Private Pilot Course

The Private Pilot Certificate is governed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61. This regulation requires a minimum of 40 hours flight time, although about 65 hours are generally necessary to meet the proficiency standards. A written test is required. It is called that still, although these days it is actually done on a computer. The course is broken up into phases.
The pre-solo phase is designed to prepare the student for his or her first solo flight. On that flight the student will, without the instructor on board, taxi the airplane to the active runway in preparation for takeoff. When it is safe to proceed, the student will takeoff, fly the pattern, and land. Usually three landings will be accomplished without leaving the traffic pattern.
After a couple of solo flights, the student advances to the cross country phase. It is at this point, if not earlier, that preparation for the written exam is necessary because the subjects covered on the written exam become directly relevant to the operational tasks. Knowledge of navigation and meteorology are necessary to safe and efficient flights from one airport to another.
The cross country phase ends with the completion of two solo, round robin aerial excursions to airports at least 50 nautical miles from home base. At this point the written test needs to be taken and passed, and preparations for the practical test intensified. In a sense, all of the training is in preparation for the practical test. This test includes an oral exam and a flight with the examiner. Upon satisfactory completion of the practical test, a Private Pilot Certificate is issued.
The Private Pilot Course can be pursued in either the Cessna 172 or the Cessna 150. The Cessna 172 is a four place airplane and is more roomy than the two place Cessna 150. Insurance is handled by a combination of policies paid for in different ways. This insurance arrangement permits us to offer reasonable rates for the two airplanes. The Cessna 172 is $120.00 per hour dual and $95.00 per flight hour solo. The Cessna 150 is $100.00 per hour dual and $75.00 per hour solo. If one purchases a ten hour block, then one is entitled to an extra flight hour at no additional charge. There is a $30.00 per hour fee for ground briefing time which is provided before and after each flight. Various other materials such as charts, flight computers, ground school books, etc. will be needed and will have their own costs depending on what the student selects. The examiner will charge a fee for the flight test. Alaska Flight Center reserves the right to change our prices without notice.