Your First Step into Aviation

Private Pilot License

Turn your dreams of flight into reality. Master the fundamentals of aviation with expert instruction, from your very first lesson to your checkride.

Course Overview

What is a Private Pilot License?

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is your gateway to personal aviation freedom. It allows you to fly aircraft for personal and recreational purposes, opening endless possibilities for adventure, travel, and the pure joy of flight.

Personal Aviation Freedom

Take yourself, family, and friends on flights for pleasure, business, or adventure to destinations near and far

Day and Night Operations

Master flying in both day and night conditions with comprehensive training in all weather scenarios

Foundation for Advanced Training

Build the solid foundation needed for instrument, commercial, and airline transport pilot certifications

Private pilot in cockpit
40+
Flight Hours
Getting Started

Requirements

Simple prerequisites to begin your aviation journey

Pre-Flight Checklist BEFORE YOUR FIRST LESSON
  1. Age
    17 years old · 16 to fly solo
  2. Medical
    3rd Class FAA Medical · or BasicMed
  3. Flight Experience
    40 hours minimum · dual & solo
  4. Knowledge Test
    FAA written exam · 70% to pass

Not sure where to start? A Discovery Flight is the first item on every pilot's checklist.

Book a Discovery Flight
FAA Requirements

Detailed Training Requirements

Meeting and exceeding FAA standards for your Private Pilot License

Flight Training

  • 20
    HOURS
    Dual Instruction Hours
    Minimum dual instruction with a certified flight instructor
  • 3
    HOURS
    Cross-Country Training
    Cross-country flight training with your instructor
  • 3
    HOURS
    Night Flight Training
    Including pattern work and cross-country navigation
  • 3
    HOURS
    Instrument Training
    Basic attitude instrument flying proficiency

Solo & Preparation

  • 3
    HOURS
    Checkride Preparation
    Intensive preparation with your certified instructor
  • 10
    HOURS
    Solo Flight Hours
    Including local area and cross-country flights
  • 5
    HOURS
    Solo Cross-Country
    Including the 150+ nautical mile flight requirement
  • GROUND
    Ground Training
    Comprehensive aeronautical knowledge areas

40+

Total Flight Hours

2

FAA Exams

100%

Pass Rate Goal

Educational Excellence

Training Curriculum

Comprehensive ground and flight training designed to create safe, confident pilots

Ground School

Theoretical Foundation

Aerodynamics & Principles of Flight

Master the four forces of flight, wing design, and how aircraft achieve and maintain flight

Aircraft Systems & Operations

Engine, electrical, fuel, hydraulic, propeller, landing gear, flight controls & modern avionics

Federal Aviation Regulations

Essential rules, airspace, aircraft certification, pilot privileges and limitations

Weather & Meteorology

Weather systems, forecasting, hazardous conditions, and weather decision-making

Navigation & Cross-Country Planning

Chart reading, GPS navigation, flight planning, weight & balance calculations

Human Factors & Decision Making

Risk management, situational awareness, and aeronautical decision making

Flight Training

Practical Application

Pre-Flight & Aircraft Systems

Thorough aircraft inspection, systems operation, and safety procedures

Basic to Advanced Flight Maneuvers

From basic aircraft control to advanced maneuvers, stalls, spins, and emergency procedures

Airport Operations & Communications

Traffic patterns, radio communications, controlled and uncontrolled airports

Solo Flight Development

Progressive solo training from pattern work to cross-country navigation

Cross-Country & Navigation

Long-distance flight planning, pilotage, dead reckoning, and GPS navigation

Night Flying & Instrument Basics

Night operations, lighting systems, and basic instrument flying skills

Checkride Preparation

Intensive preparation for both oral and practical examinations with DPE standards

100+
Training Hours
13
Core Subjects
2
FAA Exams
95%
Pass Rate

This is not an exhaustive list and does not represent our entire course curriculum

Your Journey

Training Timeline

Typical progression from first lesson to licensed pilot, flown like the traffic pattern you'll learn on day one

*Timeline varies based on student commitment and weather conditions*

1Leg 1 · Upwind Weeks 1–6

Phase 1: Foundation

  • Ground school fundamentals
  • First flight experiences
  • Aircraft systems familiarization
  • Basic flight maneuvers
0–15
Flight Hours
10–20
Ground Hours
2Leg 2 · Crosswind Weeks 7–12

Phase 2: Solo Preparation

  • Pattern work mastery
  • Emergency procedures training
  • First solo flight achievement
  • Radio communications
15–25
Flight Hours
15–25
Ground Hours
3Leg 3 · Downwind Weeks 13–20

Phase 3: Cross-Country & Advanced

  • Navigation training
  • Solo cross-country flights
  • Night flying operations
  • Instrument flight basics
25–40
Flight Hours
25–35
Ground Hours
4Leg 4 · Final Weeks 18–24

Phase 4: Checkride & Certification

  • Written exam completion
  • Intensive checkride preparation
  • Mock checkrides
  • Private pilot practical exam
40–50
Flight Hours
35–45
Ground Hours

Private pilot training typically requires 40+ hours of flight time with a certified instructor and solo practice. The program can be completed in as little as 3-6 months with consistent training, weather permitting. These foundational hours count towards building total time for advanced ratings.

Training Fleet

Modern Training Aircraft

Train in state-of-the-art aircraft with advanced avionics and safety systems

Cessna 172 Skyhawk Cessna 172 Skyhawk Interior Cessna 172 Skyhawk Cockpit Cessna 172 Skyhawk Training
Refurbished interior
Glass Cockpit

N300KZ “Hannah”

Cessna 172 Skyhawk

$215 /hr

An exemplary C172, the world's most trusted training aircraft. N300KZ features cutting edge technology including a glass cockpit and Digital engine monitoring systems paired with traditional and glass backup instrumentation. She Features touchscreen WAAS capable GPS, ADSB Traffic and weather systems, terrain avoidance, and crystal clear audio thanks to a new audio panel! She also features a 180HP engine upgrade offering increased performance over other trainers of the exact make and model. N300KZ offers complete and comprehensive flight training!

Specifications

Engine
Lycoming O-360 (180HP Upgrade)
Cruise Speed
115 kts TAS
Range
550 nautical miles
Seating
4 seats

Advanced Avionics

  • Aspen 1000 PFD/HSI, AV30 STDBY, JPI 830 Engine Monitor
  • S-Tec Autopilot
  • Garmin GNX 375 WAAS GPS
  • Traffic & Weather Systems

Training Applications

Private Pilot Instrument Rating Commercial Pilot Flight Instructor Time Building
Piper Cherokee 140/160 Exterior Piper Cherokee 140/160 Interior
New Paint & Interior
Glass Cockpit

N9678W “Laney”

Piper Cherokee 140/160

$215 /hr

The Cherokee cruiser lives up to it's name, training students with both efficiency and comfort! A great trainer and time builder thanks to her reliable Lycoming O-320 Laney won't leave you hanging. This bird features a completely new paint job, interior, and upgraded avionics panel. Pilots stay informed about their surroundings thanks to ADSB traffic & weather, onboard terrain warning systems, and Touchscreen WAAS capable GPS, and a fully Digital Primary engine monitoring system. Laney keeps training fun, informative, and safe for both private pilots to Commercial & CFII candidates alike!

Specifications

Engine
Lycoming O-320 (160HP) + Electric Ignition Upgrade
Cruising Speed
110kts TAS
Fuel
48 Gallons Usable
Seating
4 Seats

Advanced Avionics

  • Dual Garmin G5 PFD/HSI & JPI EDM 900 Engine Monitor
  • Garmin GTX355 WAAS GPS
  • Built in ADSB Traffic & Weather Systems
  • Garmin GTX 345 ADS-B Transponder

Training Applications

Private Pilot Instrument Rating Commercial Pilot Flight Instructor Time Building
Investment in Your Future

Training Investment

Transparent pricing with flexible payment options

Pay-As-You-Go & Financing

At Dependable Aviation, we believe your money should never be tied down to your flight training. We follow a simple Pay-As-You-Go structure that gives you complete flexibility.

Our intuitive software allows you to deposit training funds ahead of time or be billed per flight. Any funds deposited are yours alone and will only be used for YOUR training.

Financing Available

  • Flexible Financing Options & Payment Plans
  • Transparent Terms
  • Simple & Straightforward Application Processes
Explore Financing Options
Most Popular

Our Rates

Aircraft Rental:

$215/HR

Wet Rate (includes fuel)

Certified Flight Instructor:

$80/HR

ESTIMATED Program Cost:

Private Pilot License

Duration:3-6 months

Flight Hours:40-60 Hours

Ground School:30-40 Hours

(includes comprehensive training)

Estimated Total Cost:

$17,000 - $21,000

*Includes aircraft, instructor, and materials

Accelerated Program

• Training deposit of $2,000 required

(Applied towards your training costs)

Guaranteed priority scheduling

Pay-As-You-Go or financing available

Intensive, focused training schedule

Dedicated instructor assignment

Your Aviation Future

Beyond Private Pilot

Your private pilot license is the foundation for an exciting aviation journey. Advance your skills with additional ratings and pursue professional opportunities.

Instrument Rating

Fly safely in clouds and poor weather conditions

Essential Next Step

Commercial License

Get paid to fly and pursue aviation careers

Professional Path

Flight Instructor

Share your passion and teach others to fly

Build Experience

Multi-Engine

Master twin-engine aircraft operations

Advanced Training

Professional Pilot Career Pathway

Your Private Pilot License is the first leg of the trip

PPL

Private Pilot

40+ hours

You Start Here
IR

Instrument Rating

40+ hours

CPL

Commercial Pilot

250 hours

ATP

Airline Transport Pilot

1,500 hours

Start Your Journey

Ready to Soar?

Take the first step toward earning your private pilot license and discovering the freedom of flight

Your Flight Path

  1. Step 1

    Discovery Flight

    Experience the thrill of flying with a certified instructor

  2. Step 2

    Medical Certificate

    Obtain your FAA medical certificate from an AME

  3. Step 3

    Begin Training

    Start your comprehensive flight training program

  4. Step 4

    Earn Your License

    Pass your checkride and become a licensed pilot!

Dependable Aviation flight school office at Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport

Contact Information

KPUJ · Dallas, GA
CALL OR TEXT 470-798-0999 Schedule Discovery Flight
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