The Private Pilot License page is where FAQ and starting info can be found.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

Where the journey begins…

• $190/hr - Aircraft (fuel included)

• $80/hr - Instructor

• $50/hr - Simulator (FREE when keeping current)

• 40 hours minimum to qualify for license (6 months - 1.5yrs average completion, some students achieve in less than 6 months)

• Discounts available

The Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) is the first step into the world of aviation and is equivalent to getting your basic driver’s license. It allows you to fly an airplane, and it grants you access to all of the public airports in the U.S. With a PPL, you can fly for personal transport, sport and pleasure, and you can carry passengers such as friends and family. A PPL, however does not allow you to fly for-profit, or in any business capacity where you would be making money from use of your PPL. If you want to make money as a pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, in addition to a private pilot license.

In order to get a the Private Pilot Certificate, you are required to have a minimum of 40 flight hours, pass a FAA written exam, and successfully pass an oral and flight exam with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). Sky Rider Aviation offers a thorough, comprehensive, and flexible curriculum that includes both flight training hours, as well as ground school, in order to successfully become a pilot.

In addition, while it is not required, we highly recommend that you commit to at least 2 flights training experiences per week for the most effective and efficient skill building, in order to finish in a reasonable time frame and to save you money in the long run.

We provide resources to complete the enrollment process once you sign up!

Enrollment Requirement

1. Student minimum age to receive a license is 17 years old. Training, however, can start at any age (our youngest student is 13!)

2. Must be a U.S. Citizen or Foreign National with TSA flight training clearance

3. Must produce a valid passport, or a birth certificate with valid drivers license

4. Be able to read, write, and speak English at ICAO level 4 for non-native English speakers

5. Healthy physical status. Must pass a class 3 FAA approved physical exam before solo flight

6. Must obtain aircraft renters insurance in the amount of $80k in order to pilot aircraft

Sky Rider Aviation New Student Checklist:

•   Obtain an F.A.A. Medical Certificate

•     Submit application in I.A.C.R.A. for a Student Pilot Certificate

•      Bring unexpired Passport or Birth Certificate (original with raised seal)

•      Bring Valid Driver’s License or Government-Issued Photo I.D.

•      Acquire aircraft renters’ insurance (minimum $80K in coverage)

•      Complete Flight Schedule Pro Account

•      Review and Sign Sky Rider Aviation S.O.P. and Renters Agreement

•      Obtain Logbook (can be purchased from Sky Rider)

•     Sporty's Ground School (purchase through Sky Rider at discounted rate):
  https://courses.sportys.com/training/portal/home/learn

This list covers the preliminary steps needed to begin training at Sky Rider Aviation. Many items on this list are required by law in order for us to begin your pilot instruction. If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

Program Time & Costs

The student is required to have at least 40 hours of flight time ($10,800). However, the average private pilot in America takes 65-70 hours of flight training to achieve their private pilot's license. Each student is different and the program will be tailored to their personal needs.

Please, also keep in mind that the time to complete the PPL is estimated based on average hours of a frequently flying student (2-3 times a week). 

Besides flight training costs, additional costs may include pilot supplies (headset, books, etc.) and exams. 

There are NO hidden fees of any kind. Aviation is expensive enough as is for the Student and for Sky Rider. We do not issue fuel surcharges. We do not mandate uniforms or require that pilot equipment be purchased though the school. We do not issue any other form of hidden fees commonly associated with flight schools. Sky Rider Prices are:

• $190/hr - Aircraft (fuel included)

• $80/hr - Instructor

• $80/hr - Simulator (FREE when keeping current)

• Credit Card fee and Sales Tax where applicable

Additional pilot equipment (headphones, logbook, etc.) are available for purchase at Sky Rider Aviation. We can provide most flight gear at DISCOUNTED prices.

While this equipment is mandatory for flight, students may purchase from the vendor of their choice.  

Discounts & Tips for Reducing Costs

Discounts can be Stacked!*

• 5% off aircraft rental for qualified social media posts

• 5% off aircraft rental - Military/First Responder

• 5% bonus credit for payments of $3000

• 10% bonus credit for payment of course in full (70hrs)

  (Note: If student requires more than 70hrs to complete course they will be charged at the normal hourly rate)

• Consistent weekly lessons and commitment to ground school “homework” often reduces overall costs

• Students that take advantage of flight simulators usually reduce their training time while saving their hard-earned money

• Earn flight hours at a reduced rate by using Sky Rider’s FAA approved simulator

• Monthly payments with Flight Training Finance costs approximately the same amount as two lessons ($400-500 a month). In return they will pay for 12-16 lessons (worth $3240-4320 approx.) a month

  (*Restrictions Apply)
  
  
  

Private Ground School

Ground school is an essential part of flight training and students are required to pass FAA written exam to obtain their private pilot licenses. We offer courses through Sporty’s online school, which can be used in conjunction with an in person flight instructor, at a rate of $80/hr.