The Private Pilot Program is intended for people who may be learning to fly as a hobby, personal business or who are planning to purchase their own aircraft. With your Private Pilot License you are allowed to take family, friends and co-workers on board your aircraft or the aircraft you are renting while acting as Pilot in Command. The only restriction to acting as a Private Pilot is you are not allowed by the FAA to be compensated for your skills. You must carry a Commercial Rating for compensation for hire.

The steps in obtaining your Private Pilot License are as follows:

1. Pass a written test given by the FAA.

2. Take a physical from an FAA certified examiner receiving a 1st Class, 2nd Class or 3rd Class Medical License. To receive your Private Pilot License, you are required to have a 3rd Class Medical. This will also become your student pilot license.

3. Pass an oral and flight test given by our on staff Designated Pilot Examiner.
     

Part 61 requirements:

Total Time:   40 hours which consists of at least-

A. Dual: 20 hours of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation that includes:

1. 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a helicopter;

2. 3 hours of night flight training in a helicopter, that includes at least-

a. 1 cross-country flight of over 50 nm. total distance; and

b. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern.

 3. 3 hours of flight training in a helicopter within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.

B. Solo: 10 hours of solo flying in a helicopter on the Private Pilot areas of operation, that includes:

1. 3 hours of solo cross-country flying;

2. 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nm. total distance with 3 points and one segment of at least 25 nm. between takeoff and landing; and

3. 3 takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport.

Part 141 requirements:

Total: 35 hours that consists of at least:

A. Dual:  20 hours in a helicopter on the Private Pilot areas of operations that includes at least-

1. 3 hours of cross-country training;

2. 3 hours night flight training that includes at least-

a. 1 cross-country flight of over 50 nm. total distance; and

b. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern.

3. 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.

B. Solo:  5 hours in a helicopter on the Private Pilot areas of operations that includes at least-

1. 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nm. total distance with 3 points and one segment of at least 25 nm. between takeoff and landing; and

2. 3 takeoffs and 3 landings at an airport with an operating control tower.