THE Adirondack Aviators Flying Company
A Division of The Northeast Aviation Concept LLC
KPBG - Plattsburgh, NY!
Private Pilot
Plattsburgh, NY - Waterbury, CT
Private Pilot Requirement
“An informative view”
Fourth Edition 12-10-07
From: Flight Instructor’s Desk To: Anyone interested
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), requires that all private pilot applicants meet certain standards and obtain specific training before being able to obtain a private pilot license/certificate. These rules are regulated under what is called the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s). Below are some FARs pertaining to private pilot certification.
FAR 61.103 Eligibility requirements
(a) The applicant must be at least 17 years of age to obtain certification. There is no minimum age required by the FAA to start the training.
(b) Have the ability to read, speak, and understand the English language.
(c) Hold a current third class medical (obtained by a local doctor).
(d) Obtain a 70 or greater on a required written test showing aeronautical knowledge.
(e) Pass an oral exam and flight test on flight procedures and maneuvers selected by an FAA inspector or examiner.
Once all of the above is met, the applicant then becomes a licensed private pilot!
*An additional information package is available to those who want a more informative perspective about the training requirements.
FAR 61.107 Required flight proficiency
The applicant for a private pilot certificate must have logged instruction from an authorized flight instructor in at least the following pilot operations. In addition, his/her logbook must contain an endorsement by an authorized flight instructor who has found him/her competent to perform each of those operations safely as a private pilot.
(a) Preflight operations, including weight and balance determination, line inspection, and airplane servicing.
(b) Airport and traffic pattern operations, including operations at controlled airports, radio
communications, and collision avoidance precautions.
(c) Flight maneuvering by reference to ground objects.
(d) Flight at slow airspeeds with realistic distractions, and recovery from stalls entered from
straight flight and from turns.
(e) Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings.
(f) Control and maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including radio
aids or radar directives.
(g) Cross country flying (destination more than 50 nm from departure), using pilotage, dead
reckoning, and radio aids, including at least one 2-hour flight doing so, and a dual night
cross country.
(h) Maximum performance takeoffs and landings
(i) Night flying, including takeoffs and landings, VFR navigation.
(j) Emergency operations, including simulated aircraft and equipment failures.
61.109 Airplane rating: Required aeronautical experience
An applicant training for a private pilot certificate (license) in an airplane must have at least the following aeronautical experience (flying time in aircraft).
(a) A minimum of 20 hours of flight instruction from an authorized instructor, including at least- (1) 3 hours of cross-country flight. (2) 3 hours of flight at night including ten takeoffs and landings for applicants seeking night flying privileges. (3) A dual cross-country flight at night with an instructor. (4) 3 hours of simulated instrument training time (5) 3 hours in airplanes in preparation for the private pilot practical test within 60 calendar days prior to that test.
(b) At least 10 hours of solo flight time, to include at least-
(1) 10 hours of flight in airplanes (2) 5 hours of cross-country flight (3) Three solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.
(c) This leaves 10 hours of required flight time to be completed either by dual or solo flight time.
Note: A landing at a point more than 50 nautical miles from the original departure point is logged as a cross-country flight.
(a) One cross country flight must be at least 150 nautical miles with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is at least 50 miles from the original departure point.
(b) Flight simulators can also be used toward certification. An applicant applying for private pilot certification can log up to 2.5 hours of simulator time under part 61 operations.
If the private pilot applicant does not wish to obtain “night flying” privileges, then the section requiring night training is not necessary. This applicant will then have on his/her pilot certificate “night flying prohibited”.
What will this cost the student to complete the training?
The minimum amount of time that must be logged by the student, as listed above, is forty hours. This must include a minimum of twenty training hours with the instructor in the aircraft and ten hours of solo flight time. The following are current aircraft and instruction prices as of 11/01/2007. These prices are subject to change. All prices include fuel. Seldom does a student finish the required training and is prepared enough to take the final flight-test in only 40 hours. The average student usually logs around sixty to seventy hours before becoming proficient with all of the training.
PRICES:
Cessna 152 (2 seats) $81.00/per flight hour
Cessna 172 (4 seats) $98.00/per flight hour
Simulator $30.00/per use hour
Instructor $45.00/per use hour
How long is the average lesson?
The average flight lesson usually ends up around 1.3 hours of flight time with the aircraft and 1.5 hours with the instructor. If using a Cessna 172, @ 98.00/hr. The price for the aircraft on a 1.3-hour flight would be around one hundred-thirty dollars. The price for the instructor for 1.5 hours @ 45.00/hr. would be $67.50. These two prices are then added together, plus tax, giving the total price of the lesson. Please keep in mind that this is only an average lesson. Some lessons will be longer and some will be shorter. Also keep in mind that depending on the type of aircraft used, the price will either increase or decrease.
How long does the entire training course take?
Excluding weather, which will surely cancel some lessons along the way, this usually will depend on the student schedule and commitment. The more time the student wants to spend training, the faster it is completed. Estimating a student taking at least two lessons a week and spending some additional time alone studding, the program usually takes around six months to complete.
What is the estimated total cost to complete the training?
The minimum cost to the student (Required by the FAA) is as follows:
20 hours with an instructor in the aircraft $2520.00
20 hours of solo time in the aircraft(C-152) $1620.00
10 hours of ground school time with instructor $ 450.00 (recommended)
Estimated cost for books $ 195.00
FAA Written exam $ 80.00
FAA Flight test $ 375.00
Grand Total $ 5240.00
The estimated average cost based on the majority of student pilots is as follows:
30 hours with an instructor in the aircraft……………$ 3780.00
30 hours solo time in the aircraft (C-152)……………..$ 2430.00
10 hours ground school with instructor………………..$ 450.00
Estimated cost for books……………………………..........$ 195.00
FAA tests……………………………………………..................$ 355.00
Estimated Grand Total……………………………..........…..$ 7210.00
*Be aware of those flight schools who push you into training without talking about the cost! The Adirondack Aviator's Associations prices are extremely competitive and firm. No hidden costs! Rental prices are wet meaning they include fuel. (a new aviation term for you)
Also note that once you have earned your private pilot certificate, it will be good forever! It will never expire! This makes your training an investment and not a cost. In some cases, your flight training may also be tax deductible. Well worth the price!
What is flying all about and what can I do with a private pilot certificate?
Many pilots fly for a living, while others fly primarily for enjoyment. When pilots are asked what they’ve accomplished by obtaining their private pilot certificate, several thoughts usually run through their minds. For me, the first thought was that I have accomplished a goal that many have dreamed of but never taken the time to complete. Due to that I have been able to feel the freedom a bird feels every time it soars through the sky. I have also been able to visit Block Island and Nantucket as often as I feel in less than half, if not more, the time it takes to drive. In fact, it wasn’t until I got my pilot license that I actually went to these places for the first time! The ability to travel with no traffic, no radar traps and no traffic jams or ferry lines is only an opportunity only a pilot can take advantage of! After I had my private pilot license for a few months and I became comfortable flying farther distances without the presence of my flight instructor, a few of my friends and I decided to go to Martha’s Vineyard for the day. After shopping and being at the beach all day, realizing the time we saved by flying our own rented aircraft, we were then able to go to Atlantic City for the night life. Returning home that night, I remember saying to my self, “this truly is a dream come true”. Later that year (winter season), several of us traveled to Vermont to go skiing. Not only did we get there with less hassle, we were also able to view some of the prettiest scenery and witness one of the most spectacular sunsets ever seen. Not to mention it seemed to make the two day skiing trip that much more enjoyable! Keep in mind, that every pilot is different. Some use aviation as a gateway to enter an entirely different world of peace and enjoyment. Several years ago, when I was doing my training in Florida, another pilot had told me of a flight he had taken in the local area with his family. Except for the pilot, everyone was in the air for their first time. The family was so excited from the flight; all that was talked about for the next week at the dinner table was when they were going to fly next. He then told me that this led to his family spending much more time together.
Now here’s the great part. Once you get you private pilot certificate, you will be authorized to fly anywhere in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and much more! Just imagine the potential here.
Flying creates opportunities that will only open doors to a new and exciting world. Only the people who have that so called “strive to achieve” know what it’s really like to obtain real freedom. The freedom of flying!
How can a pilot license help manage my time effectively?
The easiest way to answer this question is by simply stating the facts. Lets assume we are flying in a Piper Saratoga. This is a six seat single-engine aircraft that can be operated by a private pilot that has a high performance and complex endorsement. If we depart Waterbury-Oxford Airport (OXC), in just under an hour, we can be in the Cape, upstate New York or Vermont, Martha’s Vineyard, ect. The non-pilot would spend between four to five hours of driving time, if not six hours, to reach these places each way. This is a savings of between two and eight hours per trip. For those interested in aviation for business purposes, your time is essential! By saving time, you will save your company money! It’s also nice to be able to save your clients time and money by arranging their transportation through your expertise!
How can I decide if flying is for me?
The first step in determining whether or not flying is for you, is by calling your local flight school and scheduling for an introductory flight lesson. During the lesson, the student receives an introduction to the aircraft to include how it works and flies. This will also consist of some good hands on experience flying the aircraft. The NEAC offers this flight to the student for the low cost of only 119.95 + tax, a good deal, with not much of an investment, for the person who hasn’t yet witnessed the wonderful experience of general aviation flying! The first step (as mentioned earlier), to flight training, is taking advantage of an introductory lesson. After that lesson, it’s time to pick a flight instructor that will understand you and is flexible to your schedule. When picking your flight instructor, it is important that you listen to the comments he or she has to say. If you have any questions about the training, ask the instructor. If you find it difficult to understand the instructor, ask for a better explanation to the question. If you still can’t understand, then perhaps another instructor might be more suitable for your specific needs.
How can I get involved in flying and begin the training?
Make sure to check the availability of your instructor’s schedule. It becomes very important throughout the training that your schedules do not conflict on a regular basis. Most likely, weather conditions will cancel enough flights. You shouldn’t have to worry about your instructor doing the same. Be sure to ask about your instructor’s long-term goals. Many flight instructors plan to fly for an airline. Some still have a few years remaining and others only a few weeks. If you start your training with an instructor about to get a job with an airline, you must keep in mind when that goal is reached, he/she will be on their way. What does this mean to the student? Simple! You’ll have to find another instructor and then cover items you have already gone over. This becomes not only time consuming, but also a financial burden! Though keep in mind, that there are also many instructors that just love to teach! If you find one, you’ll be guaranteed top-notch instruction.
Finally, check to see if the flight school uses one instructor per person. Several large schools will use several of their instructors to train you. Coming from hand on experience, this will make it more difficult to focus on the learning process. To enhance your skills, remember the following tip: During your training you should have one primary instructor… not four! If other instructors are used from time to time, then your flight instructor should select those instructors. They should also report to your primary flight instructor about your lesson and progress.
How can I help manage the cost of flight instruction? 
Many flight schools may offer package deals. It becomes a good idea to select the ones that do. The Adirondack Aviators© offers a package that allows members more ease financially. If the student invests $1,500.00 towards his/her flight training, The NEAC will credit your account with one free hour of airplane rental! That saves the student over one hundred dollars! Now lets put that savings into effect over the entire flight-training package. You’re now looking at a potential savings of six hundred dollars! Another option the student/member has with The Adirondack Aviators© is the pay as you go program. This also satisfies the needs of the student who doesn’t fly as often. This program is simple. You go for a flight and you pay for it when the lesson is over. It is best to speak with your flight instructor about your options. He/she can help.
What does an FAA medical exam consist of?
After you have decided that flying is for you, it will become necessary that you obtain a current medical examination certificate, otherwise known as the FAA medical. The FAA medical is required prior to you flying an aircraft without the instructor on board. This certificate can be obtained by going to a local doctor, once every two or three years (depending on your age) that has been approved by the FAA to administer such a test. Not all doctors are authorized to administer the medical exam and it becomes important to talk with your flight instructor about any doctors he/she is familiar with. Most instructors will have a list of medical examiners. The typical cost for this exam is around $130.00 - $175.00. Click on the image below to find a local doctor and get started!
After obtaining my private certification, what other training can I become involved with? 
Many pilots continue to pursue an additional amount of training after getting their private pilot certification. The next step would be to begin your instrument flight training. This rating will allow you, as a pilot, to fly in low visibility, otherwise known as instrument conditions. If you are not interested in the instrument training at this time, there are several different endorsements you can receive to add to your private certification. These following endorsements are easily obtained through extended training with an endorsed instructor. A high performance endorsement will allow you to fly aircraft with an engine having 200+ horsepower. A complex endorsement allows you to operate an aircraft with a retractable landing gear and/or a movable, other wise known as, a constant speed propeller. A tail wheel endorsement will allow you to fly tail wheel aircraft. These endorsements can be accomplished in as little as one week per endorsement.
How safe is flying? 
I’m always happy when someone asks me this question, because it’s simple to answer! General Aviation travel is by far the safest way to travel! All of our aircraft are required to go through rigorous inspections every 100 hours of operation. The airplanes must also be inspected annually to FAA standards. Then on top of that, every time one of our instructors fly our aircraft, they must fully inspect the plane prior to flight and report any discrepancies to our chief flight instructor or mechanic. Also the technological advances of navigation, autopilots and a well-organized air traffic control service have increased aviation safety twice as much!! Aviation is very safe, especially when you’re the one in command of the plane!
In aviation, there is no limit to what you can accomplish. Your only limit is never getting involved!!!
Call The NEAC's Adirondack Aviator's today for more information and start accomplishing your dreams and goals!!!
Are you already a private pilot? Perhaps you’re seeking an Instrument Rating or Commercial Certificate? Give The NEAC a call and speak to an instructor or schedule a tour.
If you are already a commercial pilot and looking for experience and excitement, then how about joining our team and becoming a Certified Flight Instructor! Interested? If so, please let us know.
This document is copyright ® protected under The Northeast Aviation Concept ®. Only The Adirondack Aviators Flying Association© has been given authority of its use.
Supplement 1
Updated March 30th, 2006
(For the Private Pilot Requirements & Instrument Rating Information Packages)
Due to the increase security awareness after September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has mandated that flight schools comply with the requirements of 49 CFR 1552.
In order to comply with 49 CFR 1552, the following requirements must be met BEFORE a student will be allowed to START flight training.
U.S. Born:
1. Must provide a copy of either a birth certificate or a passport verifying U.S.
Citizenship.
2. Must obtain a log book entry from an instructor conforming that the above
mentioned information was provided.
Naturalized U.S. Citizen:
1. Must provide a copy of either a passport or naturalization certificate verifying
U.S. Citizenship.
2. Must obtain a log book entry from an instructor conforming that the above
mentioned information was provided.
Non-U.S. Citizen:
- Must get approval from the TSA to begin training
- Go to https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov
- Click on “New Account” under AFSP Training
- Fill out information requested. You will receive an email giving you a password so that you can complete the AFSP Training.
- Complete the AFSP Training
- Pay the $130.00 processing fee to the TSA online via a credit card
- Go to https://www.tsc-esc.com/printoffices/
- Contact your local police agency and complete the fingerprinting process
NOTE: After the fingerprinting process is completed, you will receive an email from the TSA approving or denying your request for flight training. Sometimes a request is initially denied because of the paperwork being filled out incorrectly. In this case, it is still possible to get approval for training after the corrections are made to the paperwork and re-submitted to The TSA. The entire approval process can take anywhere from a few hours up to two months to complete.
NOTE 2: All information provided to the flight school will be kept on record throughout the training duration. If for some reason the training is stopped, the information will remain on file at the flight school for up to 36 months from the day the information was provided.
Plattsburgh, NY - Waterbury, CT
