At Atlas Flight School, earning your Private Pilot Certificate is the first step toward becoming a confident, certified aviator.
Whether you’re pursuing a career in aviation or want to fly for fun, our FAA-approved flight training program in Casper, Wyoming is designed to help you succeed.
Learn from experienced instructors, build your flight time, and take control of the skies—safely, affordably, and on your schedule.
* Lesson cost depends on aircraft
*Three (3) hours of flight training must be conducted within the 2 calendar months preceding the test.
Applicants for a Private Pilot Certificate must:
It is particularly rare students are fully-prepared to meet the FAA checkride requirements with only 40 hours of flight time.
The national average hours logged for students passing a Private Pilot checkride is closer to 70 hours of flight time.
Atlas Flight School encourages our students to plan and budget for at least one and a half to twice the minimum required hours. Flying is a depreciable skill, so delays typical in aviation often mean repeating lessons or flying additional hours to maintain proficiency before a test. Moreover, the saying “if you have time to spare, go by air” applies most particularly to earning ratings at the Private Level.
Before you can get your private pilot license, there are a few things you must do first. The license process can be long and tedious at times, but the reward is well worth it!
The private pilot journey begins with a decision: Do I want to get my private pilot license? Earning your private pilot license requires lots of time and hard work, but the reward is well worth it! If you’re still on the fence about becoming a private pilot or not, here are some things to consider:
At Atlas Flight School, we welcome everyone near and far to come and get their private pilot license!
Most pilots choose an airport that is close to home, and learning in the Windy City can give you the knowledge needed for any weather condition.
When considering where to get your private pilot’s license, it’s best to research the cost beforehand since each flight school and airport is different.
Before you begin private pilot training, a few things need to be done first. First, pilots must obtain a third-class medical certificate from an authorized doctor or aviation medical examiner. This is a simple process, but it can take a few weeks for the doctor to complete your exam and send the results to the FAA.
Lastly, private pilots must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license to solo (fly by themselves). Remote pilots must register their aircraft with the FAA and purchase liability insurance. This can be done through several different aviation insurance companies.
Once you have your paperwork in order, it’s time to start flying lessons! Most people choose a local flight school to begin their training. The process usually works like this:
The private pilot training process can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Private pilot training can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. But remember, it’s an investment that will pay off for years to come! You’ll be able to fly wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to rely on commercial airlines or private charters.
The private pilot training process takes anywhere from three months to several years, depending on how often you fly and what type of instruction gets used during private lessons.
You’ve worked so hard to get here; now it’s time to go have some fun. Get out there and start flying as much as possible! After successfully completing your check ride with the FAA examiner, you’ll receive your private pilot certificate!
Yes! If you are properly rated, you simply need to receive brief instruction in the type of plane you wish to rent and take a “rental checkout quiz”. Typically, the necessary instruction will consist of a brief ground session and a short flight with an instructor to verify that you are able to safely operate the new airplane.
No, as long as you hold a valid aviation medical certificate, renter’s insurance, and a current Private Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings, you may rent an aircraft from Atlas Flight School.
The length of time it takes to get a Private Pilot Certificate will depend on how often you fly. If a student schedules 2-3 lessons each week, they can be done in about 6-8 months. However, we are able to tailor our program to fit your needs. Many students schedule multiple lessons a week, depending on their availability. A typical lesson will last 2-3 hours with both ground and flight instruction.
You must be 17 years old to take the Private Pilot practical exam. You need to be at least 16 years old to solo in an airplane.
To keep your Private Pilot Certificate current, you can either add another certificate/rating, or you can complete a flight review with an authorized flight instructor (required every 24 months).
As a private pilot, you may not receive any form of compensation for flying. Although, you can fly with friends and share the expenses of the flight. You must fly within the legal weather limitations prescribed by the FAA.
With your Private Pilot Certificate, you can fly alone or with friends and family to share your experiences!
You will receive both ground and flight instruction with your Private Pilot training. You can lessen the hours of ground training by studying the material at home. Remember, ground training is not required, but you will need it to pass your oral and written exams.
