Private Pilot License (PPL): Requirements, Cost, & Timeline

Earning your Private Pilot License (PPL) is the foundational step into aviation. It allows you to fly for recreation, begin advanced ratings, or start your journey toward a commercial or airline career.

This updated guide uses ATA Flight School’s exact 2025 pricing, as listed in the official program brochure. All cost figures are taken directly from ATA’s published rates. https://www.ataflightschool.com/_files/ugd/433355_a03567ee42d44e5a9b87d89b66651c26.pdf

1. What Is a Private Pilot License (PPL)?

With a PPL, you may:

• Fly single-engine aircraft for personal use

• Fly day or night

• Carry passengers

• Travel cross-country

• Begin all advanced ratings (Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, etc.)

You cannot fly for compensation until you earn a Commercial Pilot License.

2. FAA Requirements for a PPL

Minimum FAA Requirements

• 40 hours total flight time (most students finish around 55–70)

• 20 hours training with an instructor

• 10 hours solo flight

• Cross-country, night, and instrument training

• Pass the FAA Written Exam

• Pass the Oral & Practical Checkride

Minimum Age:

• 17 to receive the license

• 16 to solo

Medical:

• At least a Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate

3. ATA Flight School PPL Program Costs (Based on FAA minimums)

Private Pilot License Pricing

Pay-as-you-go:

40 HRS Flight Time: $7,000.00

20 HRS Flight Instruction: $1,200.00

20 HRS Ground Instruction: $1,200.00

Total License Cost: $9,400.00 

Package Cost (covers entire program): $6,990

Aircraft Used for Training

ATA aircraft rates (wet):

• Cessna 172: $175/hr

• Piper PA-28-161/181: $175/hr These numbers align with the 40-hour flight training estimate shown above.

4. Additional Costs Students Should Expect

These are not included in the PPL package and are paid directly to third parties.

Incidental Costs:

• Medical Exam: $100

• Written Exam: $175

• Checkride: $1,500

• Rental Aircraft Insurance: $570

• Charts & Checklists: $100

ATA One-Time Administration Fee

• $350 at enrollment (Non-refundable) ATA FLIGHT SCHOOL BROUCHURE

Realistic Total Out-the-Door Estimate

Base program: $6,990-$9,400

Admin fee: $350

Incidental costs (average): $2,445

➡️ Estimated total to earn your PPL at ATA: ~$6,990-$12,000 (This will vary if more than the FAA minimum required hours are needed.)

5. PPL Training Stages at ATA

ATA follows a structured syllabus built around safety, proficiency, and FAA standards.

Stage 1 — Ground School

Topics include:

• Aerodynamics

• Regulations (Parts 61 & 91)

• Weather theory

• Navigation & flight planning

• Airspace

• Radio communication

• Aircraft systems

• Emergency procedures

ATA includes 20 hours of ground instruction in the PPL package.

Stage 2 — Dual Flight Training

You’ll learn:

• Preflight inspections

• Taxiing and airport operations

• Takeoffs & landings

• Slow flight

• Stalls & recoveries

• Emergency procedures

• Pattern work

• Basic maneuvers

ATA includes 20 hours of flight instruction in the program.

Stage 3 — Solo Flight

Your CFI endorses you once you demonstrate:

• Stable landings

• Control judgment

• Emergency procedure knowledge

• Airport familiarity

This is one of the most memorable milestones of your training.

Stage 4 — Cross-Country Solo Training

FAA requires several cross-country flights, including:

• A 150-nautical-mile solo

• Full-stop landings at 3 airports

• Navigational planning and diversion skills

South Florida provides ideal weather and diverse airports for training.

Stage 5 — Checkride Preparation

You’ll practice:

• Oral exam topics

• Maneuver standards

• Emergency procedures

• Navigation accuracy

• Decision-making

When confident, your instructor endorses you for the checkride.

6. How Long Does It Take to Get a PPL?

Thanks to South Florida’s weather and ATA’s consistent availability:

Full-time (3–5 lessons/week):

➡️ 1-2 months

Part-time (1–2 lessons/week):

➡️ 2-6 months

Students who fly more frequently finish with fewer hours and lower total cost.

7. What You Can Do With a PPL

You may:

• Fly passengers

• Fly cross-country

• Fly day/night

• Rent aircraft

• Join flying clubs

• Begin advanced ratings (IR, CPL, ME, CFI)

• 
  

You cannot:

• Be paid to fly

• Fly commercially

• Fly in low visibility without an Instrument Rating

8. PPL Career Pathway

If your goal is to become a professional pilot, your journey continues:

PPL → Instrument Rating → Commercial → Multi-Engine → CFI → 1,500 Hours → Airline

ATA Flight School offers all of these programs.

⭐ Conclusion

ATA’s PPL program is transparent, structured, and aligned with FAA requirements. With:

• $9,400 total program cost for FAA minimums

• Consistent South Florida weather

• Experienced CFIs

• Long-established training history

ATA provides one of the most efficient pathways to becoming a licensed pilot.

If you’re ready to begin:

👉 Schedule a Discovery Flight👉 Tour the facility at North Perry Airport👉 Meet ATA instructors & plan your training timeline

Your aviation journey starts with one decision, stepping into the cockpit!