Private Pilot License for Veterans
Paragon Flight in Fort Myers is one of the top-notch flight schools in all of Florida and even the nation. Those seeking a private pilot license, as veterans or citizens, can come here for a top-notch training program that fits every need.
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 61 and Part 141 govern our flight school. Many training facilities have one or the other. Having authority under both, we can offer the right sort of program for every single student in any stage of life.
The differences between Part 61 and Part 141 approved training programs lie largely with the level of flexibility allowed within the program’s curriculum and timetable.
The minimum number of hours required for private pilot training is slightly different, but for most pilot students, the number doesn’t have much of an impact since they exceed the minimum required anyway.
Veterans who want to use GI benefits are actually required to pursue Part 141 approved training, which is full-time with a rigid, standard curriculum.
Part 61 programs can change up the order of content for students and allow them to work at their own pace when fulfilling requirements.
Becoming a Private Pilot
A private pilot certification requires that you meet certain FAA requirements:
- Be a minimum of 17 years old (training can begin earlier)
- Speak, read, write, and comprehend the English language
- Clear a routine medical exam
- Receive and document required ground training from a certified instructor
- Score a minimum of 70% of multiple-choice knowledge exam
- Receive at least 40 hours of flight instruction
- Log 40 hours of solo flight time with a FAR Part 61 Program or 35 hours with a FAR Part 141 Program
- Pass a practical exam which includes both an oral and flight measurement administered by an FAA inspector or Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
With a Private Pilot Certificate, pilots can operate any single-engine, piston driven plan within the United States, both day and night as long as conditions allow for 3 miles of visibility.
A private pilot certificate will allow you to fly for personal reasons, but you won’t be able to hire yourself out or be paid; although, you can split essential expenses related to flying.
Consider the Mechanisms of Instruction We Use
Paragon Flight employs a top-quality, incredibly well-maintained fleet of aircraft. Our fleet includes several aircraft types including the following:
- Cessna 172 Skyhawks
- Cessna Stationair C260H
- Cirrus SR20 and SR22
- Piper PA-44 Seminole
Each of these aircraft is outfitted with Glass Cockpit Technology meant to prepare pilots for the same navigation technology found across the board in aircraft.
Paragon Flight is proud to frequently find ourselves on the receiving end of awards from AOPA demonstrating our value as one of the best flight training institutions in the nation.
The Jeppesen Curriculum used by Paragon Flight is the premiere flight training curriculum. It covers every relevant aspect you might face as you work to earn your private pilot certificate, and when used in combination with our equipment and instructors, the result is an effective, engaging, and safe flight training experience.
Paragon Flight’s flight school in Fort Myers, FL, provides a team of well-trained and experienced flight instructors ready to guide you through your efforts to earn a private pilot license. Welcoming veterans, hobbyists, or career-minded newbies, we invite you to give us a call and schedule a Discovery Flight, talk finances, or work out a training plan to fit your lifestyle and schedule: (239) 274-3170.