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Course summary
Course summary
- Cost: from $12,875
- Status: Part-time
- Duration: 40hrs of flight time (minimum)
- Required experience: None
- Training aircraft: Cessna 172 SP (Other aircraft available at additional cost)
- Location: Orlando Sanford International Airport
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Graduation qualifications
Graduation qualifications
- Private Pilot License
Pilot training programs and courses
Private Pilot License (PPL) Training
Whether you’re seeking a career in aviation or just want to learn for fun, our Part 61 Private Pilot License (PPL) training will provide you with the theoretical resources and practical skills necessary to take to the skies and earn your Private Pilot License (PPL). At L3Harris Flight Academy, we’re here to support you through every step of your PPL pilot training!

Takes to the skies with Private Pilot License (PPL) training
What is PPL training? A Private Pilot License (PPL) allows you to take to the skies, day or night, in visual flight conditions by yourself. With a PPL you can fly solo or take passengers, however, you may not be compensated or paid to fly.
You might be wondering how to get your PPL, that’s where we come in. The L3Harris Part 61 Private Pilot Course teaches the skills required to become a proficient pilot and is a great first step if you are interested in a career as an airline pilot or just want to fly for fun! With world class training aircraft, experts and facilities, you can complete your PPL pilot training in style.
Private Pilot License (PPL) Training
What can I do once i get my Private Pilot License?
You might be thinking, what is a private pilot and how do they differ from commercial pilots? Upon successful completion of your Private Pilot License you can fly in and out of all civil airports. You can fly a plane as a hobby, meaning you can take friends & family out for non-commercial reasons without compensation on an aircraft which you are appropriately rated, in visual flight conditions.
After you get your Private Pilot License, you may want to continue your flight training and become a commercial pilot or a Certified Flight Instructor. In this case, there are many different courses you can consider at our Florida aviation academy including:
Private Pilot License (PPL) Training
What aircraft can I fly with a Private Pilot License?
Once you have successfully completed your PPL pilot training and are a qualified private pilot, you are allowed to fly any aircraft for which you are appropriately rated, both “category” and “class rating”.
For example, “category” would be “airplane” or “helicopter”; “class rating” would be “single-engine”.
At L3Harris Flight Academy, you will train on a Cessna 172 SP. This means, once you have obtained your Private Pilot Certificate, you are successfully rated to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of a single-engine airplane. Find out more about our training fleet.
Private Pilot License (PPL) Training
Private Pilot License admission requirements
What are the requirements for PPL pilot training? To enroll on our PPL training program, the minimum Private Pilot License requirements are as follows, for additional requirements please contact admissions. Learn more about the qualifications to become a pilot.
Age |
Applicants must be at least 17 years and 6 months old at the start of the program. |
Medical |
All applicants must provide a photocopy of an FAA Medical Certificate. |
Selection |
Cadets must complete a Wonderlic assessment and meet or exceed the minimum score requirement of 17. |
To successfully obtain your Private Pilot License, you will be evaluated by an FAA examiner during a practical test and a written knowledge examination.
Private Pilot License (PPL) Training
How much is a Private Pilot License?
One of the most common questions we get asked is, how much is pilot training? This PPL training program is paid as you go, so the amount of time required to earn your Private Pilot License may vary. Below is a breakdown of the estimated cost of getting your pilot license using the minimum required flight time to earn your Private Pilot Certificate. For any additional PPL flight training time required, you can calculate the cost using the per hour pricing below.
Cost (per hour) |
Time |
Total |
|
Aircraft rental - for training with instructor (Cessna 172SP) |
$165 |
30 hours |
$4,950 |
Solo time (Cessna 172SP) |
$165 |
10 hours |
$1,650 |
Flight instruction |
$85 |
30 hours |
$2,550 |
Flight briefing |
$85 |
15 hours |
$1,275 |
Ground instruction |
$85 |
20 hours |
$1,700 |
FAA examiner fee |
--- |
--- |
$600 |
FAA written exam fee |
--- |
--- |
$150 |
TOTAL |
--- |
--- |
$12,875 |
You might be concerned about the cost to become a private pilot, but if you dream of learning to fly and need financial support for your PPL pilot training, there are various funding options available including aviation scholarships and flight school loans and grants - if eligible, these funding options can help you pay for some or all of your pilot training.
Please, get in touch with our financial aid department for more information: usfinancialaid.cts@l3harris.com. You can also read our recent blog which provides tips on finding financial aid to help pay for flight school.
Private Pilot License (PPL) Training
Take a trial flight
Whether you want to get a Private Pilot License, become a Certified Flight Instructor, or become an airline pilot, undertaking any form of aviation training is a large personal and financial investment. If you have never had the chance to fly a plane before starting your Private Pilot License training then booking a trial flight is a great way to see if it 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.