Oregon State
Flying Club

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Getting Your Private Pilot License

Getting your Pilot license can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Before you begin, however, there are several aspects that you should thoroughly consider. Doing so will likely make the experience more fulfilling and manageable. Unfortunately, many people start their lessons enthusiastically, but end up not finishing because they have not adequately anticipated the time, expenses, and other demands associated with becoming a pilot.

First, the process of becoming a pilot involves considerable time. Each lesson will take around three hours, including ground instruction, flight preparation, the flight, and post flight instruction. Cross-country flights will take even longer. There is also a great deal of individual studying that you need to do in order to prepare for the written and oral exams.

Second, there is no way around it: becoming a pilot costs money. Flight instruction, plane rental, and flight materials such as books and headphones can all be costly and, in some cases, make attaining your pilot’s license prohibitive. To reduce costs it is suggested that you consistently work toward your training, giving yourself a good learning curve by flying at least one to three times a week. If you are not financially ready to fly this often, it could potentially cost you considerably more in the long run because you will have to spend time and money relearning concepts that you do not retain. Connected with this, it is suggested that you begin flight training only when you are ready financially. This may mean postponing your training and saving your money for a while, but will ultimately allow you to do the necessary training over a shorter and more concentrated period of time. While you are saving you may begin studying for the written exam. If you complete it first, it can make your flight lessons much easier since your instructor will not have to spend as much time teaching more basic concepts and FAA Regulations.

Below are the FAA minimums to become a private pilot. To be realistic, we have also listed some realistic averages based on Club prices. As a club we take pride in offering inexpensive, well maintained aircraft and upholding a high level of safety. If you have more questions about becoming a pilot (and we hope you do!), please contact one of the Club's approved flight instructors and/or one of our board members, and read through our frequently ask questions page. If you are ready to fly, GO FOR IT! Flying is a fantastic experience and you are bound to love it. Good Luck.