Private Pilot

Overview

Private pilot programs teach people how to fly airplanes and helicopters. Students learn ground rules, radio operation, and safety. They prepare to take FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) license exams.

Private pilot programs include topics such as:

• Aircraft design and performance
• Flight systems and controls
• Radio communications
• Navigation procedures and systems
• Safety and traffic regulations
• Governmental rules and regulations

This program qualifies students to sit for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot’s license exam.

Schools

A few community colleges offer associate degree programs in private piloting. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

A few colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in private piloting. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering
• Air Traffic Control
• Aviation Maintenance Technology
• Aviation Operations and Services
• Commercial Pilot and Flight Crew Training
• Flight Instructor Training

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Airplane Pilots

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Air Traffic Controllers

Program Admission

To qualify for a private pilot's license, applicants must:

• Be at least 16 years old to fly solo
• Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English
• Obtain a basic medical certificate
• Have 20/40 vision, with or without glasses
• Pass written exams on safe flight and navigation techniques
• Demonstrate your flying abilities to FAA examiners

Associate degree programs usually require at least a high school diploma for admission.

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Aeronautical Charts
• Aeronautical Information Publications
• Aircraft Operations
• Communications Procedures
• Engine Operation
• Federal Aviation Regulations
• Flight Instruments
• Flight Theory
• Interpretation of Weather Conditions
• Navigation Theory
• Radio Communications

Many programs teach students flight maneuvers using a flight simulator in addition to flight time with an instructor. Once you show sufficient skill and confidence, you can fly the aircraft by yourself.

Things to Know

You can be any age to begin flight instruction. However, you must be at least 17 to get your private pilot's license.

The private pilot's license must be earned before a student may begin training for a commercial pilot's license.

Requirements and health restrictions are stricter if you decide you want to be a commercial pilot.

Your pilot's license never expires. However, you must complete a flight review every two years.

Schools

East Side Area

Big Bend Community College

• Aviation--A.T.P.: Multi-Engine
• Aviation--Aircraft Solo
• Aviation--Instrument Pilot
• Aviation--Multi-Engine Land
• Aviation--Private Pilot License
• Aviation--Simulator Training
• Aviation--Single-Engine-Sea Plane
• Unmanned Aerial Systems Remote Pilot

Walla Walla University

• Technology--Aviation Technology

King-Snohomish Area

Classic Helicopter Corporation

• Private Pilot Add-on Rating
• Private Pilot Additional Instrument Rating
• Private Pilot Instrument Rating
• Private Pilot Rotocraft/Helicopter

Galvin Flying Service, Inc.

• Instrument Pilot Rating
• Multi-Engine Rating
• Private Pilot

Green River College

• Advanced Aviation Knowledge
• Basic Aviation Knowledge
• Unmanned Aerial Systems
• Unmanned Aerial Systems Basic Operator

Regal Air

• Instrument Rating
• Multi-Engine Rating
• Private Pilot

Snohomish Flying Service, Inc.

• Instrument Rating
• Multi-Engine Instrument Rating
• Multi-Engine Rating
• Private Pilot
• Rotorcraft Helicopter Pilot, Private

Tacoma Area

Clover Park Technical College (South Hill Campus)

• Professional Pilot--Instrument Pilot
• Professional Pilot--Multi-Engine Instructor Training
• Professional Pilot--Multi-Engine Training
• Professional Pilot--Private Pilot

Pavco Flight Center

• Instrument Rating
• Multi-Engine Rating
• Private Pilot

Vancouver Area

Charter College--Vancouver

• Aviation

West Side Area

Glacier Aviation, Inc.

• Helicopter Instrument Pilot Rating
• Helicopter Private Pilot
• Instrument Pilot Rating
• Private Pilot

Yakima Area

Yakima Valley College

• Agriculture--Unmanned Aerial Systems