Private Pilot License (PPL) - Epic Flight Academy

Private Pilot License: 4 Steps to Your PPLUpdated January 24th, 20268-Minute ReadPlay Audio Version

What is a Private Pilot License?

Many people ask about PPL meaning. PPL stands for Private Pilot License. The Private Pilot certificate, internationally referred to as the Private Pilot License (PPL), is your first goal as a pilot. (Note: In the UK, this would be private pilot licence.) The PPL provides foundational knowledge and skills for all future aircraft pilot training. As a Private Pilot, you can fly an airplane day and night in visual flight conditions. In fact, you can even carry passengers, such as friends, family, and co-workers. Still, there are some restrictions. For instance, you cannot fly for paid compensation or hire. In other words, you can’t make money as a private pilot or look for actual jobs flying. However, you can share the operating expenses with your passengers. The PPL is your foundation course on a pathway to an airline pilot career where you can earn a good salary.

If flying is your dream, the PPL is your first step. And, you can train at any of our FAA Part 141 campuses! Wondering how to begin? Keep reading!

Table of contents

• Private Pilot License: 4 Steps to Your PPL
  • What is a Private Pilot License?
  • Private Pilot License Course Requirements
  • The 4 Steps to Become a Private Pilot
  • PPL Course Overview
  • Watch Our 4-Minute Private Pilot Video!
  • PPL Course Duration
  • PPL Course Training
  • How much does a Private Pilot License cost?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • What’s next after I earn my Private Pilot License?
  • Join the Forum Discussion on Private Pilot License!

Private Pilot License Course Requirements

To be eligible to pursue your Private Pilot License, you must meet certain requirements, such as:

• Be at least 16 years old to fly solo.
• Be at least 17 years old to receive your private pilot certificate.
• Read, speak, write, and understand English.
• Obtain at least a third-class medical certificate.
• Perform basic math: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.

Check Flight School Eligibility!

The 4 Steps to Become a Private Pilot

Time needed: 90 days

4 Steps to Become a Private Pilot

1. Meet the requirements.

   Create a checklist of all requirements, such as age, paperwork, and skills to become a student pilot. The FAA allows you to begin flight training at a young age. However, you must be 16 years old to fly solo and be at least 17 years old to officially receive your PPL. You must be proficient in English, hold a third-class medical certificate, and possess basic math skills. If you meet these requirements, you’re ready to begin training.

2. Complete ground school.

   Your ground school classes cover a wide range of topics to prepare you for flight training, such as aerodynamics, weather, flight planning, and navigation. Ground school typically takes about 4 weeks to complete and may even be done virtually. You will likely do some flight simulator training while attending ground school. Once you complete your ground school training, you must pass the FAA written exam to complete this step.

3. Complete flight training.

   The FAA requires 40 hours of actual flight training in order to earn a private pilot license. This includes day and night flying, cross-country, and other types of flight training requirements, such as various maneuvers. Your flight instructor will train you in all required skills, and it is typical for most student pilots to train for 50 or more hours to build the skills and confidence they need. These skills can be augmented in a simulator.

4. Pass your check-ride.

   Once your flight instructor feels you are ready, he or she will sign off and arrange your final check-ride with an FAA examiner. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills as you plan a flight, interact with ATC, fly maneuvers, and follow all directions from the examiner. When you pass your check-ride, you’ve earned your stripes and are now an official private pilot. This entire process takes about 3 months.

PPL Course Overview

The Private Pilot course is the first course taken by new student pilots. Epic values the importance of a strong foundation. Therefore, we provide a blended instructional approach that includes our online Virtual Flight Academy, Ground School and Aviation Skill Development. Students learn basic aerodynamics and FAA regulations. Furthermore, you learn about aircraft weight balance and aircraft performance. You learn this in the classroom and during flight simulator training. Flight lessons within the PPL course include aircraft maneuvers and procedures required for your solo flight. You’ll also conduct a daytime cross-country flight. As an FAA-rated flight school, our training ensures ACS (Airman Certification Standards) for all students.Once you complete the Private Pilot course, you’ll have extensive aeronautical experience. As a result, you can apply for your FAA Private Pilot Certificate (PPL). This is the first step to becoming a Professional Pilot. All Private Pilot training flights are conducted in new Technological Advanced Aircraft (TAA). Furthermore, our aircraft are equipped with WAAS-capable instrument-certified GPS. We are proud to offer pilot training using Cessna 172s. This is one of the safest aircraft ever built.

Watch Our 4-Minute Private Pilot Video!

PPL Course Duration

Full-time students enrolled in the Professional Pilot program complete 5 lessons per week. Students who dedicate themselves to completing their PPL by studying hard earn their wings quickly. By making pilot training their top priority, they are able to complete within a 3-month period. Part-time students that are working or enrolled in school may take longer. As a result, they typically find that their PPL takes 4-6 months to finish based on their available schedules.

PPL Course Training

The FAA requires students to log a minimum of 35 total flight hours in order to be eligible for the Private Pilot’s License (PPL). However, with today’s technology, fewer than 5% of pilots complete their training within the minimum flight requirements. Based on our experience, students need a minimum of 50 airplane flight hours to meet the PPL requirements. Students that progress quickly through the courses are proficient at English. They usually fly 5 times per week, work hard in their ground lessons, and study independently. They have also taken courses through our Virtual Flight Academy before arriving at flight school. We’ll get you through Ground School and Flight Training so you’ll be ready for your FAA test.

How much does a Private Pilot License cost?

Earning a private pilot license requires a time commitment of approximately 3 months. Therefore, you should plan your budget and calendar accordingly. Course tuition at Epic includes books. The cost to earn a private pilot license varies by flight schools. Here you can see the cost breakdown for Epic’s course.

PPL Ground School/Aviation Skills Development – 65 HoursSimulator | TruFlite Cessna 172 w/ Instructor – 30 HoursFlight | Cessna 172 w/ Instructor – 40 HoursSolo Flight | Cessna 172 – 5 HoursOne-on-One Ground Instruction – 20 HoursPre/Post-Activity Briefing – 6 HoursTotal Course Time: 3 monthsTotal Course Tuition: US Students – $28,822Financing options are available.

Questions? Contact Us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get a private pilot license?

A: To earn an FAA PPL, you must be 16 to fly solo and 17 to earn your license. Additionally, you must meet health requirements for your medical exam and fly the required number of hours. After you complete your coursework and flight training, you’ll have to pass your FAA written exam and checkride.

Q: What can you do with a private pilot license?

A: You can fly fixed wing aircraft for sport and fun. However, most students attend flight school with the goal of getting pilot jobs.

Q: How long does it take to get a private pilot license?

A: Epic students typically earn their Private Pilot License in an average of 3 months. However, some complete much sooner.

Q: How many hours for a private pilot license?

A: Under Part 61 training, the FAA requires you to fly 40 hours. Under Part 141 training, they require 35. The number of flight hours varies among student pilots. Cessna reports the national average at 75.

Q: Where can I live while I’m studying to earn my PPL?

A: If you are from out of town, Epic does offer housing rentals. There are also many rental options nearby including studio apartments.

What’s next after I earn my Private Pilot License?

Once you have earned your PPL, you will probably want to go on to the next rating: IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). This is the next step toward the ultimate goal of becoming a professional pilot!

Join the Forum Discussion on Private Pilot License!

srsmooth to International Flight School Students 2 months ago Need details on the Private Pilot License (PPL) course structure and funding options.Read

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Layah to Domestic Flight School Students 3 months ago I Na’layah Davis graduate high school June of 2026 on the 9th of the month. Now if I’m being honest I don’t much of aviation, there’s alot I know I can achieve and aviation is one that’s been interesting to me I’d just love to be eligible and study up under you guys for my (ppl) Private Pilot license.Read

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agudiegwutreasure1 to International Flight School Students 5 months ago I'm interested in pursuing a piloting program and would like to know if there are any scholarship opportunities available for Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, or Certified Flight Instructor programs at various locations. Could you please provide information on any available scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application processes?Read

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Americo Irizarry to Aircraft Mechanic School 6 months ago I am a 71 year old us army veteran Willing to get my A&P license and also to learn to fly and get my Private pilot license I am healthy and strong independent personRead

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Yenny Bali Indonesia to International Flight School Students 8 months ago Dear Admissions Team,My name is YENNY EKO KARTIKA SARI PUNI ASTUTI and I am from Indonesia. I am very interested in enrolling in your Private Pilot License (PPL) program as an international student.I would like to request more information about: • The complete cost breakdown for international students • Housing options and availability • M-1 visa (Form I-20) process and required documents • Timeline and next available start date. I am ready to begin the application and would appreciate your guidance on how to proceed. Please let me know if any documents or fees are required at this stage.Thank you for your time and assistance. Sincerely, YENNY EKO KARTIKA SARI PUJI ASTUTI +6287870007077 +6281386390936 [email protected]Read

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madaboy to International Flight School Students 9 months ago Dear Epic Flight academy Team], My name is Tanaël , and I am an international student interested in enrolling in a complete flight training program from Private Pilot License (PPL) to Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). I have a maximum budget of $70,000 USD and I am currently improving my English level. I would like to know if your academy offers a full training program within this budget and whether you assist international students with visa applications (M-1 visa). Additionally, I am very interested in schools that have airline partnerships or job placement programs, as my goal is to become a commercial airline pilot. I would also like to ask: Are the training fees payable in multiple installments? Do you offer any scholarships or financial aid for international students? Could you please provide detailed information about: Total cost and duration of the full training (PPL to ATPL) English language requirements Visa support for international students Airline partnerships and job placement opportunities Payment plans and scholarship availability Thank you very much for your time and support. I look forward to your response.Read

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AvatarMiide to International Flight School Students 1 year ago What's the full tuition? Can an applicant look for a job while running the programme? How long would it take to complete both the Private Pilot License and the Commercial Pilot License? As I would like to do both. What is the arrangement for international students?Read

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Queen Saara to International Flight School Students 1 year ago Can I do Private pilot license in Namibia?Read

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Twin aces to Domestic Flight School Students 1 year ago What's the difference between private license and and having a commercial pilot license? What are the limits?Read

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Marlun to Pilot Training 1 year ago Hello Epic, I am from Canada and hold a Canadian Private pilot’s license. I have completed some of my CPL training here in Canada but unfortunately it’s going know where. My question is, can I bring my CPL hours over to finish CPL training at Epic?Read

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