Earning your Private Pilot Certificate is where you develop the foundational skills, judgment and discipline to become a safe, confident and competent pilot. It’s about more than learning to fly an airplane—it’s learning to take ownership, make sound decisions and accept the responsibility that comes with being pilot in command.
At Paragon, we build those habits from the beginning, creating a strong foundation for wherever your aviation journey takes you next.
From Student to Airline
Your private pilot training experience with Paragon is broken into modules we call “Stages”:
Starting Point
Discovery Introduction Flight & On Boarding Meeting
Stage 1
20-30 Hours of Flight Time
Fundamentals of Flight Training (20-30 Hours of Flight Time)
Stage 2
10-15 Hours of Flight Time
Advanced / Solo Flight Training (10-15 Hours of Flight Time)
Stage 3
10-15 Hours of Flight Time
Examination and Testing (10-15 Hours of Flight Time)
For almost everyone, the Discovery Flight is the first step to becoming a pilot. This flight is a “mini-lesson” where you will tour the school, learn about becoming a pilot and then actually fly the aircraft with an FAA approved Certified Flight Instructor.
The next step after your Discovery Flight is to meet with our team to review your goals, timeline and any other aspect of your training you wish to discuss. At this time, you will also be given a detailed written cost estimate and assigned a primary flight instructor.
During this stage you will be introduced to the basics of flight including:
At the end of the stage you will also complete your first official “Stage Check” with a Paragon designated check instructor just prior to your first solo flight in the aircraft.
The purpose of Paragon’s unique check flight process is to:
During this stage, you will continue to improve your flight skills, including landings and cross country navigation. We are preparing you for your next two solo cross country flights and your supervised night cross country flight.
You will also complete your second stage check with a check instructor prior to completing your solo cross-country flights.
Stage three (3) is the final phase of your training where you will complete your final solo flights and any final requirements that are needed. You and your instructor will focus on final preparation for the FAA oral and flight exams.
Prior to your FAA oral and flight exams, we will complete your “final exam” with Paragon, which is called your End of Course (EOC) flight. The EOC is designed to be difficult and closely mimic what you might expect in your FAA flight exam. When you pass your EOC, you are truly ready to become a pilot.
Once you pass the FAA exams you’re officially a Private Pilot!
With PPL flight training, you’ll build skills and knowledge through hands-on flight training and ground instruction, including:
Most students are closer to qualifying than they think. To begin your path toward a private pilot certificate, you’ll need to:
You do not need previous flying experience, a college degree or natural talent. You don’t necessarily need perfect vision, either. Many pilots are able to meet FAA medical requirements with glasses or contact lenses. If you’re not sure you qualify or if you’re wondering about what it takes to get your Private Pilot License, Paragon Flight Training can help make it simple and clear.
Because every student’s training path is different, the best way to understand your cost is to talk with our team. We provide a clear estimate and can work with you to offer various training options to fit your budget.
Investment range
$15K – $22K
If you’re interested in becoming a professional pilot, the Private Pilot License is part of our P3 Program. Go from zero experience to a Commercial Pilot License in 12-18 months in a comprehensive, personalized program. By the end of the program, you will have everything you need to start earning money as a professional pilot.
Becoming a safe, confident and competent pilot takes more than simply meeting FAA requirements. At Paragon, your training is supported by an entire organization focused on helping you develop the skills, judgment and confidence to become pilot in command.
Whether you’ve been dreaming of earning your wings for years or you’ve just decided to embark on an aviation career, our team can help you understand your options so you can get started. Book your Discovery Flight now to see what flying is like or call us at 239-274-3170 to learn more.
90% First-Time Pass Rate
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