A private pilot license (PPL) gives you unlimited freedom to travel when and where you want. As a pilot, you get the opportunity to fly to your heart’s content, traveling to far-off destinations on a whim. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind hobby that provides life-long memories. Or, if you have aspirations of someday getting paid to fly, getting a PPL is the first step. Although you can’t get paid as a private pilot, you’ll be set to move on to more advanced ratings and certifications that can qualify you for a variety of careers. If you’re hesitant about signing up for a private pilot training program, we’re here to tell you that it’s a worthy investment in yourself, and an unforgettable experience that will give you a new, adventurous approach to life. With that said, let’s take a look at whether or not you should get a private pilot license. On top of that, we’ll answer some other common questions about the certification process.
What Is A Private Pilot License?
A private pilot license is a certificate issued by the FAA, authorizing you to fly under visual flight rules (VFR). As a student, you’ll undergo training under a certified flight instructor (CFI), whose duty it is to teach others how to fly airplanes. This training includes two main components – ground school, where you’ll be taught according to a certain curriculum and resembles a traditional classroom setting (although ground school can be done online in today’s day and age). And flight training, where you’ll apply those lessons as you learn to fly an airplane.
To obtain your private pilot license, you’ll need to meet several requirements. First, understand you need to accumulate a minimum of 40 flying hours as defined by the FAA standards. Most students ultimately end up going over this limit, averaging a training timeline of 55 hours. These training hours are further broken down into specific categories, such as cross-country flying, nighttime flying, take-offs and landings, and others. In order to graduate from a PPL program, you’ll need to pass a checkride that shows proficiency in aviation.
Additionally, you’ll need to pass the Private Pilot-Airplane (PAR) exam with a score of 70 percent or higher. This is where your ground school studies will come in handy, covering concepts like meteorology, navigation, instrument controls, regulations, and much more.
Is a private pilot license worth it?
After attending the first day of flight school, aspiring pilots will immediately understand why a private pilot license is worth the effort. You’re soon to join the ranks of an elite community, free to head out toward uncharted destinations, while laying the base for you to achieve more advanced certifications. One day soon, you could even be pulling in a steep salary as a corporate pilot, air rescue professional, regional airline officer or other impressive job.
Can you make money with a private pilot license?
The short answer is no, you cannot charge a fee for transporting passengers or cargo as a private pilot. However, there are exceptions to the rule. In some cases, you may be compensated if your flying services are incidental to your business or employer. For example, you could fly yourself to business meetings without sacrificing any deals made. Other work you’re allowed to participate in includes for charitable organizations or nonprofits, and you may be reimbursed for expenditures related to certain search-and-location operations.
Is it safe to be a private pilot?
Being a private pilot is not dangerous on its own. But, at this level of experience, it’s easier to make mistakes. Ultimately, your safety in the air is almost entirely dependent upon your strengths as an aviator, from confidence to knowledge to sensibility and beyond. Additionally, you shouldn’t be nervous about the safety of the flight training process, since the majority of the time you’ll be under direct watch of a CFI. Instructors are at the top of the general aviation field and are specially trained to keep students as safe as possible.
What can you do with a private pilot license?
There are a ton of things you can do with a PPL. The biggest advantage of getting your PPL is the freedom to travel at your own pace. Outside of restricted airspace, private pilots can pretty much fly anywhere without notice or approval, as long as its VFR conditions. With a PPL, you’re given the privilege of landing at almost any public airport and many private airports throughout the country.
Are you ready to become a licensed private pilot?
Then get in touch with Inflight Pilot Training today. We are experts in fixed-wing PPL training and have transformed a wide-reaching network of students into knowledgeable, experienced aviators. Our diverse team of CFIs provide personalized learning plans that supply each student with the tools they need to succeed at flight school.
Ready to get started? Learn more about our private pilot certification programs today or call (952) 698-3000 for more information about our organization.