Private Pilot Certificate

A Private Pilot Certificate allows the holder to fly a vast range of aircraft in weather conditions deemed to be VFR (Visual Meteorological Conditions) in most airspace in the United States (and certain other parts of the world).   You may carry passengers and baggage but you can not fly for compensation or hire.   However, operating expenses may be shared with your passengers.

At Angel City Flyers your training for the private pilot certificate is conducted in a state of the art Diamond DA40 aircraft (Diamond Star).   This airplane incorporates the very latest technology including glass cockpit displays, satellite navigation, satellite weather and autopilot.   Our course exceeds the FAA requirements for the issuance of a private pilot certificate and as a graduate of our Private Pilot course; you will also be issued with an FAA FITS certificate for proficiency in a Technically Advanced Aircraft.

During your training, we teach you to make the best of the technology available in the aircraft without becoming dependent upon it.

The private pilot certificate is composed of a number of distinct phases including:

  1. Aircraft General Handling
  2. First Solo
  3. Proficiency Development, Night Operations
  4. Cross Country Navigation
  5. First Solo Cross Country
  6. Flight Skill Consolidation
  7. Practical Test

It is also necessary to pass a knowledge test prior to taking the practical test.   Study for the knowledge test is a combination of self study (books, CD ROMS, DVD) and classroom based training from a flight instructor.

Pilot Knowledge test subject areas

  • Aircraft Systems and Aerodynamics
  • Airport
  • ATC operations
  • Airspace
  • Aviation Regulations
  • Airplane Performance and Weight and Balance
  • Aeromedical Factors
  • Weather and Weather Services
  • Navigation
  • Navigation Systems and Charts
  • Cross Country Flight Planning
  • Single Pilot Cockpit Resource Management

Prerequisites to Beginning Your Training

  1. Be able to read and write the English language
  2. Be able to obtain an FAA third class medical
  3. Be at least 17 years of age at the time of the practical test

Course Duration

For those who can train on a full time basis it takes approximately 4 – 5 weeks to complete the Private Pilot Certificate.   Those who can train only twice a week may take up to eight months to complete.   The key to achieving your private pilot certificate in the least amount of time and expense is to fly as often as possible up to a maximum of twice a day, five days a week.

Course Price

Resource Unit Price Hours Total
Aircraft (DA40, Diamond Star) Dual $214 35 $7,490
Aircraft (DA40, Diamond Star) Solo $159 11.5 $1,828.50
Ground Instruction, Flight Briefings $55 35 $1,925
Flight Training Device (with instructor) $165 1.5 $247.50.
TOTAL $11,491.00
Package Price $10,900.00


The course requires a $1000 deposit on booking. To benefit from the package price, the balance is due on course commencement.   The balance can also be paid be on a pay as you go basis whilst maintaining a positive balance on account.   Please note that we train to proficiency and as a consequence it may be possible that the training required will exceed the totals above.   In such a case, we will bill at the appropriate Angel City Flyers rates for any excess training.

Other expenses include

  • Books and training materials – approx. $400
  • Personal flying equipment – minimally $300
  • Medical – approx. $80
  • Knowledge Test fee – approx. $100
  • Practical Test Fee – approx. $500

If you have any questions regarding this or other courses, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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