The private pilot certificate is usually the first step in your aviation journey.

Earning your private pilot certificate enables you to experience the world from a new perspective. Imagine flying to Monterey for lunch or spending a weekend in Reno with friends without havin to drive. You will have mastered the fundamentals of airmanship, navigation, and communication. As a result, you will be given the privilege and responsibility to fly virtually anywher under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). To earn a Private Pilot rating the FAA requires an applicant attain 40 flight hours and have passed a written test.