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SunState Powered by Academy of Aviation Private Pilot and Instrument Rating



Prices and Course Duration for your PPL Certificate and Instrument Rating

There will be many "firsts" on your way to the Private Pilot License - first flight, first radio communication, your first solo flight and landing, first solo cross country ... the sense of achievement and satisfaction is equal to none.

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  • Solo Success!

    Congrats to Dominique on recently completing her #FIRSTSOLO!

  • Instrument Awesome!

    Surindra Maraj celebrates a successful instrument check ride with his enthusiastic CFI! #flyaoa

  • Flying in the Carolina Sky!

    AOA CFI Casey in flight over Gastonia. #flyaoa

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Your Private Pilot License and Instrument Rating: Price Comparison Chart

The prices below are derived from two sources: SunState Powered by Academy of Aviation's price quoting based on our own student completion averages, and Part 141 minimum hours for course completion. Prices are separated by plane type: Cessna 152 and Cessna 172 G1000®. **You may finish your training under Part 141 minimums, but you should expect to realistically finish under AOA's average price.

  • SunState Powered by Academy of Aviation Price

    Price reflects the discounted cost of the PPL Rating ONLY that you receive when you combine it with the Instrument Rating. (C-152)

    $17,500*
    • PPL plus IR combined: $32,230
      C-172 G1000®
    • Instrument a la carte: $10,280
      C-152
    • Instrument a la carte: $12,100
      C-172 G1000®
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  • **Part 141 Minimum Price

    PPL (C-152)

    $7,600
    • PPL: $9,350
      C-172 G1000®
    • Instrument: $7,140
      C-152
    • Instrument: $8,120
      C-172 G1000®

Become a pilot with a flight training program built around safety, innovation and accessibility.

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WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Private Pilot Course from Start to Finish

*Flight Hours for the prices above are based on an average Academy of Aviation student's course completion time for each section:



  • Simulator RedBird Dual w/ Instructor • up to 5 hours
  • Flight Dual w/ Instructor • up to 55 hours
  • Supervised Solo • up to 5 hours
  • Pre-Post Instruction Briefing • up to 15 hours

Instrument Rating Course from Start to Finish



  • Simulator RedBird Dual w/ Instructor • up to 14 hours
  • Flight Dual w/ Instructor • up to 26 hours
  • Pre-Post Instruction Briefing • up to 8 hours

We invite you to explore our Student Portal and download our full Course Catalog. There you will discover every detail about all of our programs:



Student Portal

WHAT DO I NEED?

Private Pilot License Eligibility:

  • Get started at any age but you must be 16 years old to fly solo
  • Be 17 years of age to take your Private Pilot Course check ride
  • Obtain a 3rd Class FAA Medical Certificate (or higher)
  • English proficiency
  • Completion of your High School diploma or equivalent


Part 141 vs. Part 61: What's the Difference?

When you're looking at flight training, there are two main options: Part 141 and Part 61.

Part 141 follows a structured FAA-approved plan, meaning fewer hours and faster completion—saving you time and money. Part 61, on the other hand, offers more flexibility with your schedule but requires more flight hours. Depending on your career goals, some airlines or international aviation authorities may prefer Part 141, so it’s worth chatting with our Admissions Team for guidance.



How Fast Can You Get Your Private Pilot License?

At SunState, we can have you ready for your check ride in just 6 weeks if you fly about 5-6 hours a week. We also offer flexible scheduling if you’re juggling work or school.



What Can You Do with a Private Pilot License?

With a Private Pilot License (PPL), you can fly anywhere in the U.S. You can carry passengers (though you can't charge for flights) and avoid road traffic for your trips. Just be mindful of weather until you get your Instrument Rating.



Training Overview

You’ll learn everything from how planes work and airspace rules to emergency landings. Simulator training gives you a safe, cost-effective way to practice before you’re ready for the skies. One major milestone will be your first solo flight!



The Check Ride

After your training, you’ll take a check ride, which includes a verbal exam and a flight test. With a 92% first-time pass rate at Academy of Aviation, you’ll be flying solo in no time. You’ll get a temporary license right away while your official one gets processed.

Introducing our "First Flight to First Officer" Commercial Program.

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