What is a Private Pilot Certificate?

A Private Pilot Certificate is much like an ordinary driver's license.  It allows you to fly an airplane and carry passengers anywhere you want, although not for compensation or hire.  However, operating expenses may be shared with other travelers in the airplane.

Imagine flying your own airplane on trips....  No more large, crowded airport terminals, lost or damaged luggage, complicated and firm airline schedules, overbooked flights, security checkpoints, etc....

What Are the Requirements?

The detailed requirements to obtain any pilot certificate are listed in Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61 or Part 141 (for FAA-approved Pilot Schools like Dunkirk Aviation Flight School).  Below is a brief overview of the basic requirements for a Private Pilot Certificate under FAR Part 61: Certification:  Pilots & Instructors:

How Long Does It Take to Earn?

To make reasonable progress, you should try to take two or three lessons per week.  This will allow you to earn your Private Pilot license in about three months of training.  An intensive training program could earn you your license in as little as one month.  Remember, the more lessons you are able to take within a shorter time frame will minimize the total number of hours needed to master the material and will minimize your overall flight training costs.

Remember that the FAA minimum is 40 hours of total flight time, comprised of at least 20 hours with an instructor (called Dual time) and 10 hours by yourself (called Solo time), however the national average is about 75 hours.

How Much Will It Cost?

The exact cost of your flight training cannot be predicted beforehand.  It is all based on how rapidly you can learn the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the Private Pilot Practical Test.  Each individual is different.  However, as a general ballpark figure, you could expect your total cost to be around $3900, which includes all of your flight instruction with a CFI, your solo flight time, ground instruction and the CBI kit cost, test fees, and any pilot supplies you may need.

Why Learn at Dunkirk Aviation?

Dunkirk Aviation Flight School has been teaching pilots to fly for more than 54 years, with an impressive safety record.  As a FAA-approved Part 141 Pilot School and a designated Cessna Pilot Center, we use the best ground school curriculum in combination with your flight training.  Our Computer Based Instruction kits (click on the link for a sample lesson), offered exclusively at Cessna Pilot Centers, are the latest trend in ground school instruction using the advanced technologies of computers.  This integrated system, based on building blocks of learning, provides for faster flight training and better retention of knowledge and skills.  As a Part 141 flight school, the overall flight training requirements are reduced due to the enhanced quality of instruction you receive.  Thus, the FAA minimum for a Private Pilot test applicant enrolled in a Part 141 Pilot School like our's is only 35 hours of total flight time.  However most pilots still need extra time beyond the minimums to master the concepts and maneuvers before they're ready for the practical test.

In addition to an on-site Designated Pilot Examiner, we have brand new Cessna aircraft available to conduct your flight training in, and we offer CATS computerized written exam testing that has the convenience of instant results.  Our authorized Cessna Service Center provides us with exceptionally maintained aircraft and quick service.  Therefore, you can complete all of your training right here at the Dunkirk Airport.  Our full-time, 7-day operation, and numerous instructors and hangared aircraft are ready to fit your schedule.

How Do I Get Started?

Take the controls of a Cessna 152 on a Discovery Flight for just $39 and see how easy it is for you to learn to fly!  Under the supervision of a FAA certificated flight instructor, you'll experience the sights, sounds, and thrill of piloting an airplane high above the spectacular Lake Erie region.  Then we'll introduce you to the unique Cessna Pilot Center system of integrated flight and ground training.  And if you'd like to take along a couple of friends to enjoy the experience with, a Discovery Flight in a four-seat Cessna 172 Skyhawk costs only $49.

Discover the many benefits of being a licensed general aviation pilot.  Stop by the Dunkirk Aviation Flight School today, or call us at (716) 366-6938 ... and learn to fly!

After earning my Private Pilot certificate, what will I need to do to earn more advanced certificates and ratings?

Answers and links for this question will be added soon to the website.  Here is what is available now:

 

What about converting my Canadian (or any foreign) pilot's license to a U.S. pilot's license?

For a thorough explanation of converting your foreign license to a U.S. license, please click on the link to the left.

I am a foreign citizen.  Do I need to obtain a visa, and if so, what kind and what process do I follow to get it?

Most likely you will need to get a visa.  Canadian citizens don't need a visa but will need a current passport.  For other countries, you should find out the specific details by contacting the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.  Below are links to the INS' website and another website offering assistance and Q&A with the visa application process.