Part 61 · Charlotte area
Private Pilot training.
Part 61 training in the Charlotte area, based at KJQF (Concord-Padgett Regional). Named CFIs, one PA-28-140 Cherokee, every hour tracked from intro flight to checkride.
The Private Pilot certificate is the first real step in aviation. It lets you act as pilot in command, carry passengers, and fly for personal travel. You’re no longer just taking lessons — you’re learning how to actually use an airplane and make decisions as the person responsible for the flight.
The way I want to train private pilot students is structured, but not robotic. We’ll follow the Part 61 requirements and ACS standards, but I don’t want students just checking boxes or memorizing things for a test. Every lesson should connect the flying, the regulations, the airspace, the weather, and the decision-making behind it. I want the student to understand why we’re doing something, not just how to repeat it.
Timeline depends on consistency. The FAA minimum is 40 hours, but the national average is closer to 60-75. If someone flies two or three times a week and stays consistent with studying, they can move through training much faster. If they only fly once a week, it usually takes longer because skills fade between lessons. A student should expect pattern work, maneuvers, cross-country planning, solo flights, night training, ground study, and checkride preparation.
Reference · 14 CFR Part 61
What it takes.
| Requirement | FAR | Hours |
|---|---|---|
Total flight time | §61.109(a) | 40 |
Dual instruction / flight training from authorized instructor | §61.109(a) | 20 |
Solo flight time | §61.109(a)(5) | 10 |
Cross-country dual | §61.109(a)(1) | 3 |
Solo cross-country | §61.109(a)(5)(i) | 5 |
Night flight training | §61.109(a)(2) | 3 |
Instrument flight training / hood | §61.109(a)(3) | 3 |
Practical test prep | §61.109(a)(4) | 3 |
Minimums per FAR §61.109(a). FAA minimum is 40 hours; the national average reported by the FAA is closer to 60-75 hours.
Required details
- Night training must include one cross-country flight over 100 NM total distance and 10 takeoffs / 10 full-stop landings at an airport.
- Solo cross-country must include one 150 NM total-distance solo XC, full-stop landings at three points, with one segment more than 50 NM straight-line distance.
- Solo must also include 3 takeoffs and 3 full-stop landings at an airport with an operating control tower.
Medical
Third Class medical before solo
You'll need at least a Third Class medical before solo. We can recommend AMEs in the area. BasicMed works for some pilots after the certificate, not for training.
Scheduling
One airplane, named CFIs
Pick a regular weekly slot and stick to it — students who fly consistently finish faster. Weather will still cancel some lessons.
Pricing
Pay as you fly.
Discovery flight
$200
About an hour at the controls with a CFI plus a ground briefing. If you keep going, it counts as your first lesson.
Aircraft (wet)
$185/hour
PA-28-140 Cherokee. Fuel included. Billed in tenths of an hour from engine start to engine stop.
Instruction
$50/hour
Flight or ground instruction with a named CFI. Billed alongside aircraft time during flights; separately during ground sessions.
Ready to get started?
Book a discovery flight or get in touch to talk through your goals and timeline.