Private Pilot Certificate

Always wanted to learn how to fly an airplane? This is where your pilot training starts! Whether you're interested in enjoying aviation for pleasure, business, or as a career; earning a Private Pilot Certificate is considered the best initial certificate for an aspiring pilot. Allowing a pilot to operate an airplane carrying passengers in good weather conditions without the ability to collect compensation, a Private Pilot Certificate is your key to the freedom of General Aviation travel.

Chicagoland Aviation Private Pilot Training Program

Step 1: Take a Discovery Flight
Step 2: Complete our Private Pilot 101 class
Step 3: Begin your Training!

Private Pilot Training is divided into 3 stages

Solo- In this stage we will take you from no aeronautical experience up to earning a solo endorsement on your Student Pilot Certificate, at which point you can fly an airplane solo (By Yourself!) under the supervision of a Flight Instructor. On average, your first solo flight will occur between 10 and 20 flight hours. Prior to completing this stage you will have passed the pre-solo written test, completed a medical exam, and taken your first solo flight!

Cross-Country- After demonstrating that you can pilot an aircraft safely in the local area, we will then instruct you on how to operate an airplane on a cross-country flight, which means one with at least 50 nautical miles between airports. Once you have demonstrated the ability to navigate and have completed your Private Pilot written test, your Flight Instructor will authorize you to conduct solo cross-country flights.  Most students begin to see their hard work really pay off at this point knowing they will soon be a Private Pilot.

Checkride Preparation- After completing the previous two stages, you will possess the knowledge and skill of a Private Pilot. In this final stage, we will ensure you have the ability to draw upon your knowledge and skill in order to safely handle realistic scenarios that you will encounter as a certificated Private Pilot. After successfully completing our scenario-based training you will not only be prepared for your Private Pilot checkride, but, more importantly, you will be ready to enjoy your Private Pilot Certificate. As a Private Pilot you'll have the confidence that you were trained to the highest standards by a Flight School committed to producing the best pilots.  Enjoy your newly earned freedom to fly!

Chicagoland Aviation's Private Pilot Training recommendations

Age- The minimum age set by the FAA to obtain your Private Pilot Certificate is 17 years old. At a minimum age of 16 years old you can earn your Student Pilot Certificate, allowing you to fly an airplane solo under the supervision of a Flight Instructor. However, there is no minimum age requirement to start flight training. Many young aspiring pilots start training early in order to earn their Private Pilot Certificate on their 17th birthday.

Training Materials- One of the most overwhelming elements for new students starting flight training is the amount of training materials that are available. Without proper guidance, you will waste time and money on purchasing books that contain duplicate information. At Chicagoland Aviation we have constructed our own custom Pilot Training Kits, a Chicagoland Aviation Signature. Our Private Pilot Training Kit contains everything that you need to learn how to fly. Yes, Everything! Unlike other training kits for sale online, you will not have to buy any additional materials or equipment throughout your training. Our Private Pilot Training Kit will ensure your flight training remains organized, allowing you to progress more quickly toward earning your Private Pilot Certificate.

Training Frequency- We have designed Chicagoland Aviation to be the most client-focused Flight School. Our 365 days a year operation allows you to coordinate flight training with your schedule, ensuring you complete your training on time. Your training frequency will directly impact the duration of your Private Pilot training. We recommend on average 2-3 training sessions per week in order to earn your Private Pilot Certificate within 4-5 months. This modest pace will ensure your new aeronautical knowledge remains fresh in your mind while allowing you to enjoy your training experience.

Medical Exam- Prior to taking your first solo flight, you will have to complete a medical exam with a FAA approved physician. This general exam is typically valid for several years depending on your age, medical conditions and the class of medical certificate you desire. We will assist you in finding a local physician approved by the FAA.

Meet our Flight Instructors- We encourage you to meet several of our Flight Instructors in order to find the best Flight Instructor for you. Please visit our staff page in order to learn more about what makes Chicagoland Aviation so special, our Team Members.

Training Environment- Our hybrid Training Programs combine the quality of professional pilot training with the excitement and freedom of General Aviation. We customize our Training Programs to your future use of a General Aviation aircraft. This allows you to train in the same environment where you will be using your Private Pilot Certificate, rather than limiting your training to the local area.

Please contact Chicagoland Aviation for additional information on your custom Private Pilot Training.