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Flight Training · Most Popular

Private Pilot
Certificate

The foundation of every aviation career. With your Private Pilot certificate you can fly passengers, fly at night, and operate into any airport in the country. Most students finish in 3–6 months.

Most Common 40 hrs Minimum Cessna 172 Part 61
40Min. Flight Hours
65–70Avg. Hours to Cert.
$11,760Est. Total Cost
17Min. Age
3rd ClassFAA Medical Req.

Overview

Your First Certificate

The Private Pilot certificate is the foundation of all general aviation. It allows you to fly passengers, operate at night, and fly into controlled airports — all under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

At Harford Air, training is conducted under FAR Part 61 — flexible, self-paced lessons tailored to your schedule. You'll train primarily in our Cessna 172 fleet.

The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, but the national average is 65–70 hours. Our instructors work efficiently and at your pace to get you checkride ready.

1

Discovery Flight

Take the controls for the first time with an instructor.

2

FAA Medical

Obtain your 3rd Class Medical from an Aviation Medical Examiner.

3

Dual Instruction

Learn maneuvers, navigation, and emergency procedures.

4

First Solo

A milestone moment: fly the pattern alone for the first time.

5

Written Test

Pass the FAA airman knowledge test.

6

Checkride

Complete the oral and practical exam.

FAA Requirements

What You Need

✓
40 Hours Total Flight TimeNational average is 65–70 hours.
✓
20 Hours Dual InstructionWith a Harford Air CFI.
✓
10 Hours Solo FlightIncluding specific cross-country and night requirements.
✓
3 Hours Instrument TrainingFlying solely by reference to instruments.
✓
5 Hours Solo Cross-CountryIncluding one flight over 150 nm with 3 stops.
✓
3 Hours Night FlyingIncluding one cross-country over 100 nm and 10 night landings.
✓
Towered Airport Operations3 takeoffs and landings at a tower-controlled airport.
✓
3rd Class FAA MedicalObtainable from any FAA Aviation Medical Examiner.
✓
Pass FAA Written Test60-question airman knowledge test.
✓
Pass Oral & Practical CheckrideWith an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.

Aircraft & Rates

Train in the Cessna 172

Our Cessna 172s are stable, proven trainers with excellent visibility and predictable handling. They are the backbone of private pilot training worldwide.

AircraftSoloDual
Cessna 172$175/hr$240/hr
CFI Fee—Included above

Ready to Start?

Book a discovery flight, then talk to one of our instructors about enrolling in Private Pilot training.

Book a Discovery Flight Contact Us