WestWind Aviation Services

To become a Private Pilot in a powered aircraft a person must be at least 17 years of age (16 to solo), hold a flight medical certificate, complete an appro-priate flight-training program, and pass the required tests.

Training for a Private Pilot License consists of two basic components.   The Ground School educates students in the various aspects of flying an airplane, such as aerodynamics, aircraft components, reg-ulations, weather, flight planning, and navigation.

The Flight Program puts the ground schooling into practice and develops the necessary coordination, judgment, and attitudes necessary to conduct consistently safe and enjoyable flights for you and your passengers as a Private Pilot. 

INVESTING IN A PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE

Quoting a fixed amount to obtain a Private Pilot License is impossible due to the many variables involved.  However, the following list would be considered the minimum to expect, based on flying WestWind’s aircraft:

            Item                         Standard              S40 Club*

§ Ground school (Online)           $180 +/- 

§ FAA Knowledge Test               $150      

§ 3^rd Class Physical                   $100 +/-                          

§ Private Pilot Test                     $600 +/-   

S40 Club Membership               ----                     $400

C-172 Aircraft (45-hours)       $6300                  $5670

Instructor (40-hrs)                  $2000                  $1800

Required materials                  $100                      $90

Total Investment Budget    $9450   $9010

§ Third party providers

* S40 Club is available for students training at the Prosser Airport only.

Common variables that will add to the overall cost of obtaining a Private Pilot License include the need for additional flight and ground instruction to meet requirements, the desire for additional reference information and pilot materials, type and source of ground school course taken, and where the physical and flight tests are taken.

So what’s the reality? Because of the variables, it is suggested to budget from $9,000-$10,000 as an investment range.  WestWind’s program and training methods minimize the needed investment by providing the maximum value in each training session.  Students are urged to take the following steps to get the most bang for their investment buck: 1) maintain a consistent flight schedule; 2) prepare in advance for each training session; 3) arrive at each training session early enough to mentally prepare for the session; 4) take advantage of available training discounts, and 5) invest only in appropriate equipment and materials that will contribute to the training process.  These steps will speed the training process and result in becoming a Private Pilot in the minimum time, and with minimum investment.

INITIAL STEPS TO BEGIN TRAINING

Step #1:  Bring a birth certificate or passport to the school. TSA requires proof of US citizenship after the first training flight.

Step #2:  Schedule an appointment with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).  A minimum of a 3rd Class Medical is required to solo.

AME's in SouthCentral Washington

Moses Lake Area

Dr. Dennis Kearns  (509)765-2929

Tri-Cities Area

Dr. Martin Coker  (509) 946-1695‬

Dr. William Kalichman ‭(509) 942-3286‬

Walla Walla Area

Dr John Shannon  (509) 522-5785

Yakima Area

Dr Brandon Isaacs  (208) 559-3235

Step #3:  Register and complete your medical profile at https://medexpress. faa.gov.  Your AME will need this.

Step #4: Register and complete a Student Pilot certificate application at https://iacra.faa.gov. A Student Pilot certificate is required to conduct solo flight.  

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

Ground School Course

Ground school consists of taking an approved course covering all required subjects of Private Pilot knowledge (except maneuvers).  Course is complete when the student demonstrates sufficient knowledge to pass an FAA Knowledge Test.  WestWind strongly suggests this course be completed and the Knowledge Test passed prior to starting Phase III of the Flight Program.  Ground school courses come either in an online, DVD, or classroom format.  Suggested sources are:

Online or DVD Courses Available (not all inclusive)

Gold Seal Online Ground School

https://www.faa-ground-school.com

Sporty’s Learn to Fly

www.learntoflyhere.com/

   ASA Private Pilot Ground School

www.asa2fly.com

Classroom Courses – Availability and location varies.

Flight Program

Flight training consists of a pre-flight briefing, the flight, and the de-brief.  The experience requirements are:  40-hours of flight time, with at least 20-hours of dual instruction and 10-hours of solo.  Within that time, the student must log 3-hours of instrument time, night and night cross-country experience, and 5-hours of solo cross-country time.

Phase I – Pre-Solo.  Introduces the student to all basic flight procedures and maneuvers. Phase is complete at 2nd solo flight. Note:  A 3rd Class Medical/Student Pilot License is required for solo.

Phase II – Post-Solo.  Introduces the student to advanced flight maneuvers, and allows student to conduct solo practice to hone skills.

Phase III – Cross Country.  Trains student in cross country planning and flight procedure.  Phase is complete when student completes all cross-country requirements.

Phase IV – Flight Check.  Final preparation for taking the Private Pilot Flight Check.  Phase is completed when student is endorsed for the Practical Exam.