, in all airspace, and at any time of day given appropriate weather.

Ascend focuses on this certification because it offers greater proficiency and fewer restrictions than lessor certificates (Namely, Sport and Recreational Pilot certificates) offered under FAA regulations.

To obtain your PPL you must be a US Citizen, at least 17-years old (16 for solo flight), and be able to read, write, and speak English. The FAA also requires specific training to be accomplished, both ground instruction and flight instruction (dual and solo), along with the completion of the FAA knowledge test. The final step is a practical evaluation by a designated FAA examiner which consists of an oral discussion of knowledge areas and a flight evaluation of required manuevers.

Ascend Aviation provides all the necessary training for the Private Pilot’ Certificate.

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Note: Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.  In the form of U.S Passport or Birth Certificate with a photo ID.

Private Pilot Training Requirements

Total flight time: 40 hours

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Dual:

  • 20 hours of flight training with an        instructor

  • 3 hours of cross-country flight            training

  • 3 hours of night flight training

    • 1    cross-country flight training

    • 10 Take off's and 10 landings to a full stop in the traffic pattern

  • 3 hours of flight training by instruments

  •  3 hours of flight training within the 60 days of the test

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Solo:

  • 10 hours minimum of solo flying

  •  5 hours of solo cross country flying

  •  1 solo cross-country of a least 50nm

  •  1 solo cross-country of at least 150nm with full stop landings at 3 points

  • 3 take off's and landings to a full stop at a controlled airport

Privileges /

Cerificate Type

Requires FAA Medical              Yes

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Aircraft size limits     

          Less than 12,500lbs

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More than one passenger       Yes carried                                     

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Minimum flight training

required                                 40 hrs

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Night flight authorized             Yes

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Flight outside the US               Yes

authorized

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Sightseeing, Charity,                 Yes

Community flights

Price Breakdown

Private Pilot Certificate

The times listed below are FAA minimums and can be accomplished for those who are able to concentrate their efforts on their training. However, Ascend understands that many of our customers must juggle other responsibilities with their flight training. Ascend will work with you to conduct your individual flight training in and around your other important lifestyle activities – not a problem!

  • Aircraft rental – 40 to 55 hours,                                               $10,000 to $13,750

  • Flight Instructor – 50 to 60 hours,                                             $4,250 to $5,100

  • Medical exam –     $150

  • Written exam –      $175

  • ·Headset & other flight gear (Maps, Flight Computer, Electronic Flight Bag ect)– Cost Varies*

  • Non-owned renters’ insurance required for solo flights –       $500

  • ·FAA check flight –   $800

 

         Approx Total:   $16,075 – $20,675 

 

​Note: The price of headsets and flight gear can vary dramatically depending on personal taste and features.  Your CFI will guide you through the options.

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Ascend's Aviation aircraft is more powerful and complex, therefore, the rental pricing is slightly more than low elevation schools.

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