Private Pilot

Private Pilot Training at Highlands Aero

Embark on your aviation journey with Highlands Aero's Private Pilot Certificate Program, the gateway to the skies for enthusiasts and aspiring professional pilots alike. Whether you’re dreaming of flying for leisure or laying the foundation for a career in aviation, this is where it all begins.

Privileges of a Private Pilot Certificate

Fly for personal or recreational purposes.
Carry passengers on flights, whether it’s taking family and friends for a scenic tour or traveling for personal business.
Conduct flights related to a business (non-compensated), or with passengers sharing pro-rata expenses such as fuel and rental costs.

While private pilots cannot be compensated for piloting services, this certificate opens the door to more advanced ratings and career pathways.

What You’ll Learn

Our program provides the comprehensive knowledge and skills you need to fly confidently and safely:

Mastery of basic and advanced flight maneuvers.
Navigation techniques, including pilotage, dead reckoning, and GPS.
Familiarity with airspace, weather interpretation, and aviation regulations.
Emergency procedures and operational decision-making.

Training Structure

Our training is tailored to fit your schedule and maximize your learning experience:

Lesson Duration: Typically, 3-hour sessions include:
- Pre-flight briefing.
- 1-2 hours of flight time.
- Post-flight debriefing and review.
Aircraft: Train on our modern fleet, including the Pipistrel Alpha Trainer — a reliable and efficient Light-Sport Aircraft. We also partner with Icarus TB&R who provide a Van's RV-12, and a Remos GX.
Progress Tracking: Your instructor will provide personalized feedback and guidance throughout your training.

By committing to at least two 3-hour lessons per week, most students achieve their Private Pilot Certificate in approximately 6 months, though this may vary based on individual progress.

Prerequisites

Before beginning your journey, there are a few requirements to meet:

Before Starting Training:

Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport or birth certificate) or TSA approval for non-U.S. citizens.
Enrollment in our Private Pilot Ground School or completion of an approved home-study course.

Before Your First Solo Flight:

Be 16 years old
Obtain at least a third-class medical certificate from an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner.
Secure a student pilot certificate through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system.

Before your final check ride, you will need to:

Be 17 years old
Have a minimum of 40 hours of flight time – including 20 hours of flight instruction and 10 hours of solo flight
Pass the FAA Private Pilot written exam
Learn basic flight maneuvers, take-offs and landings, cross-country flying, pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR and GPS navigation, and basic instrument flying
Learn aeronautical decision-making, safety of flight considerations, basic aviation weather information, basic aerodynamics, and airport operations

Why Train at Highlands Aero?

At Highlands Aero, we’re committed to providing:

Experienced Instructors: Learn from dedicated professionals passionate about teaching and aviation.
Modern Equipment: Our training aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics for a safe and realistic learning experience.
Flexible Scheduling: We work with you to accommodate your schedule and training needs.
Personalized Instruction: Tailored lessons that adapt to your learning pace and goals.

Cost of Training

While the total cost depends on your training pace and consistency, a typical training program includes:

Aircraft rental at $155/hour.
Instruction fees for ground and flight training.

We’ll provide a detailed estimate during your initial consultation.

Next Steps

Ready to take the first step? Start with a Discovery Flight to experience the thrill of flying firsthand. Our team will guide you through the process and help you achieve your aviation dreams.

Flight Lessons Costs