Private Pilot FAQs

Private Pilot

Frequently asked questions

1

What are the requirements to be a private pilot?

The FAA has the following requirements to become a private pilot:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
• Hold at least a third-class medical certificate.
• Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course.
• Pass a knowledge test.
• Pass the practical test (aka checkride)

2

Is a private pilot certificate right for you?

A private pilot certificate is best for pilots that:

• Want to fly a wide variety of general aviation aircraft, including those with more than one passenger seat.
• Can meet the class three FAA medical certification standards.
• Aspire to earn additional certificates or ratings.
• Want or need to fly at night.
• Want to fly outside US airspace.

3

What will I learn and do in training?

Some of what you'll learn and do:

• Complete ground school (online + instructor): Upon completion, you will take an FAA knowledge exam on aviation topics such as aircraft systems, weather, flight planning, aviation regulations, private pilot privileges, and limitations.
• Pre-solo flight training: You'll learn to prepare an aircraft for flight, control an aircraft in all phases of flight, perform essential maneuvers, and safely takeoff and land. Once complete, you will be ready to start making some flights solo, under the careful supervision of your instructor.
• Cross country flight training: You'll leave the local airport area and start learning how to navigate and fly to new places!
• Night flight training: Night flying is usually calm, fun, and offers fantastic views. It does change the game a bit and you'll learn how to safely fly at night
• Basic instrument training: You'll learn how to avoid getting caught in the clouds and the best ways to get out and recover if you accidentally do.
• Checkride preparation: Once all the FAA requirements are completed, you'll begin to focus on bringing it all together. You'll work with your instructor to prep for the oral portion of your checkride and fly together to ensure all your flight tasks meet the FAA airmen certification standards for private pilots.

4

Why Packages?

We offer our best pricing with these packages because it allows us to manage our aircraft and instructor workloads more predictably and efficiently. They also offer you the best structure for finishing what you started. Additionally, many financing options require packaging to structure a loan for students needing that option.

5

How often will I fly with these packages?

Our expedited program is a full-time effort for three months. Our efficient program is designed to be completed in five months, flying 2-3 times a week. Our extended program is designed for 1-2 lessons per week over nine months.

6

What happens if I don't use all my flight hours?

This generally does not occur as we have built our packages with the averages in mind. However, in the event it does we will gladly move those hours into another package or you may use them for rental purposes within 90 days of your checkride.

7

What happens if I exceed my allocated flight hours?

We strive for this not to happen by providing average flight hours that are needed for the program length you select. However, in the event this happens, we will provide you additional aircraft and/or instructor hours at an agreed-upon discounted rate.

8

What pilot supplies are included?

Your choice of two pilot bags, a Faro passive headset, logbook, basic kneeboard, ASA Oral Exam Guide, a hard copy of the FAA Private Pilot ACS, and ForeFlight Subscription. As a Lightspeed dealer, we do have an upgrade option available to a noise-cancelling headset. Some supplies like a flight computer and foggles can be borrowed from school inventory. Optional items will be discussed with your instructor to help you keep costs manageable.

9

What happens if I need to quit or defer my training?

Life happens, we get it. If you need to defer your training you may pause payments and elect a future restart date. If you have paid off your program, but have not completed it, your program remains valid for six months after the initial program end date. Upon restart, you may receive a new instructor and experience the need to fly additional hours to complete your certificate, but we will provide all hours originally paid for by your package. After six months, the cash value of your program remains for another six months. However, we may need to reprice your package if costs have increased. If you need to completely withdraw from your program, there is no obligation beyond a 10% administrative fee of the unearned remaining program value. This serves to reimburse Summit Flight for the package discounts afforded in your training package. For example, if you are one month into the expedited program and need to cancel, the fee to cancel is $900 on an outstanding $9000 balance. Insurance, ground school, pilot supplies, and Foreflight fees are, unfortunately, non-refundable. Any remaining money on the account will be refunded within 7 days of written notice of withdrawal. If your account is in deficit, we will need the balance paid off at the time of cancellation.