final_3Our accelerated Private Pilot Certificate program will take you from zero hours of flight experience through earning your first pilot certificate in as little as 28 days.  The program includes both flight training and ground instruction. Our primary goal is to ensure that you become a safe and competent pilot–not just that you know enough to pass your FAA practical test.  During the accelerated private pilot training you’ll be learning to fly in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, so you’ll not only become a safe and competent pilot, but also a safe and competent mountain pilot.  Alpine Flight Training provides all private pilot training in Piper Archer.  You’ll fly from a controlled airport each day and visit a variety of other controlled and uncontrolled fields in the vicinity.

Alpine Flight Training provides a variety of accelerated training programs, probably our most popular is Private Pilot training. Over the years we have worked with may people who want to get through their Private Pilot Training and do it efficiently. With any private pilot training, the training is a combination of flying and study. On our 28 day private pilot program you’ll need to plan to fly between 1-2 flights a day that will consume between 3-4 hours each day at the airport, you’ll need to dedicate at least 4-6 hours per day to study (if you have the written already done that can streamline and reduce the amount of study). You’ll need to pass an FAA 3rd class medical, you should do that before you come to training.

What sets our private pilot training program apart from any other training organization in the US is the way we blend mountain training (an advanced topic for pilots) with the basics of learning to fly and getting a private pilots license. We teach everything a person would learn if they were at a small airport on the flatlands but also teach mountain flying skills. The result is a far more competent and knowledgeable Private Pilot.

Keep in mind, with ANY accelerated Private Pilot training program there is no guarantee you will accomplish in schedule or within the allotted hours and cost – this is because each person is different and motivation and aptitude play a role in success, additionally weather plays a role and can cause the training to be stretched out. However, Alpine Flight Training a very good track record getting most people finished within the timeframe and the cost, in many cases several days early.

With our accelerated program you receive top priority in our schedule to guarantee your training aircraft is available for your flights first and foremost. Secondly, any accelerated student will get top priority to the most qualified instructors available. Your training program will be overseen by an instructor with Master CFI and Gold Seal CFI credentials and nearly 20 year experience training Private Pilots in the Colorado Rockies.

For a free consultation to discuss this or other programs please call us at 970-401-5105

Lodging in Eagle Colorado

There are a number of hotels and motels in Eagle, Colorado. Many of our students also have used AirBB to secure living arrangements. If you have an RV, there are a number of campgrounds or free camping on BLM in the area.

Flight Training

A Certified flight instructor (CFI) will conduct your flight training, using a standard Private Pilot course syllabus.  Your flight training will include both dual instruction (flying with your CFI) and solo flights.  The flight training is overseen by our chief instructor – a former Master CFI, and FAA Air Safety counselor.

Ground Instruction

Your ground instruction is accomplished primarily through a Computer-Based Instruction kit, and supplemented as necessary by your CFI. Computer-Based Instruction is an entertaining and easy to use ground school course on CD-ROMs that you can work at your own pace, in the comfort of your home or office.  Each lesson includes full-motion video instruction, interactive quizzes, and an in-cockpit video preview of the corresponding flight in your course syllabus–helping to make your flight training as effective and cost-efficient as possible.

Training Cost Estimate

Training estimate based on 50 hours of flight and all other required items is $16,500.  Training package does not include lodging, meals, or transportation, of FAA Checkride Fees.

Training Time Required

The Federal Aviation Regulations require a minimum of 40 hours of flight time to earn your Private Pilot certificate.  This time must include:

  • at least 20 hours of dual instruction, including
    • three hours of day cross-country instruction,
    • three hours of instrument instruction,
    • three hours of local and cross-country night instruction, and
    • three hours of instruction in preparation for the FAA practical test.
  • at least 10 hours of solo flight, including five hours of cross-country flight (two flights).

Despite these minimums, most new pilots require more experience to be safe and competent.  The national average for Private Pilots is about 60 hours total flight time, including about 50 hours of dual instruction.

Prerequisites to Take the FAA Practical Test

Before you can take the FAA practical test to become a private pilot, your CFI must endorse your logbook to show that you have completed your ground and flight instruction.  In addition, you must:

  • Be 17 years old (you need to be 16 years old to fly solo),
  • Be able to read, write and understand the English language,
  • Hold at least a Class III medical certificate, and
  • Pass the FAA knowledge test.
Tips for Minimizing Your Training Costs

Fly as frequently as possible.  As with any other activity that requires learning new motor skills–such as tennis or skiing–the less time that elapses between your lessons, the more newly-acquired skills your brain and body will retain from the previous lesson. As a result, you’ll be able to spend more time during each lesson learning new skills instead of re-learning old ones.  We find that flying at least once a week is the minimum desirable frequency; flying two or three times a week should enable you to earn your certificate in closer to the FAA minimum times.

Come prepared for your flight lessons.  Always complete the reading and know what to expect during your flight lesson, and how to perform any new maneuvers.  Make a list of any questions that you have, and bring them with you to the lesson so you can discuss them beforehand with your CFI.