Private Pilot Course

"Like anything truly worthwhile, pilot-hood is a journey."

AFI's Private Pilot Program can be easily broken down into three stages.

Deep inside, you know. You know you've always wanted to be a pilot. Probably even dreamed about it. After all, flying is true freedom, real autonomy. It removes boundaries, extends horizons. It brings you closer to those you love. And those places you love to be. It builds character. Confidence. Gives you an edge. But, most important, being a pilot is a great adventure.

Stage One- Learning to fly the airplane. Objective: First Solo Flight!  

During the first stage of training you will learn how to fly the airplane. This includes takeoffs and landings, basic aircraft maneuvers, basic navigation and basic radio communication. On average, it will take a student 15-20 hours of flight instruction before they make their first solo flight. This is just an average as every student is different. Some students might need less instruction and some students might need more. Your solo flight will consist of 2 or 3 takeoffs and landings here at Fullerton.

Stage Two- Cross Country Flight Operations. Objective: First Solo Cross-Country!  

Now that you know how to fly the airplane you will learn to fly in and out of different airports. This stage of training includes confidence building (by continued solo flights to local airports) and a more in depth look at different types of navigation and flight planning. A student will begin to participate in solo flights right around 40 hours. Locations for solo cross-country flights include Santa Barbara, San Diego, Palm Springs and many other interesting destinations.

Stage Three- Flight Test. Objective: Prepare for the FAA Checkride!  

Congratulations! You've made it so far and your Private Pilot™s Certificate is only a step away. During the third stage of training, you will learn to polish up all of the skills that you learned in the 1st and 2nd stages. Once finished, we will set you up with an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Examiner who will come to our facility and test your knowledge. After completing the Checkride (and passing) the examiner will hand you a temporary Pilot Certificate!

The Following Information contains approximate estimates for flight training at AFI. Every student is different and these cost estimates do not guarantee the individual certificates or ratings. They should be used only as a guide. Some students may require additional aircraft hours and instructional time. You should also be aware that (for the purpose of making this estimate more realistic) although FAA Minimums are 40 hours of flight time, our estimate is based off of 55 hours of flight time.

Private Pilot- Cost Estimate