Private Pilot Training at Terrell Aviation

At Terrell Aviation we provide personalized, high-quality private pilot training tailored to your schedule and goals. Whether you're flying for fun, building time, or starting a professional path, our experienced instructors and well-maintained aircraft make earning your wings efficient and enjoyable.

Our Private Pilot program starts with an introductory flight to get you in the cockpit right away. You'll progress through structured ground school, simulator practice, and dual/solo flight lessons in our training aircraft. We emphasize safety, thorough preparation, and real-world skills to ensure you pass your checkride confidently.

If you already hold a private pilot certificate and are looking to build your experiene with our Instrument or Commercial courses, let us know!

Becoming a private pilot allows you to fly single-engine airplanes for personal, non-commercial purposes, like carrying passengers or flying for fun. 

1. Meet Basic Eligibility:

   • Be at least 17 years old although you can start training well below this requirement

   • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

   • Hold at least a U.S. student pilot certificate (or sport/recreational pilot certificate).

   • No formal education requirement beyond that.

2. Get a Student Pilot Certificate and Medical:

   • Apply online via IACRA (faa.gov/iacra) for your student pilot certificate with the help of your CFI.

   • Obtain a third-class FAA medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). 

   • For non-U.S. citizens, complete TSA security approval.

3. Pass the FAA Knowledge Test (Written Exam):

   • After ground training, get an instructor endorsement.

   • Take the Private Pilot Airplane knowledge test at an approved testing center.

   • Score 70% or higher.

4. Meet Aeronautical Experience Requirements (§61.109):

   • Log at least 40 hours total flight time (this is the FAA minimum; national average is 60-75 hours due to individual progress and weather).

     • At least 20 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor.

     • At least 10 hours of solo flight time.

   • Specific required dual (with instructor) training includes -

     • 3 hours cross-country.

     • 3 hours night (including one 100+ NM cross-country and 10 full-stop takeoffs/landings in the pattern).

     • 3 hours instrument reference (basic maneuvers under a hood).

     • 3 hours prep for the practical test (within 2 months prior).

   • Specific solo requirements - 

     • 5 hours solo cross-country.

     • One solo cross-country of at least 150 NM total, with full-stop landings at 3 points (one leg 50+ NM straight-line).

     • 3 full-stop takeoffs/landings at a towered airport.

   • Get instructor endorsements in your logbook for solo, cross-country, knowledge test prep, and practical test readiness.

5. Pass the Practical Test (Checkride):

   • After meeting all experience, endorsements, and knowledge test requirements.

   • Quick checkride scheduling wtih an on-site KTRL based Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

   • Consists of an oral exam (ground discussion) + flight test demonstrating proficiency in the areas of operation.

   • Cost: $1000.00 DPE fee + aircraft rental

   • Upon passing, the DPE issues a temporary private pilot certificate; the plastic card arrives from the FAA later.