Private Pilot Training

The Private Pilot Certificate, internationally referred to as the Private Pilot License, allows students to obtain the foundational knowledge and skills for all future aircraft pilot training. Earning your private pilot’s license is your first step into the world of flight.

Getting Your Private Pilot License (PPL)

  • Vegas Aviation’s flight training program unlocks a world of opportunities for personal travel, recreational flying, and further certifications in aviation.
  • We provide a structured curriculum to guide you through mastering safe and confident flight operations, step-by-step.
  • Benefit from a dedicated flight training schedule tailored for optimal learning and skill development.
  • Following the attainment of your Private Pilot Certificate, many individuals pursue additional endorsements, ratings, or advanced certifications

Why Choose Vegas Aviation Flight School?

  • Safety First: Your safety is our top priority. We maintain rigorous safety standards and adhere to all FAA regulations to ensure that you receive the highest level of instruction in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Experienced Instructors: Our team of FAA-certified flight instructors brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. They are dedicated to providing personalized instruction tailored to your learning style and pace.
  • State of the Art Facilities: Train in a fleet of aircraft equipped with the latest avionics technology and safety features, including our Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). This simulator enables aspiring pilots to build confidence, and log hours regardless of the weather.
  • Flexible Scheduling: We understand that everyone has unique commitments and schedules. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your busy lifestyle. Whether you prefer to fly during weekdays or weekends, we’ll work with you to create a customized flight training plan.

Private Pilot License FAQ

  • Age:  Must be at least 17 years old.
  • Language Proficiency:  Proficient in English.
  • Medical Certificate:  Hold a valid FAA-issued medical certificate.
  • Flight Hours:  Log at least 40 hours of flight time*. This includes at least 10 hours of solo flying, five hours of which must be dedicated to cross-country flights.
    *Note: 40 hours is a very ambitious schedule. The national average to complete a PPL  is 70 hours.
  • Knowledge Test:  Pass a written knowledge exam with a grade of at least 70%.
  • Practical Test:  Pass an oral exam and take a practical flying test (known as a check ride) administered by an FAA-designated evaluator.

FAQ: Private Pilot License Costs

1. How much does it cost to obtain a private pilot license (PPL)? The expenses for a private pilot license (PPL) typically range between $15,000 and $20,000.

2. What are the primary expenses associated with obtaining a PPL? Main expenses include flight instruction fees, aircraft rental costs, study materials, examination fees, and medical examination expenses.

3. How can I minimize the costs of getting a PPL? To reduce expenses, consider options like joining flying clubs, applying for scholarships, searching for discounted rates, time-building with other students and efficient studying methods.

4. Are there ongoing expenses once I obtain a PPL? Yes, ongoing costs include aircraft rental, fuel, and periodic medical certificate renewals.

5. Does the type of aircraft used for training impact costs? Yes, the type of aircraft used for training can influence costs, with newer and more complex aircraft generally incurring higher expenses.

6. How long does it take to obtain a PPL, and does duration affect costs? 

7. Can I estimate the total costs of obtaining a PPL beforehand? Yes, flight schools often provide breakdowns of costs to help prospective students estimate expenses.

8. Are there any hidden costs associated with PPL training? Be aware of potential hidden costs such as retesting fees and unexpected medical expenses.

9. Where can I find more information about PPL costs and training? For further details, reach out to flight schools, aviation organizations, and explore online resources.

The national average for students to complete their private pilot training is approximately 70 hours of total flight time. However, it’s important to note that this duration can vary significantly depending on individual factors such as aptitude, learning pace, weather conditions and availability for training.

Alongside loans from private banks and credit unions, Sallie Mae provides loans for aviation school, including flight training. Private flight school finance firms like Stratus Financial are also available. Additionally, some flight schools offer their own financing options or scholarships to aid with training expenses.

No, our flight school welcomes students with any level of experience, from total beginners to those with prior flying experience.
  • Awesome Flight School with the Best Staff! Vegas Aviation is hands down one of the best flight schools in Las Vegas! The staff is super friendly and always ready to... read more

    Isaiah Pereira Avatar Isaiah Pereira

    This is the best flight school in Nevada hands down. Everyone at Vegas Aviation has been so welcoming and beyond knowledgeable. David Modler is a top tier instructor! I would... read more

    Abby Wyszomirski Avatar Abby Wyszomirski

    A great flight school. My instructor, Amber, is very knowledgeable, patient with me, and a joy to fly with. She’s perfectly happy to go at whatever pace I’m comfortable... read more

    Matthew Watson Avatar Matthew Watson

    My son Renz, a senior in High School, goes to Vegas Aviation for his PPL and recently did his first solo. 😊 A proudest moment a mother can have but a... read more

    Maria Maria Avatar Maria Maria

    This place is awesome. The owner, Louis, is not above rolling up his sleeves, so to speak, and working hand in hand along side his employees. Shout out... read more

    Kevin Matsumoto Avatar Kevin Matsumoto

    Just got my CPL at Vegas Aviation. Great staff and CFI’s.

    Sebastian Gabalda Avatar Sebastian Gabalda
  • I have always wanted to learn how to fly but there was always something that got in the way. Earlier this year I decided to commit and finally make this... read more

    Anna G Avatar Anna G

    One of the best flight schools around! Vegas Aviation has some of the most friendly staff i’ve ever seen, including my awesome flight instructor Geo. On top of that, their... read more

    Jaxen Valmonte Avatar Jaxen Valmonte

    Flore the instructor was very excellent, instructions quick but clear for someone like me since I'm a combat veteran with similar pace

    Mighty Titan Avatar Mighty Titan

    From the moment I walked into VA, I felt welcomed with open arms. The VA team is extremely friendly and professional. And a HUGE shout out to Brad, my flight... read more

    Jonathan Martínez Avatar Jonathan Martínez

    Did a discovery flight yesterday and had THE best experience. Dario and Luis were amazing!! Professional, friendly and welcoming. Looking forward to start my journey at Vegas Aviation.

    Aurelie Nicolas Avatar Aurelie Nicolas

    I had the opportunity to do a discovery flight with Vegas Aviation, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, the entire staff was incredibly kind, welcoming,... read more

    Marco Gomez Avatar Marco Gomez
  • My brother came to Vegas Aviation to inquire about renting a plane to fly over Red Rock National Park. He is a pilot in Illinois. The staff at Vegas Aviation... read more

    Cheri N Avatar Cheri N

    Fantastic service! Had my transponder replaced in a day because the buttons on the old one weren't working, so I couldn't switch out of VFR to pick up VFR Flight... read more

    Ross Modglin Avatar Ross Modglin

    Had an amazing experience with Vegas Aviation. Pricing was more than fair. Instruction was to the point and taught in a fun and simple way to understand. The people at... read more

    Derek Bird Avatar Derek Bird

    My son took his first discovery flight today. His instructor was Dorian, who was absolutely amazing. We were originally scheduled for a discovery flight two weeks ago and were second... read more

    Daniel Burgess [Police Services] Avatar Daniel Burgess [Police Services]

    Knocked out my Multi Engine Land Rating with CFI Richard. Fantastic professionalism all around by the staff with solid airport security precautions. Excellent amenities and well maintained offices and briefing... read more

    Brandon Lagos Avatar Brandon Lagos

    Always a great time at vegas aviation. Got my first solo here and the flight instructors are very nice and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend anyone to fly here. 🤙🏽

    KMaster808 BOT Avatar KMaster808 BOT
  • Vegas Aviation has it all. Great planes, awesome training, and the industries best maintenance and repair. They offer pilot training for all levels of students, airplane rentals that are maintained... read more

    Ray Greene Avatar Ray Greene

    Awesome experience!! Had a great time on my 1st flight !✈️ everyones nice and helpful and want to see you succeed !

    uii sonoda Avatar uii sonoda

    What I think makes Vegas Aviation great is the quality of people they hire. They genuinely care and are there to help. Heather took me on and got me to... read more

    Mark Zinkel Avatar Mark Zinkel

    Amazing school, low prices, and the best instructors. They really care about improving their students development.

    Holly Kirchberg Avatar Holly Kirchberg

    I am extremely disappointed with my experience here. I had spent thousands of dollars on training to ultimately leave empty handed. I had no issues initially, but as months went... read more

    Nayeli Cemente Avatar Nayeli Cemente

    Excellent overall experience at VA. Highly motivated and knowledgeable instructors, maintenance on sight, and a friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend.

    Tane Owens Avatar Tane Owens
  • Man where to begin with this place, first off the aircraft used for lessons are in top shape always, the owner and employees are amazing and have became like family... read more

    Dillon Lewis Avatar Dillon Lewis

    I enjoyed my flight training experience for my Commercial Multi Add-on with Brandon. I appreciate the quality instruction and great maintenance team! Culture is very welcoming and supportive!

    Glynis Olgado Avatar Glynis Olgado

    Vegas aviation is the perfect place if you want to test out your flight dreams. You start with one discovery flight and end up sticking with them because they make... read more

    Alla Avatar Alla

    Highly recommend for anyone in search of flight instruction. Flight instructors here are awesome and the whole environment is nothing like what I’ve seen in other flight schools. Very relaxed... read more

    Hieu Avatar Hieu

    I love the school and how their CFI’s all have different teaching styles. They’re so into helping each student that walks into their doors.

    Riz Avatar Riz

    I moved here recently and needed to get checked out at a flight school. Initially I chose Vegas Aviation because it seemed the most normal. After a quick and easy... read more

    Mikey Trahan Avatar Mikey Trahan
  • Wow! What an incredible experience. Super glad I came to VA in Las Vegas. If you’ve never been on a discovery flight before, you are missing out. I was a... read more

    Joseph Dawoud Avatar Joseph Dawoud

    Airplane🔥

    Zombie Jr Avatar Zombie Jr

    Im a newer student at Vegas Aviation and i cant ask for anything more in a flight school. The planes are very clean and well maintained by in house mechanics.... read more

    radek fritz Avatar radek fritz

    Had a great fly today with Rylan! Great club with well maintained aircrafts.

    Guy Strauss Avatar Guy Strauss

    Absolutely the best place to lose your fear of flying. I have ALWAYS had a phobia of flying and today I took my discovery flight with Alex Justice. He is... read more

    Stephanie Estrada Avatar Stephanie Estrada

    Vegas aviation is truly the best place to fly on Las Vegas. Great planes with great mechanics. Everyone has been so nice including the instructors like Haylee who can help... read more

    Bryce Cleven Avatar Bryce Cleven
  • Great place great people highly reccomend take an intro flight and discover the wonderful world of general aviation! Had an excellent time going up in one of the beautiful... read more

    Andrew Kushner Avatar Andrew Kushner

    Discovery flight was an 11/10 experience for me! I showed up early and started throwing a bunch of questions at one of the pilots at the desk, Kevin, and he... read more

    Jaylen Leonard Avatar Jaylen Leonard

    I had a lesson with Heather Richard's today. I'm preparing for a bienniel review after being away from flying for several years. She was very thorough and a good teacher.... read more

    Tony Dutson Avatar Tony Dutson

    Very happy with the instruction!

    Matt Hennager's Guitar Lessons Avatar Matt Hennager's Guitar Lessons

    Vegas Aviation has been so helpful! They have on-site maintenance who are always helpful and lots of CFIs willing to teach. I never have trouble getting time with someone... read more

    Brandon Ewing Avatar Brandon Ewing

    Reached out to Vegas Aviation to arrange a short sightseeing flight with my family and we had a blast. The team was very professional and the CFI who flew with... read more

    Eloy Jerviz Avatar Eloy Jerviz
  • Discovery flight in the books! Awesome experience for the future pilot in the family! Excited for my future pilot to learn at Vegas Aviation!

    Heddy Jay Avatar Heddy Jay

    Had a great intro flight back in May. I will definitely reach back out to schedule flying lessons once I start with the online training

    Gideon Shalev Avatar Gideon Shalev

    This is by far the best flight school in Las Vegas. Stand by mechanics, professional staff, and most importantly, PASSIONATE flight instructors. Mitch, Brandon, and Dorian has taught me everything... read more

    Tj Singleton Avatar Tj Singleton

    Adrian was a amazing instructor and he made me feel very comfortable with being behind the yoke, I found a new passion with aviation and I'm excited to learn more.

    Joseph Avatar Joseph

    Currently working towards my PPL and just did my solo flight, I wanted to share that I am extremely satisfied with Vegas Aviation so far. 👍🏻 ...

    Chester Avatar Chester

    First time flying on a small aircraft! Great experience, smooth flight overall.

    Kai Fuji Avatar Kai Fuji
  • Fleet of smooth flying and reliable planes. I never had a problem getting a plane to train in. With their multiple planes and in-house mechanics, you will never... read more

    V P Avatar V P

    From the flight school to the maintenance, I will only bring my personal plane here for a reason. Mechanics are on top of their work and would highly. Their rental... read more

    Weston Prince Avatar Weston Prince

    A huge shoutout to this amazing flight school! Got checked out in a 172, very quick process and great customer service. I highly recommend going here!

    Mahd Obeid Avatar Mahd Obeid

    5 Stars - Amazing Experience from Start to Finish! I had a fantastic experience with my aviation school here in Vegas! From the moment I walked in, everyone was incredibly friendly... read more

    Johnatan Dias Avatar Johnatan Dias

    First time at this place and it was an amazing experience! My flight instructor Flore was super cool and talked me through everything. First experience with this flight school and... read more

    Jada Jackson Avatar Jada Jackson

    Such an amazing place to learn to fly. Puno is the best CFI in the world, Vegas Aviation is home when it comes to learning to fly

    jory barton Avatar jory barton
  • I’m not local and need a flight school to help with a one-off instructional flight. I’ve been a CFI for 20 years and have seen a wide variety of flight... read more

    Josh Lorenz Avatar Josh Lorenz

    I started off my flight training at a different location. There was nothing wrong with it, but it just felt like more school. I found my way to Vegas Aviation,... read more

    David Kincaid Avatar David Kincaid

    Great welcome, Great training. Highly recommended

    stephen reid Avatar stephen reid

    One of the best flight schools in Vegas! Their airplanes are up to date with modern avionics and prices are some of the best in the valley! Plus they have... read more

    David Modler Avatar David Modler

    Good day! Getting my pilots license has something that has been on my mind for years, I was inspired by movies, video games, and etc. I just turned 40 years old... read more

    Wesley Wiley Avatar Wesley Wiley

    Great flight school if you are looking to rent a plane to fly around in the area or go to the Grand Canyon. I already came with a US PPL,... read more

    Ron Avatar Ron

Ready to Become a Private Pilot?

Achieve your dream of becoming a private pilot.  Our friendly and knowledgeable instructors offer personalized lessons to help you achieve your  goals of becoming a pilot.