Private Pilot

Become a licensed private pilot at Sunair Aviation.

Whether you plan to make aviation a career or just for fun, this is your first step in becoming a pilot! With our FAA approved 141 program, you will learn the fundamental skills and techniques that will be the foundation of all future ratings. Sunair Aviation has a rigorous selection process for Flight Instructors to insure our students get the best quality training from the start. You will most likely carry the habits that you have obtained in Private Pilot training through the rest of your flying career. Developing good habits from the start will lead to more success in the future.

PRIVATE PILOT FAQ

Entry Prerequisites - Private Pilot

  • 16 years old prior to solo & 17 years old prior to 141 graduation

  • FAA 3rd Class medical

  • Rental form completed

  • US unexpired Passport or Birth Certificate and government issued Photo ID

  • TSA logbook endorsement

What aircraft will I start in?

Most of our students start in the Cessna 172. We offer late model Cessna 172s with a Garmin 1000 avionics suite and a Cessna 172SP “Legacy” with a Garmin 530/430 with WAAS and ADS-B. This means either model will offer on-board weather and traffic advisories in flight!

Can I count time in the Redbird simulator towards my required 35 hours training time?

Yes! The FAA permits 5 hours (15 percent) of simulator time toward the private pilot requirements! We conduct emergency operations and navigation in the simulator.

How many people pass on the first try?

We’ve provided professional flight training for the past 40 years and we’re proud to hold a 96% pass rate on all initial certification tests, from the initial private pilot to the Phd of flying, the Airline Transport Pilot certificate!

Are students allowed to use Foreflight during their flight training or is it strictly paper charts? Is Foreflight allowed to be used on a practical test?

Absolutely! However students will be cross trained on both techniques, the “old” school method (Plotter, E6B, Sectional Charts) and the Foreflight application. Each examiner is different. Your instructor will brief you prior to your practical test on what the examiner allows regarding Foreflight.