Earn Your Private Pilot Certificate
Ready to take flight—seriously? The Private Pilot Certificate is the foundation of all pilot training and the most common first step toward a life in aviation. Whether you’re aiming for a professional flying career or simply want to fly for personal travel and adventure, this course equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to fly safely and independently.
Our Private Pilot Course is designed to guide you from your very first lesson through your FAA checkride. You’ll train one-on-one with experienced, certified flight instructors who are committed to your success. The course covers all required elements: flight maneuvers, navigation, cross-country flying, emergency procedures, and aeronautical decision-making—along with the ground knowledge needed to pass the FAA written exam.
You’ll fly in well-maintained, modern training aircraft equipped with the tools you need to build strong, transferable skills. As you progress, you’ll gain experience in controlled and uncontrolled airspace, day and night flying, and cross-country planning and execution. Every flight lesson builds on the last, reinforcing your proficiency and preparing you for real-world flying scenarios.
Our program is tailored to your schedule and learning pace, with flexible lesson times and personalized instruction. Most students complete the course in 3–6 months with consistent training, though part-time options are available for those balancing other commitments.
Upon completion, you’ll be licensed to fly single-engine aircraft under visual flight rules (VFR), carry passengers, and enjoy the freedom and independence that only a pilot’s license can offer. This certification also opens the door to advanced ratings, including Instrument, Commercial, and beyond.
Flight training isn’t just about flying—it’s about growing your confidence, discipline, and capability. If you’re ready to take control of your future, our Private Pilot Course is where it all begins.
At Hesler-Noble Flying School, most students earn their Private Pilot Certificate for $12,000 – $15,000. Your exact cost depends on how often you fly, how prepared you are for each lesson, and how quickly you master the required skills.
Typical Training Plan
While the FAA minimum flight time is 40 hours, the national average is closer to 60–70 hours. We plan for about 55 hours of flight time and 20 hours of ground instruction to get most students ready for the checkride.
Standard Rates:
Cessna 172: $175/hour
Cessna 150: $145/hour
Instruction (Flight or Ground): $75/hour
Block Commitment Discounts:
If you commit to a recurring lesson time and prepay in $2,500 blocks, you’ll save $10/hour on both airplane rental and instruction. That’s real savings over the course of your training.
Example Standard Package Estimate:
> 55 hrs in Cessna 172 @ $175/hr = $9,625
> 45 hrs of in-flight instruction @ $75/hr = $3,375
> 20 hrs of ground instruction @ $75/hr = $1,500
> Estimated Total: $14,500 (plus books, supplies, medical, knowledge test, and checkride fees)
With Block Commitment Savings:
> 55 hrs in Cessna 172 @ $165/hr = $9,075
> 45 hrs of in-flight instruction @ $65/hr = $2,925
> 20 hrs of ground instruction @ $65/hr = $1,300
> Estimated Total: $13,300 (plus extras)
Plan on these extra costs:
If you don't buy your own headset
> Private Pilot Test Prep Books = $60.00
> FAA Written Test = $175.00
> Practical Test with FAA Examiner = $800 (varies depending on the examiner)
> FAA Medical = $150.00
> Total Extra Costs = $1,185.00
How to Keep Your Costs Down
> Fly Often: 2–3 lessons per week helps you retain skills and train faster.
> Come Prepared: Study before lessons so more time is spent flying, not re-teaching.
> Ask Questions: Clear up confusion quickly so you don’t repeat lessons.
We’ll work with you to make your training as efficient and affordable as possible—without cutting corners on safety or quality.
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