Private Pilot License (PPL)
Average Duration: 3-6 Months
FAA Part 61 / 141
The Private Pilot License is your passport to the skies. As a private pilot, you can command a single-engine aircraft in visual flight conditions (VFR), flying with friends and family to weekend destinations, vacation spots, or business meetings.
FAA Minimum Training Hours
Dual Instruction (with CFI)
20 Hours
Solo Flight Time
10 Hours
Cross-Country Flights
5 Hours
Night Flight Operations
3 Hours
Prerequisites
- Minimum age of 17 years old to test (can start training at 16)
- Read, speak, and understand English
- FAA Third Class Medical Certificate
- Pass the FAA written exam (minimum score 70%)
Did you know?
While the FAA minimum is 40 flight hours, the national training average is closer to 50-60 hours. Northwind's structure helps keep you close to the target through syllabus efficiency.
Apply for PPL Program
Instrument Rating (IR)
Average Duration: 2-4 Months
FAA Part 61 / 141
Enhance your pilot skills and safety parameters by learning to navigate solely with cockpit instrumentation. An instrument rating allows you to file flight plans and take off in low visibility, fog, heavy cloud cover, and wet weather conditions (IFR).
FAA Minimum Training Hours
Cross-Country (PIC)
50 Hours
Instrument Time
40 Hours
Simulated AATD Training
Up to 20 Hours
Dual Instruction
15 Hours
Prerequisites
- Hold a current Private Pilot License (PPL)
- FAA Third Class Medical Certificate
- Current aviation navigation databases & manuals
- Pass the FAA Instrument Written Exam
Apply for IR Program
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Average Duration: 4-8 Months
FAA Part 61 / 141
Earn compensation for your piloting skills. Transition into commercial operations, charter pilot duties, cargo hauling, crop dusting, aerial photography, or continue towards airline transport ratings (ATP).
FAA Minimum Training Hours
Total Flight Experience
250 Hours (Part 61) / 190 (Part 141)
Pilot-In-Command (PIC)
100 Hours
Complex or TAA Aircraft
10 Hours
Solo cross-country
10 Hours
Prerequisites
- Minimum age of 18 years old
- Hold a current Private Pilot License
- FAA Second Class Medical (to utilize commercial privileges)
- Pass the FAA Commercial Written Exam
Apply for Commercial Program
Flight Reviews & Recurrent Training
Duration: 1 Day
FAA 14 CFR 61.56
Keep your pilot credentials active and sharp. Under FAA regulations, pilots must receive a Biennial Flight Review (BFR) every 24 calendar months to remain active command pilots. We customize reviews to fit your usual airplane profiles.
Program Structure
Ground Instruction (minimum)
1.0 Hour
Flight Maneuvers (minimum)
1.0 Hour
FAA Regulations Review
Included
What we check
- Emergency engine failure protocols
- Stall recovery & slow flight controls
- Airport traffic patterns & radio calls
- FAA regulation updates & airspace safety
Schedule Flight Review