Private Pilot Requirements

1. Be at least 17 years of age
2. Be able to read, write, and understand English.
3. Obtain at least a third-class FAA medical certificate
4. Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course
5. Pass a knowledge test with a score of 70% or better.
6. Accumulate appropriate flight experience
7. Receive a minimum of 40 hours of flight instruction and solo flight
8. Successfully complete a practical (flight) test given as a final exam by an FAA inspector or designated pilot examiner and conducted as specified in the FAA's Private Pilot Practical Test Standards


Our Private Pilot Course offers a individualized experience tailored to meet your needs. We realize that no two students are alike, and our one-on-one instruction reflects our commitment to insuring our students have the best experience possible.

We go beyond the Private Pilot. With our diverse fleet of aircraft, we offer instrument training, high performance and complex endorsements, multi engine training and even commercial pilot and flight instructor ratings.

Photo courtesy of Josh Morgan, Rapid City Journal

From student pilot to ATP, we can instruct them all! We offer customized courses to fit each students individual needs and schedule.


Gift Certificates Available

1. Be able to read, write, and converse fluently in English
2. Be at least 18 years of age
3. Hold at least a current third-class FAA medical certificate. Later, if your flying requires a commercial pilot certificate, you must hold a second-class medical certificate.
4. Hold an instrument rating. A commercial pilot is presumed to have an instrument rating. If not, his/her commercial pilot certificate will be endorsed with a prohibition against carrying
passengers for hire on day VFR flights beyond 50 NM or at night.
5. Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course
6. Pass a knowledge test with a score of 70% or better. The instrument rating knowledge test
consists of 100 multiple-choice questions selected from the airplane-related questions in the FAA's commercial pilot test bank.
7. Accumulate appropriate flight experience and instruction (see FAR 61.129). A total of 250 hours of flight time is required.
8. Successfully complete a practical (flight) test given as a final exam by an FAA inspector or designated pilot examiner and conducted as specified in the FAA's Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards.

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