Private Pilot Certificate
Learn to fly and earn your Private Pilot Certificate. Command an aircraft, fly yourself and passengers anywhere in the country, and join the community of pilots who experience the freedom of flight.
- No experience required
- Fly yourself anywhere in the US
- Take passengers with you
- Flexible scheduling available
What Can You Do With a Private Pilot Certificate?
Your Private Pilot Certificate opens up a world of freedom and adventure
Fly Yourself Anywhere
Skip the drive and fly direct. Des Moines to Kansas City or Minneapolis becomes about a 90-minute flight instead of a 3-4 hour drive, roughly half the travel time. Move up to higher-performance aircraft later and it shrinks even further.
Take Passengers
Bring friends and family along for the adventure. Share the magic of flight with the people you care about.
Fly Day or Night
With proper training, fly during daylight or after dark. Night flying over city lights is an unforgettable experience.
Fly Cross-Country
Plan trips to any of the 5,000+ public airports in the US. Land at small grass strips or towered airports.
Share Expenses
Split the cost of flights with your passengers. While you can't fly for hire, cost-sharing makes flying more affordable.
Foundation for More
Your Private Pilot Certificate is the foundation for instrument rating, commercial certificate, and beyond.
Requirements & Prerequisites
Here's what you need to get started on your Private Pilot journey
Age Requirements
- 16 years old to fly solo
- 17 years old to earn your certificate
Medical Certificate
- FAA Third-Class Medical Certificate, or BasicMed if you've previously held an FAA medical
- We'll help you schedule your medical exam
English Proficiency
- Ability to read, speak, and understand English
No Experience Needed
- Start with zero flight experience
- We teach you everything from the ground up
Not sure if you qualify? Schedule a free consultation and we'll walk you through everything.
What's Included in Your Training
A complete training program designed to make you a safe, confident pilot
Ground School
Learn the theory behind flight
- Sporty's Private Pilot online course
- Aerodynamics & principles of flight
- Weather theory & interpretation
- Navigation & flight planning
- FAA regulations & airspace
- Aircraft systems & performance
- Human factors & decision making
Flight Training
Hands-on flying with your instructor
- Basic flight maneuvers
- Takeoffs & landings
- Navigation & cross-country flying
- Night flying
- Emergency procedures
- Solo flight experience
Checkride Prep
Final preparation for your FAA exam
- Written exam preparation
- Oral exam practice
- Airman Certification Standards (ACS) review
- Mock checkrides
- Final stage check
Key Milestones
First Flight
Day 1Experience the controls for the first time
First Solo
15-25 hoursFly the airplane by yourself
Solo Cross-Country
30-40 hoursNavigate to airports on your own
Checkride
50-60 hoursPass your FAA practical test
Wondering if flying is for you?
Find out in one flight. You take the controls with an instructor beside you.
Your Path to Becoming a Pilot
Most students earn their Private Pilot Certificate in 3-6 months
Full-Time Training
Intensive training for those who can dedicate full-time hours. Fastest path to your certificate.
Best for: Career changers, summer students, those with flexible schedules
Part-Time Training
Balance training with work and life. Our most popular option.
Best for: Working professionals, students, anyone with regular availability
Weekend Training
Train around a busy schedule. Progress may be slower but still achievable.
Best for: Those with limited weekday availability
Consistency is key. Students who fly regularly progress faster and retain skills better.
Transparent Pricing
Real-world estimates based on how students actually train, not the FAA-minimum pricing many schools advertise. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Flight Training
$13,050Ground Training
$1,924Materials & Third-Party Fees
$1,525-1,925Costs vary with how quickly you progress. Typical students at US Flight Co finish in 55-60 flight hours with 20-30 hours of 1-on-1 ground instruction, and strong self-study with the Sporty's course can meaningfully reduce your ground hours. Aircraft choice matters too: train in our Pipistrel Alpha from $180/hour, our standard 172s from $190/hour, or the glass-panel 172 (57H) at $205/hour.
Build Your Own Estimate
Drag the sliders to see how training choices change your total. Same rates as the table above.
Below the FAA minimum of 40 total flight hours. That's fine if you're bringing logged hours with you; starting from zero, plan on at least 40.
- $299
- $400
- $175
- $150
- Aircraft (0 hrs)$0
- Instruction (dual + ground)$0
- Fixed costs + DPE$0
An estimate, not a quote. Your pace and the weather get a vote too.
Talk through your plan with admissionsTrain Confidently. Zero Risk.
Self-paced training starts with just a $1,000 refundable deposit that goes straight toward your training. From there, you pay as you fly.
How It Works
Your $1,000 refundable deposit is applied directly to your training, and from there you pay lesson by lesson. Pause or discontinue whenever you choose. Any unused funds are refunded in full, and every hour in your logbook is yours forever and transfers to most other flight schools.
Discontinue Anytime
No long-term contracts. Pause or stop your training whenever you choose. No penalties.
Pay As You Fly
Your refundable $1,000 deposit goes toward training, then you're only charged for the lessons you actually fly.
Logged Hours Are Yours
Your logbook, endorsements, and certificates go with you and transfer to other flight schools.
Questions about how payment works? Talk to admissions for real answers, no pressure.
130+ Five-Star Reviews Tell the Story
See Why Pilots Choose Us Over Other Schools
"As parents of a son graduating high-school, we didn't know the first thing about Flight School. We couldn't be happier with our son's experience in the Fast Track Program at US Flight Co. The process was seamless, the instructors were excellent, and he was able to complete his training in a year without sacrificing quality. At 19 years old, he is now a CFII at US Flight Co. A proud moment for our family. Highly recommend!"
"Pursuing a passion for flying is a significant investment of time and money. I did a lot of research before choosing US Flight Co. and I'm really satisfied with my decision. I was pleased to find great facilities, well maintained aircraft, kind and professional staff, and flexible and efficient scheduling. I started with no experience and was able to pass my private pilot check ride with no problem. The instructors are patient and professional and built my knowledge, skills, and confidence in a way that kept it light and fun the whole time."
"After having talked with several different flight schools and also several discovery flights, I chose US Flight Co because they were able to answer my questions and address my concerns with a unique approach rather than cookie cutter answers. They actually listened to me and adapted their training to fit my schedule. Whether you are going all the way to the airlines or just looking into a new hobby, US flight Co and the CFIs are genuinely interested in working with you as an individual."
"I started my aviation journey with US Flight Co last October and have been really pleased with the company as a whole, the administrative team, the instructors (S/O to Josh!!) and the pace of the program. About 8 months in, I'm preparing for my commercial check ride and hope to complete my CFI rating by next month."
"I am currently in the process of obtaining my private pilot's license at US Flight Co, and I couldn't be more impressed. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, making each lesson both informative and enjoyable. The training facilities are top-notch, and the aircraft are well-maintained and modern. I've felt a real sense of progress with every flight, and the team has created a welcoming atmosphere that fosters learning and confidence."
"Us Flight Co is a top flight school in Des Moines. I have been pursuing my private pilots license while finishing my senior year of high school. Because of navigating high school classes I was matched one on one with an instructor. This has been a great match and I appreciate the one on one learning I am receiving. US Flight CO's fleet of aircraft is diverse and expanding. As a student you have plenty of hours for flying and ground instruction. There is also flexibility to work with your school classes or employment hours."
"US Flight Co has been amazing with my aviation journey so far! Started flying at the end of 2024, currently working towards my instrument rating. They have been super flexible and easy to work with, considering I'm in the fast track program with a full time job. Instructors are safe, knowledgeable and fun to fly with. I look forward to continuing my aviation journey with them!"
"I Joined US flight Co about 10 hours into my PPL and have been with them since. My experience has been nothing but positive and they have far exceeded my expectations. They have great Instructors, reliable aircraft, great availability, and most importantly it's all at a very reasonable price. The instructor cadre are very clearly experts in their field and are passionate about ensuring their students are safe pilots and well prepared for their checkride. Aircraft rentals at US flight Co are well priced and well maintained. TLDR: Great people, fantastic instructors all at a reasonable price!"
"I have gone through other schools where I couldn't keep an instructor or the school didn't have their stuff together. US Flight Co has been the complete opposite - professional, organized, and committed to student success."
"Absolutely amazing crew of people. Great instructors who are all willing to help, even if they are not your primary instructor. Very relaxed environment and very personable people to train with. If you are looking for quality instruction look no further."
"Went on a discovery Flight here. Super nice facilities and Jaden my instructor was AMAZING! Would highly recommend. You can tell the instructors care and love their jobs! I wouldn't go anywhere else!"
"Having tried both flight schools based in Des Moines, I can honestly say this is the better of the two"
"I'm working to overcome a fear of flying! Jared has been more than helpful and patient with me. I highly recommend US Flight Co for anyone looking to overcome their fears or learn to fly!"
"I took part in the airline fast track program. It has been an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. I have worked with several CFIs and they are all top notch."
"Flight co has been super flexible with my schedule and has a great team of instructors who are very capable and knowledgeable. I had a great experience obtaining my private pilots license with them!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about earning your Private Pilot Certificate
How long does it take to get a Private Pilot Certificate?
Most students complete their Private Pilot training in 3-6 months, depending on how often they fly. The FAA minimum is 40 hours, but the national average is around 60-70 hours. Our students typically finish in 45-55 hours because of our structured program and experienced instructors.
Do I need any prior experience to start?
No prior experience is needed! We start from absolute zero. You don't need to know anything about airplanes, physics, or even have a driver's license. We teach you everything from the ground up.
What if I wear glasses or contacts?
No problem! You just need vision correctable to 20/40. Most people with glasses or contacts have no issues getting their FAA medical certificate. The examiner will note that you require corrective lenses, and you'll need to wear them while flying.
Is there an age limit for learning to fly?
You can start training at any age, solo at 16, and earn your certificate at 17. There's no upper age limit either. Plenty of people earn their private certificate in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, and it's never too late to start. As long as you can pass the medical exam (or qualify under BasicMed), you can learn to fly.
What's included in the cost?
The estimates above are all-in: aircraft rental, instructor time, Sporty's ground school, training materials, and the third-party FAA fees (written exam ~$175, medical ~$150, and the DPE checkride fee of $800-1,200). No hidden fees or surprise charges.
Can I fly at night with a Private Pilot Certificate?
Yes! Night flying is included in your Private Pilot training. You'll complete at least 3 hours of night flight training, including night takeoffs and landings. After you're certified, you can fly day or night.
What kind of planes will I fly?
You get a choice of two great trainers, and we picked them deliberately. Our Cessna 172s are the standard: the most popular trainer in the world for more than 60 years, forgiving, roomy, two doors, and great visibility from the high wing. They carry the latest Garmin avionics, and one is a full glass panel.
Our Pipistrel Alpha Trainer is the modern option: an efficient composite design from Textron, the same parent company as Cessna, with the latest avionics, a whole-airframe ballistic parachute, and a lower hourly rate.
Other schools around Des Moines train in low-wing Pipers or small two-seat trainers that are new to the US market. Even new Pipers carry life-limited wing spars that require recurring FAA fatigue inspections as training hours add up, everyone boards through a single door, and the wing blocks your view of the ground. We would rather teach you in the most proven trainer ever built or the newest one backed by Cessna's parent company. Either way, the skills transfer easily to anything you fly next.
What happens if I fail the checkride?
First, don't stress. It happens to roughly 20% of students nationally, and it's a setback, not the end of anything. We'll review what went wrong, do focused training on those areas, and schedule a retest. You only pay for the additional training and a partial retest fee.
That said, our whole program is built to keep you from ever walking in unprepared. You train on a structured syllabus with stage checks along the way, where a second instructor independently verifies you're ready before you move on. And before the real thing, you fly a full mock checkride with the oral exam included, run just like the actual test. By the time you meet the DPE, there shouldn't be any surprises.
Have Questions? Talk to Admissions
A real person from our Des Moines team will get back to you within one business day. No pressure, no obligation, just straight answers about training.
How We Can Help
- Get your questions answered by a real pilot
- Schedule a tour of our facility at KDSM
- Map out your training timeline and costs
- Talk through financing options
Connect With Admissions
We'll reach out within one business day
Not Sure? Try a Discovery Flight
Experience flying firsthand before committing to training
A Discovery Flight is a one-hour introductory lesson where you'll actually fly the airplane. You'll take the controls, make turns, and see what flight training is really like, with no commitment required.
- Pre-flight briefing
- Hands-on flying time
- Post-flight debrief
- Q&A with instructor
Discovery Flight cost is credited toward your training if you enroll.