Private Pilot License (PPL)
Gain the freedom to fly for travel, adventure, or personal achievement. Build real skill, confidence, and smart decision-making to fly safely and enjoy every flight.
Program Summary
Privileges and Limitations
As a Private Pilot, you may:
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Act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft for which you are rated. If you rent our aircraft, this will include those aircraft for which you have completed a rental checkout.
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Fly for pleasure, personal travel, or business travel.
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Carry passengers and share the flight expenses equally.
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Fly day or night in visual meteorological conditions (generally at least 3 statue miles of visibility, and well clear of clouds).
You may not:
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Carry passengers for compensation or hire (requires a Commercial Pilot certificate).
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Fly in instrument meteorological conditions (requires an Instrument Rating).
FAA Training Requirements
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Minimum 40 hours of flight time, which includes:
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10 hours of solo flight time, including:
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5 hours of solo cross-country flight time
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20 hours of flight training from an instructor, including:
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3 hours of instrument flight training
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3 hours of night flight training
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3 hours of training in preparation for the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test
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Complete an instructor-administered Pre-Solo Knowledge Test
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Pass the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test
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Pass the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test (includes a knowledge and skills evaluation)
Getting Started Checklist
Contact us to schedule your orientation. This may be combined with a Discovery Flight, if you have no previous flight experience. All orientations are conducted and billed as regular ground instruction. During the orientation your instructor will:
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Collect your proof of U.S. Citizenship (see below)
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Complete the online application for your FAA Student Pilot Certificate.
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Review all Holladay Aviation policies and procedures.
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Schedule your first flight lesson.
Gather proof of U.S. citizenship: unexpired U.S. Passport, or a U.S. birth certificate. We’ll also need a copy of your driver’s license. We are no longer accepting foreign students.
Purchase a pilot log book. We recommend this one, which you can order online from a variety of vendors or purchase from our friends at Aircraft General Supply, conveniently located near Craig Airport.
Download the ForeFlight app onto your iPad and iPhone. Click here for guidance on selecting a device. If you use an Andriod smartphone and tablet, you will need to download the Garmin Pilot app.
Schedule an appointment with a FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for a Third Class medical certificate. You do not need this certificate to begin training, but it is required to complete the training program.
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If your goal is to earn a Commercial Pilot certificate and seek employment as a pilot, you should seek a First Class medical certificate.
Purchase a headset.
Begin flight training.
Training Rates
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We believe in transparent, straightforward pricing — with no hidden fees.
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Hourly Flight Lesson: $265
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Hourly Ground Lesson: $75
Estimated Training Cost
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours for a Private Pilot License, though most students complete training in 55–70 hours, depending on schedule, consistency, and prior experience.
Estimated Total Flight Training: $14,000–$18,000
Estimated Ground Instruction: $1,000–$1,500
Every student’s journey is unique — We work closely with a structured, proven syllabus designed for efficiency and progress tracking. Each lesson is personalized to your goals and learning pace — ensuring you get maximum value, efficiency, and real skill development.