Private Pilot Training in Des Moines, IA

Causal Self Paced Flight Training

It is time to break up the monotony of day to day life and pursue the passion of flight! The private pilot license is the license that will allow you to take to the skies with family and friends while creating exciting and lasting memories. Having your pilot license will save you the headache of TSA and having to deal with commercial airlines for the shorter hops. You will gain the ability to travel with ease and travel more frequently.

With a private pilot license you are not allowed to fly for hire, however if you are looking to become a commercial pilot or an airline pilot this is the first step.

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Why You Should Learn to Fly

Tyler Tweeten Solo Flight 11T

- Travel Easier and More Frequently

- Create Exciting Memories with Friends and Family

- Save Countless Hours by Flying Yourself vs Driving

- Add More Excitement and Fun to Your Life

- Become Part of the Aviation Community

- Find a New Passion and Fulfillment

- Earn Respect and Accomplish Something Most Never Will

About the Private Pilot Course

Our private pilot course is designed utilizing the same methods as our career pilot program. This curriculum based course teaches students the fundamentals of flight, navigation, and meteorology. Successful graduates will receive their FAA private pilot license and be qualified to start our instrument rating course.

The national average of flight time to receive a private pilot license is 60 hours. With our structured training course and leading team of certified flight instructors we estimate most students will be closer to 50 hours.  Average course completion is 4 Months, but we have had students successfully finish the course in under 2 months.

Class size is limited to 7 students to ensure the highest quality of training with adequate instructor to student ratio. Classes begin the first week of each month.  

What's It Take to Get Your Private Pilot License?

To apply for a private pilot license in the airplane category you must log at least 40 hours of flight time which must include at least 20 hours of flight training from a certified flight instructor and at least 10 hours of solo flight time. The training must meet the following minimums:

  • 3 hours of cross-country flight training.
  • 3 hours of night flight training including:
    • One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance
    • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
  • 3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments
  • 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test
  • 10 hours of solo flight time consisting of at least:
    • 5 hours of solo cross-country time
    • One solo cross country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance with full-stop landings at three points
    • Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Private Pilot License?

Too often we hear about people who get off to a great start in their flight training only to get caught up in life half way into their training and putting it on hold. More often than not these people never make the time to finish their training and follow their dreams. For this reason we have put together fast track style training with options to suit different schedules. All three options allow you to receive your license sooner than the average school, greatly reducing the chance of putting a pause on training and never finishing. 

Hour Commitment Average Time to Get License
10+ Hours Per Week 1.5 Months
6 - 8 Hours Per Week 2 Months
4 - 5 Hours Per Week 3 Months
2 - 4 Hours Per Week 4+ Months

What Are The Perquisites to Enroll ln the Private Pilot Training Program?

  • Be able to read, write speak, and understand the English language.
  • Must be 16 years or older. (Must be 17 Prior to Checkride Date)
  • Must be able to receive a minimum of a 3rd Class FAA Medical. (1st Class for Career Training)

How Do I Enroll in the Private Pilot Course?

The first step to enroll in the private pilot program is to simply click the enroll button and fill out the form. A member from our team will be in touch with the next steps.  

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