Learn to Fly!

The Path to Becoming a Pilot

No matter your goal, the private pilot certificate is where it all begins

Fly for Pleasure or Business?

Long drives, flight delays, and rigid airline schedules can slow you down. With a pilot’s license, you set your own itinerary—fly directly to client meetings, remote job sites, or weekend getaways on your terms. Whether you’re looking for efficiency, flexibility, or freedom, personal aviation lets you travel at your own pace and it all starts with earning your Private Pilot Certificate.

Pursue an Aviation Career?

Dreaming of flying for the airlines, battling wildfires as an aerial firefighter, saving lives in an air ambulance, or piloting cargo and charter flights across the country? It all starts with a Private Pilot Certificate. This essential first step builds your flight hours, sharpens your skills, and lays the foundation for a limitless career in aviation.

What Are Your Goals?

Private Pilot Minimum Requirements

  • At least 17 Years Age (however, training can begin at any age)

  • Obtain an FAA Medical Certificate

  • Minimum 40 hours total flight time (industry average is 65-75 hrs)

  • Minimum 10 hours solo flight time

  • Pass an FAA Written Exam

  • Pass an FAA Oral & Practical Exam (aka the “checkride”)

First Steps

Step 1: First Flight & Consultation

Your first flight is a hands-on experience where you'll take the controls and see what flying is all about. Accompanied by a certified flight instructor, you’ll get a taste of real flight training in one of our modern training aircraft. Afterward, we’ll sit down for a personalized consultation to map out your training plan, tailored to your schedule, budget, and ultimate flying goals. This is your chance to see if aviation is right for you—no strings attached, just pure excitement!

Step 2: Medical Certificate

While not required to begin training, before you can fly solo, you'll need to pass an FAA medical exam with an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). This exam is a a routine check-up to ensure you’re fit to safely operate an aircraft. Many pilots easily qualify, and we can help guide you through the process.

Step 3: Ground & Flight Training

Your training will be a dynamic mix of ground lessons, flight simulation, and real aircraft experience. Your instructor will help you master aviation theory, sharpen your decision-making, and refine your skills in the cockpit. Along the way, you’ll hit key milestones—none bigger than your first solo flight, a moment every pilot remembers forever. Whether in the classroom, simulator, or soaring through the sky, each lesson gets you closer to your goal.

Step 4: The FAA Checkride

Your journey to becoming a pilot culminates in the FAA Checkride, a two-part exam that tests both your knowledge and flying skills. First, you’ll meet with an FAA examiner for an oral evaluation before taking to the skies for a demonstration of your abilities. Pass this test, and you won’t just be a student anymore—you’ll officially be a licensed private pilot, ready to fly!

Why Train with Northwest Flight Service?

Go at Your Own Pace

We understand that every student has a different schedule and learning style. Whether you’re looking for an accelerated training program to get your license quickly or need a flexible schedule to fit training around work and life commitments, we’ll work with you to ensure consistent progress at the pace that’s right for you.

Tailor Your Training to Your Goals

Are you aiming to earn your wings as efficiently as possible, or do you want to maximize every experience and make each flight an adventure? Whether you prefer a structured, fast-track approach or a more immersive, diverse flight experience, we customize your training to match your goals. Your journey is unique—your training should be too!

State-of-the-Art Facilities, Fleet & Simulators

Train in clean, climate-controlled facilities with dedicated briefing rooms equipped with smart TVs for one-on-one sessions with your instructor. Our small class sizes in ground school ensure you get the support you need to ace your written exam. We’ve made major investments in our training fleet, and with on-site mechanics, our aircraft are kept in top condition for maximum reliability. Plus, our advanced flight simulators help you save money, sharpen skills, and enhance proficiency in a cost-effective way.

Ready to learn more?

Training at Northwest Flight Service

Created in partnership with Career Explore NW.