Private pilot training Pensacola
Build the foundation to fly safely, confidently, and independently with one-on-one private pilot instruction from Roscoe Field. Perdido Key Flight School serves students around Pensacola, Perdido Key, and the Gulf Coast.
Private pilot training combines aircraft control, procedures, navigation, weather decision-making, communications, emergency planning, and checkride preparation. The goal is more than passing a test: the goal is becoming a safe, capable pilot.
14 CFR 61.109(a)
For a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine rating, the FAA requires at least 40 hours of flight time. Training continues until you can safely and consistently meet the required standards, so the legal minimum is not a guaranteed completion time.
At least 40 hours of flight time, including a minimum of 20 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight.
At least three hours of cross-country training with an instructor, plus five hours of solo cross-country experience.
At least three hours of night training, including a cross-country flight of more than 100 nautical miles total and 10 full-stop takeoffs and landings.
At least three hours controlling and maneuvering the airplane solely by reference to the flight instruments.
One solo cross-country of at least 150 nautical miles total, with full-stop landings at three points and one leg longer than 50 nautical miles straight-line.
At least three hours of training with an instructor within the preceding two calendar months in preparation for the practical test.
Applicants must also meet FAA eligibility, aeronautical knowledge, endorsement, medical, knowledge-test, and practical-test requirements. See 14 CFR 61.109 for the complete current aeronautical-experience rule.
Aircraft wet rate is $180/hr, meaning fuel is included. Flight instruction is $50/hr. A discovery flight is available for $140. Total training cost depends on lesson frequency, preparation, weather, proficiency, and the number of hours needed to reach checkride standards.
The final total depends on hours and student progress. The listed rates are $180/hr aircraft wet and $50/hr instruction.
The Part 61 minimum is 40 hours, including at least 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours solo. Your training continues until you are proficient and ready for the practical test.
Yes. Private pilot training is designed to build from the basics toward safe solo, cross-country, and checkride readiness.
That is usually a great first step if you want to meet your instructor and see if training feels right.
Send an inquiry and we can discuss your schedule, goals, and the best way to begin.
Contact Perdido Key Flight School