When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. ~ Henry Ford

Private Pilot Requirements

Total Time: 40 hours minimum consisting of at least...

Dual Training

20 hours minimum of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:

  • 3 hours of cross country flight training in a single engine airplane;
  • 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane;
  • 3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the 60 days prior to the practical test.
  • 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least:
    • 1 cross country flight of over 100 nm total distance; and
    • 10 T/O’s and 10 landings to a full stop with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport.

Solo Training

10 hours minimum of solo flying in a single engine airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:

  • 5 hours of solo cross country flying;
  • 1 solo cross country flight of at least 150nm total distance
  • 3 T/O’s and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.

Instrument Rating Requirements

A person who applies for an instrument rating must...

Hold at least a current private pilot certificate or be concurrently applying for a private pilot certificate with an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift rating appropriate to the instrument rating sought.

You must have logged the following:

  • 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command.
    • 10 of these hours must be in airplanes
  • 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
  • At least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for the instrument rating sought.
  • One cross-country flight in an airplane that is performed under instrument flight rules. This flight must consist of: A distance of at least 250 nm along airways or ATC-directed routing. An instrument approach at each airport. Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems (Example: ILS, VOR, GPS, etc).
  • At least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought from an authorized instructor in preparation for the checkride within two calendar months before the examination date.

Commercial License Requirements

A person who applies for a commercial license must log...

250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least: 

  • 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which
    • 50 hours must be in airplanes.
  • 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least:
    • 50 hours in airplanes
    • 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.
  • 20 hours of training that includes at least
    • 10 hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device of which
    • 5 hours of the instrument training must be in a single engine airplane
  • 10 hours of training in an airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propellor, or is turbine-powered
  • One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure
  • One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure
  • 3 hours in a single-engine airplane with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
  • 10 hours of solo flight time
    • One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point.
    • 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at an airport with an operating control tower.

Sea Plane Requirements

Up to 7hrs required in a PA-18-150.

Plane available for check-ride.

Cost

$1995 + Examiners fee (~$600)

Multi Engine Rating Requirements

We have you covered!

Future airline pilot needing your 25hrs of multiengine time for your R-ATP or looking to receive instruction in your own personal multiengine aircraft, we have you covered.

Come to Sparta Michigan, 35 minutes from Michigans beautiful west coast. We offer training in our 1966 Piper Twin Comanche. Equipped with a Garmin 530W GPS and the standard trusty 6-pack instruments, 4 bucket seats, and an interior that is in great shape, and usable load of almost 1150lbs.

Have your own aircraft?

We are able to conduct training and perform biennial flight reviews in Beechcraft, Piper, Cessna, and Diamond multiengine aircraft.

Obtain your multi-engine rating

Earn your multi-engine rating in Sparta, MI (8D4) with our highly experienced instructors. The Multi-Engine rating can be added on to a private or commercial certificate. Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) Add-on rating and time building opportunities are also available.

Prerequisites:

  • FAA Private or Commercial Certificate (ASEL)
  • Instrument – Airplane Rating (Must be current)
  • Medical Certificate (Third Class or higher)

To Get Started:

  1. Call (616) 405-2307 or email Jason at twincomancheflyersllc@gmail.com for more information
  2. Make lodging arrangements (plan 2-3 days depending on weather)
  3. Verify weather conditions with instructor prior to arrival
  4. Come to Grand Rapids, MI

Cost

$225 per hour for aircraft, plus $60 per hour for instructor + Local Examiner’s Fee ($500)