How to Get a Private Pilot License in New York
With a Private Pilot Certificate, you can fly an airplane as a hobby, only fly in good weather conditions, and split the cost of operating the airplane with your passengers.
* We don't have airplanes, only supplement your Flight Training with our flight simulator
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Tips to earn your Private Pilot
• Fly 2-3 times
per week
• Find an instructor you
enjoy working with
• Get the FAA written exam ASAP
First Step: Get Cleared by an FAA Medical Examiner
Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
While you don't need to get an FAA Medical Exam before you start training, it's a good idea to get one since they will hold you over for a few years (depending on your age).
We recommend Raymond Basri MD, with locations in Morristown, NJ and Middletown, NY. You can schedule online at https://www.myflightmd.com/hours-online-scheduling/
Seccond Test: Study for the Private Pilot Knowledge Test
What is the FAA Written Exam and how do I study for it?
Private Pilot Knowledge Tests is a 60-question test. It is only administered at certified locations. (Click Here to find a location near you.) Before you show up to take the written test, you need to make an appointment, by calling (844) 704-1487.
You can start studying for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Tests before you take flying lessons. To prep, use the FAA handbooks and the Sporty's Learn To Fly Course (we carry their videos at our location if you want to by them after your simulator lesson).
Don't Just Take Our Word!
Simulator | Stage 1: Pre-Solo
Airplane | Stage 1: Pre-Solo- Expect to spend about 18 hours flight training and 13 hours ground time with an instructor.*
Simulaotr | Stage 2: Solo Flights and Cross-Country
Airplane | Stage 2: Solo Flights and Cross-Country - Expect to spend about 20 hours of flight training and 10 hours of ground time with the instructor.*
Simulator | Stage 3: Preparing for your Practical Test
Airplane | Stage 3: Preparing for your Practical Test - Expect to spend about 3 hours of flight training and 15 hrs of ground time with the instructor.*
Find a Flight School
FIND A FLIGHT SCHOOL (sorry, we only work with simulators) AOPA has a flight school Finder
We encourage you to interview different flight schools.
There may be multiple flight schools in your local area but, do you know what questions to ask? We created a Flight School Interview Checklist!
Aeronautical Experience Required by the FAA
As per AOPA Field Guide To Flight Training:
"The minimum flight time requirement to be eligible for a private pilot certificate is 40 flight hours. Most students fly 60-75 hours before testing."
Student pilots who can fly on average two to three times per week are the pilots who can finish close to minimum Aeronautical Experience set by the FAA.
If you cannot fly 2-3 times per week, incorporating the use of an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) into your flight training will help a great deal in obtaining the experience needed for a Private Pilot License. Visit an ATD facility (like ours in midtown Manhattan) once a week and fly at a flight school of your choice the other 1-2 training days.
