Coastal Flight provides a tailored Part 61 flight training designed to help you earn your Private Pilot Certificate all the way through to your Commercial Pilot Certificate. Our custom, comprehensive training program offers a structured yet flexible approach, ensuring that you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to progress at your own pace.
The Private Pilot Certificate is the foundation of your aviation journey, allowing you to fly solo or carry passengers for non-commercial purposes. It also serves as the essential first step toward achieving further aviation certifications and reaching your long term flying goals. Whether you’re a beginner or pursuing higher qualifications, Coastal Flight is committed to supporting and guiding you every step of the way.
Federal Aviation Administration Requirements for a Private Pilot Certificate
Minimum 17 years old
Read, speak, write and understand the English language
US Citizen
Medical Certificate (First, Second or Third) from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
Pass the FAA tests (knowledge & practical) and checkride
Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)
We offer both online ground school and personalized one-on-one flight instruction with our Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs), giving you the flexibility to train at your own pace and at a location convenient to you. With experienced CFIs guiding you through each step, you’ll gain the necessary knowledge and skills to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written and flight exams.
FAA Minimum Requirements (14 CFR §61.109):
10 total hours solo flight time (5 hours must be cross-county)
1 cross-country flight of 150 nm total, with full-stop landings at 3 points and 1 segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nm between takeoff and landing locations
3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower
3 hours of night flight training that includes
1 cross-country flight over 100 nm
10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering solely by reference to instruments, …
3 hours of flight training for cross-country flights
3 hours of flight training with a CFI in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test
The average time to complete the Private Pilot Certificate program is around 55 – 65 flight hours, which typically takes 4 – 6 months for students flying 2 – 3 times per week. However, the exact duration varies based on each student’s study habits and time commitment.
Instrument Rating (IFR)
Enhance your piloting skills by earning your Instrument Rating. This certification allows you to fly in a broader range of weather conditions, relying on instruments rather than visual cues and expand your capabilities as a pilot.
FAA Minimum Requirements (14 CFR §61.65(d)):
50 hours of cross-country flight time as Pilot in Command (PIC) (10 hours must be in an airplane)
40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the areas of operation…, (15 hours must have been received from a CFII)
Flight training on cross-country flight procedures, including 1 cross-country flight with a CFII performed under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) when a flight plan has been filed with an air traffic control (ATC) facility and involves a flight of 250 nm total distance along airways or directed routing from an ATC facility
Instrument approach at each airport
3 different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems
Additional
3 hours of IFR training with a CFII within 2 calendar months before the date of the practical test.
Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL)
Take the next step in your aviation career by earning your Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL). This certification allows you to be compensated for your flying and opens the door to opportunities in a variety of sectors, including private charter services, aerial tours, agricultural aviation and eventually airline positions.
Our program provides the training and flight hours required to meet FAA standards, focusing on advanced maneuvers, flight precision and decision-making skills. With personalized instruction and flexible scheduling, Coastal Flight is here to help you achieve your commercial pilot goals.
FAA Minimum Requirements (14 CFR §61.129(a)):
250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least—
100 hours in powered aircraft (50 hours must be in airplanes)
100 hours of PIC flight time, which includes at least—
50 hours in airplanes; and
50 hours in cross-country flight (10 hours must be in airplanes)
20 hours of dual training on the areas of operation listed in FAR §61.127(b)(1) that includes at least—
10 hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device including attitude instrument flying, partial panel skills, recovery from unusual flight attitudes and intercepting and tracking navigational systems. Five (5) of the 10 hours required for instrument training must be in a single engine airplane;
10 hours of training in a complex airplane, a turbine-powered airplane or a Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) that meets the requirements of FAR §61.129(j) or any combination thereof. The airplane must be appropriate to land or sea for the rating sought;
One 2-hour cross-country flight in a single engine airplane in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nm from the original point of departure;
One 2-hour cross-country flight in a single engine airplane in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nm from the original point of departure; and
10 hours of solo flight time in a single engine airplane;
1 cross-country flight of not less than 300 nm total distance, with landings at a minimum of 3 points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nm from the original departure point; and
5 hours in night Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions with 10 takeoffs and landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower
3 hours of flight training with a CFI in preparation for the practical test
Flight Instructor Ratings
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Elevate your aviation career by becoming a Certified Flight Instructor. As a CFI, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of pilots while enhancing your own flying skills and knowledge.
FAA Minimum Requirements:
Hold either a CPL or Air Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with
an aircraft category and class rating appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought
Instrument rating or privileges on that person’s pilot certificate that are appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought
Receive logbook endorsement from authorized instructor on the fundamentals of instructing listed in FAR §61.185 of this part appropriate to the required knowledge test
Pass a knowledge test on areas listed in FAR §61.185(a)
Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII)
Advancing to a Certified Instrument Flight Instructor is a significant step in expanding your instructional expertise and career opportunities. As a CFII, you will be qualified to teach instrument flying skills, enabling pilots to safely operate under IFR in diverse weather conditions and complex airspace. Our training program focuses on advanced instrument procedures, effective teaching methods and regulatory compliance, ensuring you are fully prepared for the FAA knowledge and practical exams. By becoming a CFII, you not only enhance your value as an instructor but also gain the ability to support instrument-rated pilots in honing critical skills, further elevating safety and proficiency in the aviation community.
