Are you dreaming of earning your Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)? At Paragon Flight, we’ve designed a clear, supportive training process that takes you from your first time at the controls to becoming a confident, certified pilot. Here’s a closer look at how this process works and what PPL training includes at Paragon.

Step One: Discovery Flight & Onboarding

The journey begins with a Discovery Flight that provides a hands-on, introductory experience that includes a school tour, an overview of the path to becoming a pilot, and the opportunity to take the controls alongside one of our FAA-certified flight instructors.

After your flight, you’ll meet with our team to discuss your goals, budget, and timeline. At this stage, you’ll receive a detailed training plan, a transparent cost estimate, and an assigned primary flight instructor who will guide you through your entire program.

Stage 1: Fundamentals of Flight Training (20–30 Hours)

This stage builds your foundational skills. You’ll learn how to handle the aircraft, understand its systems, and safely execute key maneuvers. Training combines:

• Hands-on flights with your instructor
• Simulator sessions for skill reinforcement
• Ground school for aeronautical knowledge

You’ll cover topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft controls, flight instruments, radio communication, and navigation basics. This approach ensures each new skill builds on the one before it, laying a solid foundation for more advanced training.

Stage 2: Advanced / Solo Flight Training (10–15 Hours)

With the fundamentals mastered, you’ll begin more advanced maneuvers and navigation training, preparing you for your first solo flight. Training includes:

• Cross-country flight planning and execution
• Night flying (if included in your program)
• Operating in controlled and uncontrolled airspace
• Fine-tuning takeoffs, landings, and pattern work

Stage 3: Examination and Testing (10–15 Hours)

This stage prepares you for the FAA exams. You’ll complete review flights, simulator sessions, and mock oral exams to ensure you’re fully prepared for:

• The FAA Knowledge Test (written) covering aeronautical knowledge
• The Practical Test (oral exam + checkride) with an FAA examiner

When you pass, you’ll officially become a certified private pilot, allowing you to fly single-engine aircraft for non-commercial purposes.

Additional FAA Requirements

To earn your Private Pilot Certificate, the FAA requires that you:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Hold at least a third-class FAA medical certificate
• Complete the minimum flight and ground school hours for your chosen training program

Train with the Best at Paragon Flight

Paragon Flight Training is an award-winning, nationally recognized flight academy headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, with additional campuses in Punta Gorda, Florida, and LaGrange, Georgia. Since 2006, we’ve been providing FAA-approved flight training for both domestic and international students.

At Paragon, we take a flexible, student-focused approach that adapts to your learning style, pace, and goals. All training is conducted in Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) equipped with cutting-edge avionics, including the Garmin G1000 system, so you learn on the same technology used in modern aircraft. Our experienced, certified flight instructors are committed to helping you progress quickly without sacrificing mastery of essential skills.

From your first Discovery Flight to your final checkride, you’ll receive personalized support and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether you’re flying for personal enjoyment or preparing for advanced certifications, Paragon Flight provides the aircraft, instructors, and learning environment to help you confidently obtain your Private Pilot Certification.

Ready to take the first step? Contact us online or at +1 (239) 747-0056 to request your Discovery Flight today.