• Course Summary
    Course Summary
    • Status: Part-time or full-time
    • Duration: 40 hours of flight time (minimum)
    • Required experience: None
    • Training aircraft: Cessna 172 SP and Piper Archer
    • Location: Sanford, Florida
  • Graduation Qualifications
    Graduation Qualifications
    • Private Pilot License

Pilot Training Programs and Courses

Private Pilot License (PPL) Training

Our Part 61 Private Pilot License (PPL) course will provide you with the theoretical and practical skills to take to the skies. PPL training is the first step towards a lucrative career as an airline pilot and allows you to take up flying as a hobby. Whether you are hoping to start a career in aviation or just learning to fly for fun, contact us today to discuss our Private Pilot License training.

How to apply    Book a Discovery Flight

Private Pilot License (PPL) Training

What Does our PPL Course Involve?

The L3Harris Airline Academy PPL program is a part-time course, involving:

  • A minimum of 40 hours of flight time
  • Flying with an Instructor
  • Supervised solo flying
  • Ground school training (during which you will learn about FAA regulations, aerodynamics, flight planning and more)

After completing both ground and flight school training, you will be ready to take a written and practical exam. Once you pass both examinations, you will earn your Private Pilot License and be able to continue your journey to becoming an airline pilot should you wish.

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Private Pilot License (PPL) Training

Reasons to Complete your PPL Training with L3Harris

We are one of the world's leading Flight Academies. Our Nationally Accredited pilot training programs help our graduates achieve their dream of becoming a private pilot or commercial airline pilot, with no prior experience necessary.

During our Private Pilot License course, you will learn from experienced Instructors with state-of-the-art facilities at our purpose-built Flight School in Orlando, Florida based at Sanford International Airport. Additional reasons to complete your Private Pilot License training with us include:

  • 100% funding available for those who qualify
  • 100+ single and multi-engine aircraft
  • State-of-the-art simulators
  • A complex international airspace to train in, making you among the best of the best
  • The largest footprint for take-off and landing available

Do you want to complete your PPL training with one of the most prestigious airline academies in the world? Take a look below at our admission requirements and costs.

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Private Pilot License (PPL) Training

Private Pilot License Training Admission Requirements

To become a pilot, there are a number of qualifications and general requirements you will need to meet, including educational and medical criteria. Each of our pilot courses also have their own specifications.

To enroll on our PPL training program, the minimum Private Pilot License requirements are as follows. If you have any questions about our PPL course requirements, contact admissions.

  • At least 17 years old in order to receive your Private Pilot Certificate
  • Proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English
  • Able to obtain an FAA medical certificate

To successfully obtain your Private Pilot License, you will be evaluated by an FAA examiner during a practical test and a written knowledge examination.

If you are looking for the fastest route to starting your commercial airline pilot career, consider one of our integrated programs such as our Accelerated Airline Pilot Track or Professional Pilot Program, both of which include your PPL training as part of the program.

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Private Pilot License (PPL) Training

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Private Pilot License?

The cost of your Private Pilot License training will include aircraft availability, flight briefing, ground instruction and examination fees, among other elements.

Each part will have a different hourly rate as pricing for the PPL training program is pay as you go apart from examiner and examination fees which are a flat rate. Estimates are based on minimum requirements but may vary depending on performance obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate.

Ways to fund your PPL training:

If you are concerned about the cost of getting your Private Pilot License, there are numerous funding options available including aviation scholarships and flight school loans and grants that could help pay for some or all of your pilot training.

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Private Pilot License (PPL) Training

What Comes After Your PPL Training?

Upon completion of your Private Pilot License course:

  • You will receive your Private Pilot Certificate.
  • You can then complete your Instrument Rating. Taking a modular approach to becoming an airline pilot means you can complete short track courses at your own pace.
  • You will be on your way to securing a role as a First Officer for a commercial airline, and enjoying an attractive pilot salary

Training to become an airline pilot with L3Harris Airline Academy also gives you the opportunity to benefit from our strong airline relationships.

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Private Pilot License (PPL) Training

Take a Discovery Flight

Booking a trial flight is a great way to see if PPL training is the right choice for you. During a trial flight, a Certified Flight Instructor can explain what is involved in becoming a pilot and give you a flavor of life in the air.

Book a Discovery Flight

PPL Training FAQs

What are the steps to becoming a Private Pilot?

In its simplest form, these are the steps to becoming a Private Pilot:

  1. Take a trial flight - Find out whether flying is for you by booking a Discovery Flight with L3Harris.
  2. Check you meet Private Pilot requirements - You must be at least 17 years old, hold a third-class medical certificate, proficient in English, and possess basic mathematical skills.
  3. Complete ground school training - You will learn the theoretical concepts of flying and aviation including Federal Aviation Regulations, radio communication protocols, aerodynamics, navigation, flight planning, and weather. To complete your ground school training, you will be required to take the FAA written test.
  4. Complete flight school training - You will learn how to fly an aircraft. This includes day and night flying, cross-country, and flight maneuvers.
  5. Pass your Checkride - Your practical exam, often called a ‘Checkride’ is the final requirement for obtaining your PPL. An FAA examiner will evaluate your knowledge and skills as a Pilot-In-Command (PIC).

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How long does it take to complete Private Pilot License training?

The length of time it takes to complete your PPL training can vary and is dependent on factors such as weather conditions, availability and finances.

You are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight time as part of your Private Pilot License. However, at our Orlando campus, your training shouldn’t be as disrupted by weather conditions as Florida provides over 300 flyable days a year!

Our PPL training program is paid as you go, allowing you to stagger the course costs and learn at your own pace.

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Can I get paid to fly with a Private Pilot Certificate?

No, you may not get paid compensation when acting as a pilot-in-command with a Private Pilot Certificate.

Your Private Pilot License enables you to fly a single-engine aircraft for non-commercial reasons.

For both non-commercial reasons and charity events, you can act as a pilot-in-command and be reimbursed for fuel, oil, airport expenses, and rental fees from others onboard the aircraft or the charity fundraiser organizers.

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What aeronautical flight experience am I required to know to get my PPL?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states, you will need to have the following aeronautical flight experience to earn a Private Pilot License:

  • 40hrs of Flight Time including at least 20hrs of flight training with a CFI and 10hrs of solo flight training. The total 40hrs must include:
    • 3hrs of cross-country flight training
    • 3hrs of night flight training that includes one cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance
    • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at an airport
  • 3hrs of flight training in a single-engine aircraft on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments.
  • 3hrs of flight training an authorized instructor in a single-engine aircraft in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months of your test
  • 10hrs of solo flight time consisting of:
    • 5hrs of solo cross-country time
    • One solo cross country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at three points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations
    • Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower

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How can I fund my Private Pilot License training?

If you need help funding your PPL training, there are various funding options. These include Aviation Scholarships, flight school loans and grants. For more information on funding options, please read about our pilot training costs.

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Where will I complete my Private Pilot License training?

You will complete your PPL training at our L3Harris Flight Academy in Orlando, Florida. You have access to:

  • 5 Flight Training Devices (FTDs)
  • 8 Flight Simulators
  • 100+ aircraft fleet
  • 100+ Flight Instructors
  • State-of-the-art facilities such as high-intensity runway lighting, AWOS weather reporting system, FAA control tower, pre-and-post-flight briefing areas and a dispatch center

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