How to Become a Pilot
Read on for a step-by-step overview of what comes next once you decide you’d like to pursue your private pilot’s license with Ace Aviation.
Step 1
Watch this video
In this video, we show you what to expect on your journey towards earning your private pilot’s license. Learn what it’s like to train at Ace, what’s required to get your license, and discover more about the process.
Watched the video? It’s time for Step 2.
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Step 2
Review our FAQs
Here's a little more detail about everything from the cost to how long it takes to get your pilot’s license.
Once you’re ready, move on to Step 3.
How long will it take to earn my PPL?
The length of the training process depends upon several factors. One huge factor is frequency of training. A student who can train an average of three times a week can earn their license in as little as a few months.
It is important to keep in mind that, regardless of the frequency of your flights, everyone responds to the airplane differently, and while nearly anyone can learn to fly, some will pick up on things more quickly than others.
At a minimum, the FAA requires you to have at least 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours of flight training with a Certified Flight Instructor and 10 hours of solo flight. The average number of hours at which a student earns their license is between 60 and 70 hours. So the short answer is... It's all up to you!
How much does it cost to earn my license?
The cost directly depends on how quickly you progress. Those who fly more often usually earn their license in fewer hours, and therefore spend less on training.
Training time is billed hourly on "Hobbs time" or "engine run" time. Aircraft hourly cost can range from school to school and prices range from $200/hour up to $600/hour and up. Additionally, some schools add additional cost for items such as fuel surcharges and instructor fees. For this reason it is important that you ask for the "total hourly cost including all extras". The "Out the Door" price may vary significantly from the price you were quoted if you do not ask these very important questions.
Here at Ace Aviation we have highly maintained aircraft at an extremely competitive rate! The primary aircraft used for training at Ace Aviation is a Beechcraft Musketeer 23. This 4 place 160 Horsepower highly advanced trainer costs $245 USD per hour "Out the Door". No added costs or fees will be added at checkout. This is what you pay!
Here at Ace Aviation a typical student can expect to pay between $10,000 to $12,000 for flight lessons, ground school instruction time, books, written exam and check ride fees, and miscellaneous training supplies.
Please take note: These numbers quoted are approximations only and the exact cost directly depends on the hours required by each specific student. Some people learn faster than others. The total cost is directly based upon individual performance but these numbers will give you a ballpark figure to go off of.
How old do I need to be to get a license?
You can begin flight training at any age!
However, to fly solo in the aircraft you need to be at least 16 years old, and to be eligible for a private pilot certificate, you must be at least 17 years old. There is no upper age limit to begin your flight training.
What can I do once I have my license?
You will be able to fly single-engine aircraft, including but not limited to Piper Cherokee, Beechcraft musketeer and Cessna 172s . You will not be limited to these specific models - these are just some of the more common ones flown by private pilots. You can load up your family and friends and fly away for a weekend beach trip or just go up around your local area and show off the beautiful sunsets. When you get your Pilots License you open the doorway to opportunities only few know exist.
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” - Leonardo Da Vinci
With a little additional training, and an endorsement from an instructor, you can also learn to fly “high-performance” aircraft, (with engines of over 200hp) and “complex” aircraft (with controllable-pitch propellers, flaps and retractable landing gear). This opens up a realm to a whole new category or aircraft!
Most of our students decide to continue their training after the private pilot course and add on an "Instrument Rating". Shall you decide to continue Commercial and Multi-Engine Ratings are also an option as you progress through your experience levels and training. Here at Ace Aviation we can help you through the entire process whether you want to be a weekend warrior or a Professional Commercial Pilot.
Once I get it, what do I have to do to keep it current?
The specifics for currency can be found in the Federal Aviation Regulations or FAR/AIM, (basically the Bible for pilots) but generally you will need a “ flight review” every two years, which consists of a brief oral exam and flight with a flight instructor. (BFRs can be conducted by flight instructors, or with the FAA examiners with whom you take your initial check-ride).
In order to carry passengers, the pilot must have made three take-offs and landings in the same category and class aircraft during the preceding 90 days. To carry passengers at night, the pilot must have made three takeoffs and landings during the preceding 90 days during the period of one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
To maintain currency with Ace, the pilot must have flown one of our aircraft in the preceding 60 days. If this currency lapses, the pilot will just need to schedule a quick flight with one of our instructors before he/she trains solo again.
What will my pilot training involve?
Earning your license involves preparing yourself to take three tests: a written knowledge test, an oral knowledge test, and a practical test in the airplane. The written exam must be taken first; then the oral test is taken on the same day as the practical test. This combination of oral and practical tests is known as the “check ride."
To prepare for the written and knowledge test students take our Private Pilot online Ground School. The Ground school is all online with over 50 interactive lessons. Lessons are self-paced and can be completed at your leisure picking up right where you last left off. After completing our online ground school, most people find it beneficial to make an appointment to take their written exam right away, while the information is fresh in their minds.
The written exam can be done any time prior to the FAA Private Pilot Check ride (the written test remains valid for two years). Written tests are administered at FAA-designated testing centers. (We have one here in Rome, GA).
As far as flight training, we usually schedule students in 2-hour blocks, which allows about an hour for the flight, time for preflight inspection and time after for debriefing. The first several lessons should be of this general nature. Once the student becomes proficient in certain standard procedures, he/she will begin to prepare for the first solo flight in the airport traffic pattern.
Lessons with the instructor after that point will consist of preparation for the student’s solo “cross-country” flights, which are flights from airport to airport that is over 50 nautical miles away. After sufficient training in cross-country procedures, the student will log at least 5 hours of solo cross-country flight.
Additional lessons will cover emergency procedures, night flying, and basic instrument flight procedures. After the FAA flight requirements have been satisfied final flight training will consist of preparation on maneuvers and landings before the student takes his or her check ride.
I want to be a commercial pilot. Is this how I get started?
YES! Working toward a career in aviation is a very large commitment, but all pilots begin with getting their private pilot’s license.
After the private pilot certificate, students who wish to continue their aviation training will move on to the instrument rating and commercial training.
Is it okay if I take a lesson but don't wish to continue?
You can start by submitting the form below to book an introductory flying lesson, which will be your first official flight lesson and will count toward the required hours for your license. Since you will be sitting in the pilot’s seat and flying the plane for most of the time, you will definitely get a feel for what your future lessons might be like. You can discuss any questions or concerns with your instructor.
If you enjoy it and would like to fly again, great! Just schedule another lesson. If you’d rather take a break and think about it, or you choose not to fly again, that’s fine too. We only ask that if you have a scheduled flight and need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us at least a day in advance.
Step 3
Take a Discovery Flight with Us
Before you commit to become a pilot, it’s crucial you take a discovery flight in the plane you plan to do your training in. This helps you understand whether or not flying is for you.
If you take an introductory flight lesson at Ace, we’ll get you in the sky and let you handle the controls for most of the flight. Once we’re back on the ground, we’ll go over a few concepts, answer any questions you have, log your first flight in your logbook, and make sure you and your instructor are a good fit for each other.
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Step 4
Begin Your Ground School Training
Every pilot-in-training must complete flight instruction “on the ground” and flight training in the air.
At Ace, we’ve filmed our own online ground school, so students can ace their written test and complete their checkride with confidence. We’ve seen other programs online and feel we have a more effective and engaging way to help students learn, build their confidence, and make safe pilots.
Tip: Now is a great time to apply for your student pilot license and complete your medical exam. Your instructor can guide you in the steps necessary to receive those.
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Step 5
Complete Your Flight Training with a CFI
Ground school and flight training happens at the same time.
During flight training, your instructor will work with you on all the fundamentals, and you’ll get to quickly practice takeoffs and landings, navigating the “pattern”, turns around a point, steep turns and other basic maneuvers, and experience what it’s like to pilot a stalling aircraft (and more importantly, how to recover from a stall). You’ll start your instruction near the airport, working your way up to longer trips.
You need a minimum of 40 hours of flying logged (and 20 with a CFI) before your checkride. Depending on your level of commitment, you could be ready to take your checkride with just 40 hours in your logbook, or it could take longer based on your level of commitment to learning, improving, and flying regularly.
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Step 6
Pass Your Written, Oral, and Checkride
After your ground school and flight training are complete, you’re nearly ready to become a pilot.
The next step is completing your written exam. You’ll go to an exam facility, sit for the exam, and instantly see whether you passed or need to retake. Next, you’ll review any topics with your instructor (the exam report tells you any areas that you need to review) and prepare for your checkride.
Last but not least: the checkride. It’s a several-hour process where an examiner will assess both your head knowledge and your ability to safely fly an airplane. There’s nothing unexpected, and by now you’ve fully prepared yourself, so this is your chance to put your hard work to the test.
After you pass your checkride, that’s it! The FAA will mail you your official pilot’s license (technically it’s a certificate) and you’re free to fly so long as you oblige to the rules we all fly by.
Next, you can continue your training to become Instrument Rated and gain the ability to fly in the clouds and in less favorable weather conditions, become a CFI so you can teach others to fly, work on building hours so you can become a commercial pilot, or just fly for fun.
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Ready to get in the air?
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Visit Us
Richard B. Russell Reg. Airport
Ace Aviation Services Hangar
304 Russell Field Road
Rome, GA 30165
Ace Aviation Services Hangar
304 Russell Field Road
Rome, GA 30165
Training Rates
$75/hr - Instruction
$170/hr - Wet rate (incl. fuel)
$245/hr - "Out the Door" Price
Cash rates. Card fees apply.
$170/hr - Wet rate (incl. fuel)
$245/hr - "Out the Door" Price
Cash rates. Card fees apply.
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