Private Pilot License (PPL)
Private Pilot License (PPL) Training
Let your dreams of becoming a pilot become reality with our private pilot training in Santa Monica, Los Angeles. Whether you are hoping to start a career in aviation or just learning to fly for fun, our Private Pilot License (PPL) training will provide you with the theoretical and practical skills to take to the skies. Starting from $13,499+
Becoming a Private Pilot has never been easier at Proteus, explore the skies of Los Angeles and beyond as your own pilot.
If it’s not on your bucket list already, getting your Private Pilot’s license should be. Learn to fly on your own schedule and invest into something that will last a lifetime (your license never expires). Master the art of flying, a skill less than 1% currently have a license for. Unlock your wings, and soar through the skies, exploring locations such as Santa Barbara, Big Bear, Catalina, San Diego; the skies are limitless.
Travel first-class, whether for traveling to meetings or leisure, reach your destination faster and on your own schedule. At Proteus we have a serious passion for general aviation, a track record of producing the best and safest pilots, with a commitment to keeping flying fun and attainable.
Fast-Track 45-Day Private Pilot Program
Our 45-Day Accelerated learning program is a fast-track course designed for the busy individual who requires training on a compressed and intensive schedule. You will go from 0 hours to a Private Pilot rating within 45 days. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the theory and practical training, and provide you with a faster way of obtaining a private pilot license.
- World-class Instructors
- State-of-the-Art Training
- Personalized for you
- Fly to your schedule
Private Pilot Training in a Cirrus
Our fleet of Cirrus SR20 & SR22 provide an executive flight experience equipped with advanced avionics for a modern and safe flying experience. With a comfortable, airconditioned, spacious cockpit designed to provide an unparalleled learning experience. With enhanced safety features, including the proprietary Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), learning to fly has never been safer.
Private Pilot Training in a Piper
Learn to fly in our fleet of Piper Cherokee & Warrior aircraft, a cost-effective way to becoming a Private Pilot. We believe in offering an unparalleled training experience, and our Piper aircraft fleet is a testament to that commitment.
Private Pilot Training in a Cessna
Learn to fly in our fleet of Cessna 152, 172, and 182. With its high-wing design, Cessna aircraft are an excellent cost-effective way to becoming a Private Pilot. We believe in offering an unparalleled training experience, and our Cessna aircraft fleet is a testament to that commitment.
What does a Private Pilot License Involve?
At Proteus, we offer world-class instructors, state-of-the-art training, personalized to you, on your own schedule.
We will ensure you become a safety-first pilot. Your Private Pilot training will primarily involve:
- A minimum of 40 hours of flight time
- Flying with an Instructor
- Supervised solo flying
- Ground school training (learning aerodynamics, FAA regulations, flight planning, and more)
After completing both ground and flight training, you will be ready to take a written and practical exam. Once you pass both examinations, you will earn your Private Pilot License, which opens the door to a world of aviation opportunities.
Private Pilot Training Requirements
To become a Private Pilot, there are a number of qualifications and general requirements you will need to meet, including educational and medical criteria.
- At least 17 years old in order to receive your Private Pilot Certificate. Solo Flight Privileges from 16 years old.
- Proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English
- Able to obtain an FAA medical certificate
To successfully obtain your Private Pilot License, you will be evaluated by an FAA examiner during a practical test and a written knowledge examination.
Private Pilot Training Cost
The cost of your Private Pilot License training will change based on aircraft choice, ground instruction, examination fees, among other elements.
Our Private Pilot Training is pay as you go apart from examiner and examination fees which are paid directly to the examiners. Our Fleet pricing can be found here.
While it is often smart to pay for Flight Training using your own funds, we also offer some of the best rates available to finance. Proteus have partnered with Stratus Finance to offer competitive options, which provide 100% financing of your pilot training.
Private Pilot Training in Santa Monica
Ready to become a Private Pilot?
Gaining your private pilot’s license is the first step in unlocking your ability to become Instrument Rated, soaring through the clouds, and opening doors to various aviation pathways, including Commercial and Private Aviation.
Private Pilot License Training FAQs
What are the steps to becoming a Private Pilot?
In its simplest form, these are the steps to becoming a Private Pilot in Los Angeles:
- Take a Discovery Flight – Find out whether flying is for you by booking a Discovery Flight at Proteus.
- Check you meet Private Pilot requirements – You must be at least 17 years old, hold a third-class medical certificate and be proficient in English.
- Complete ground school training – You can use Sporty’s Online Ground School or alternatively learn theoretical concepts of flying and aviation including Federal Aviation Regulations, radio communication protocols, aerodynamics, navigation. flight planning, and weather with a Proteus ground instructor. To complete your ground school training, you will be required to take the FAA written test.
- Complete flight school training – You will learn how to fly an aircraft safely. This includes day and night flying, cross-country, and flight maneuvers.
- Pass your Checkride – Your practical exam, often called a ‘Checkride’ is the final requirement for obtaining your PPL. An FAA examiner will evaluate your knowledge and skills as a Pilot-In-Command (PIC).
How can I fund my training?
You can fund your Private Pilot Training (PPL) – through a financial loan such as Stratus Financial or via pay-as-you-go.
How long does it take to complete Private Pilot License training?
The length of time it takes to complete your Private Pilot License training can vary and is dependent on factors such as weather conditions, your availability, and finances.
You are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight time as part of your Private Pilot License. However, most Private Pilot students averagely secure your license in 70 hours.
Our Private Pilot Training in Los Angeles is paid as you go, allowing you to stagger the costs, and learn at your own pace.
Can I be paid to fly as a Private Pilot?
No, you may not get paid compensation when acting as a pilot-in-command with a Private Pilot Certificate.
Your Private Pilot License enables you to fly a single-engine aircraft for non-commercial reasons.
For both non-commercial reasons and charity events, you can act as a pilot-in-command and be reimbursed for fuel, oil, airport expenses, and rental fees from others onboard the aircraft or the charity fundraiser organizers.
What aeronautical flight experience am I required to know?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states you will need to have the following aeronautical flight experience to earn a Private Pilot License:
- 40hrs of Flight Time including at least 20hrs of flight training with a CFI and 10hrs of solo flight training. The total 40hrs must include:
- 3hrs of cross-country flight training
- 3hrs of night flight training that includes one cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance
- 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at an airport
- 3hrs of flight training in a single-engine aircraft on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments.
- 3hrs of flight training an authorized instructor in a single-engine aircraft in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months of your test
- 10hrs of solo flight time consisting of:
- 5hrs of solo cross-country time
- One solo cross country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at three points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations
- Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower
