Learn to Fly!
What Does it Mean to be a Private Pilot?
No matter your goal, the private pilot certificate is where it all begins
Do you Travel For Buisiness or Pleasure?
Skip the long drives, flight delays, and rigid airline schedules—your Private Pilot Certificate lets you take control of your travel. Fly directly to client meetings, remote job sites, or weekend getaways in a fraction of the time. Whether for efficiency, flexibility, or convenience, flying your own aircraft means business moves at your speed.
Pursuing a pilot career?
Whether you dream of flying for the airlines, battling wildfires as an aerial firefighter, saving lives in an air ambulance, instructing the next generation of pilots, or piloting cargo and charter flights across the country, it all starts here. This certificate lays the foundation for your training, builds your flight hours, and opens the door to a world of limitless aviation career opportunities.
Navigating the Path to Becoming a Pilot
Chart Your Course to Becoming a Private Pilot
Step 1: Intro Flight & Consultation
Your aviation journey begins with an Introductory Flight—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 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
Before you can fly solo, you'll need to pass a basic medical exam with an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). This isn’t an extreme test—just a routine check-up to ensure you’re fit to safely operate an aircraft. Many pilots easily qualify, and we’ll 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 Final Test
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 pass a multiple-choice written exam. Then, you’ll meet with an FAA examiner for an oral evaluation before taking to the skies for a final 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.
Private Pilot Requirements
17 Years Minimum Age (training can begin at any age)
Minimum 40 hours total flight time (industry average is 65-75 hrs)
Minimum 10 hours solo flight time
Pass FAA Written Exam and Practical Exam (aka the “checkride”)
Ready to learn more?
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Training at Northwest Flight Service
Created in partnership with Career Explore NW.