What is a Private Pilot’s License and How Do You Get One?

Picture this: You finish work on a Friday, skip the crowded highways and long commute, and fly yourself to a beach town for the weekend. No TSA lines, no delays — just freedom. That kind of independence starts with one thing: earning your private pilot license. 

What exactly is a PPL? What can you do with one? Most importantly, how do you earn one? Let’s break it down.

What is a Private Pilot License?

A private pilot license (PPL) is an FAA-issued certification that allows you to fly an aircraft for personal use, not for hire or compensation. Think of it as the driver’s license of aviation — it gives you the legal authority to operate an airplane safely and independently. 

With a PPL, you can:

• Fly solo or with passengers

• Travel cross-country

• Rent or own an aircraft

• Pursue additional ratings (like instrument, commercial, or multi-engine)

One important distinction to make: a PPL does not allow you to fly for commercial purposes or get paid for flying.

How to Get a PPL?

Every pilot has started exactly where you are right now — wondering what it actually takes to get a license. Here’s the good news: The process is clear, structured, and designed to set you up for success. It will challenge you, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here’s what the journey looks like — from the first lesson to your final checkride.

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

First, you need to ensure you meet the FAA’s baseline requirements:

• You must be at least 17 years old to get a PPL (though you can start training earlier)

• You must be able to read, speak, and understand English

• You must be able to pass the medical exam from an FAA-approved medical examiner

2. Enroll in Ground School

Ground school is where you learn the “book side” of flying. Topics include:

• Aerodynamics and aircraft systems

• FAA rules and regulations

• Weather theory and interpretation

• Navigation and flight planning

• Communication procedures with Air Traffic Control

You can complete ground school either online, in a classroom, or in a blended format, depending on your schedule and specific learning style. Once you finish ground school, you’ll have the knowledge needed for safe flying and the FAA written exam.

3. Begin Flight Training with a Certified Flight Instructor

You don’t have to wait until ground school is finished to start flying — your training begins in the cockpit right away with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) by your side. Your lessons will typically cover:

• Pre-flight inspections

• Taxiing and radio communications

• Basic maneuvers like climbs, descents, and turns

• Takeoffs and landings

• Emergency procedures

Training is hands-on from the start, with your instructor guiding you step by step. The FAA requires at least 40 flight hours, but most students need closer to 60-70 hours to feel fully prepared for flying.

4. Complete Solo Flights

One of the most memorable parts of earning your PPL is your first solo flight. After your instructor gives you the necessary training, they’ll endorse you to fly solo — a huge confidence booster. You’ll also need to complete specific solo requirements, including solo cross-country flights (navigating between airports on your own) and on your own practice in the local area to build skill and confidence

Completing each of these maneuvers shows that you can safely operate in an aircraft without supervision. 

5. Pass the FAA Written Knowledge Test

This multiple-choice exam covers the material you learned in ground school: weather, navigation, flight planning, and FAA regulations. You’ll take it at an approved testing center, and you must pass before you schedule your final checkride. Most students use online practice tests and help from their CFI to better prepare for the final exam.

6. Prepare for and Pass the Checkride

The final step to earning your PPL? Passing the practical test — also known as the checkride. It has two parts:

• Oral exam: An FFA examiner will ask questions about flight planning, weather interpretation, regulations, and scenarios. 

• Flight test: You’ll demonstrate your skills in the air, including takeoffs, landings, navigation, maneuvers, and handling simulated emergencies. 

Once you pass, you’ll officially have earned your PPL and have the knowledge and freedom to fly solo.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PPL?

On average, most students can complete training in 3-6 months if they’re training consistently. Part-time students may take longer (up to 12 months). Ultimately, your pace depends on how often you fly, your study habits, and weather conditions. 

Remember, you must complete 40 hours of flying before you can earn your PPL.

What’s the Cost of Getting a PPL?

The cost of earning your PPL can vary depending on location, aircraft rental rates, fuel prices, and instructor fees. On average, most students can expect to invest $11,000 to $15,000 when earning a PPL. 

Pro tip: Students who fly more frequently — at least 2-3 times per week — often complete training faster and save money in the long run. Gaps in training mean you’re spending extra hours (and dollars) relearning skills.

What Types of Planes Can You Fly with a PPL?

With a Private Pilot License, you can fly most single-engine, piston-powered airplanes under 12,500 pounds and less than 200 horsepower. These are the same types of aircraft most students train in, such as the Cessna 172/182, Piper Cherokee, or Diamond DA40.

Your PPL is just the beginning. With additional endorsements or ratings, you can expand into more advanced aircraft, including:

• High-Performance (over 200 horsepower)

• Complex (retractable gear, flaps, variable-pitch propeller)

• Tailwheel aircraft

• Multi-Engine airplanes

• Instrument Rating (IR) for flying in more weather conditions

  
  

Why Earn a PPL?

Earning your Private Pilot License isn’t just about learning to fly — it’s about opening a door to opportunities and experiences that most people only dream about. Here are some of the biggest benefits:

1. Freedom and Flexibility

A PPL frees you from airline schedules and long drives. You can take off on your own timetable, fly to nearby cities, or plan weekend getaways with your family and friends. 

2. Personal Accomplishment

Becoming a licensed pilot is a huge achievement. It requires discipline, skill, and dedication — qualities that stay with you for life. For many, the PPL isn’t just a license; it’s proof that they accomplished something that only 2% of people in the U.S. achieve.

3. Travel and Adventure

A PPL opens up dozens of new travel locations. You can easily explore new locations, discover hidden airports, and see the world from a perspective most people never experience. Even a short local flight can become something memorable and unique.

4. Building Blocks for a Career in Aviation

If you’re considering flying professionally, the PPL is the first major milestone. It lays the foundation for advanced training, including the Instrument Rating, Commercial License, and more. Every airline captain and corporate pilot started right here.

Start Your Flight Training Journey with Bird’s Eye View

Flying isn’t just a hobby — it’s a new way to see the world. And the first step doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Bird’s Eye View, our Non-Career Pilot Pathway gives you the freedom to earn your PPL on your own terms. Whether you’re balancing a full-time job, running a business, or managing family commitments, you can train at your own pace without the pressure of a career-focused timeline.

From your very first lesson to your first solo flight, you’ll have access to all the resources you need — flexible instructor availability, aircraft scheduling, and expert guidance — so you can fly for leisure, business, or personal adventure. The path is clear, structured, and designed to get you confidently into the sky.

Ready to take to the skies? Start the path to your PPL with Bird’s Eye View. Contact us to learn more and make your dream of flying a reality.