How long does it take to get a private pilot license?

Question

I am going to be attending Embry-Riddle in August, but I want to get my private pilot license before I get there to save some money. I have about three and a half months, and I already have my Class 1 Medical. I think Embry-Riddle will provide better ground training, but I would rather save some money. Will I be able to get my private pilot's license before I move to college? And how much studying does the oral exam take?

Answer 1

If you start now, it should be no problem to get your private by the end of August IF you can get an instructor who will fly with you 4-6 times a week.  Figure on it taking an average of 60 hours of flight time.  5 hours a week and you'll be done in 3 months.  It will take a lot of dedication and studying on your part...

Here's the big caution, though.  If your sole reason you are doing this is to save money before starting ERAU, I'd advise you to look at how they credit previous experience.  I don't know this for a fact, but there's a good chance you will still have to go through the ground school and fly 10 hours or so to prove that you're up to their standards and to familiarize yourself with their airplanes and procedures before moving on to the next flight course.  Keep in mind that they will have much tighter standards and standardization than most FBO flight schools, so you may have to force yourself to "unlearn" some things, especially if your local flight school is loose on checklist discipline and that kind of thing.

I'd start there - check with an adviser at ERAU about the previous experience credit requirements.  If you want to start flying now just to make sure it's something you want to do before committing to a collegiate program, great... But if you are interested in only saving money, this approach might be counterproductive.

Answer 2

no

Answer 3

I would tend to agree with 'Coffebuzz'..  It is always best to check before you make that kind of decision. Part of it is, the regs they operate under, and part is their policies.

Beyond that, you could probably complete your training.  But it would be a little rushed.  I normally recommend flying 2 to 3 times a week, since it is a building process. But, that's mho..

ER's programs are more structured than most part 61 plans.  If you like structure, then wait til you get there.

As for how long to study for your oral, that will come through your training.  If you go part 61, your instructor will guide you. If you are asking about the written, I'd say study 30 minutes a day for a month, then go for it.  There's places online you can study.  Check out www.sports.com/faatest for one.

Good luck.  Oh, you can't get a Pilot's License, btw. It's a 'Certificate'.  It's only a 'License' to learn...