Earn Your Private License, Instrument Rating, and Beyond!

Private License

(Part 61)

A Private Pilot License (PPL), or Private Pilot Certificate, allows individuals to act as Pilot in Command of an aircraft for personal or recreational purposes. For those pursuing a career in aviation, the PPL obtained at a local airport is often the first step.

To obtain a PPL, aspiring pilots must meet specific age, medical, and training requirements set by the FAA, including passing a written exam and a practical flight test, as governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61 requires a minimum of 40 flight hours for the PPL, though normal is 60-70 hours. Many of the flights are with a certified flight instructor and there are also flights conducted solo.

The Federal Aviation Administration offers a wealth of information regarding training and licenses, found HERE.

While an exact syllabus is not required for Part 61 flight training, SOMD Aircraft Rentals and Instruction follows the AOPA Flight Training Syllabus.

Instruction rates are $60 / hour and are in addition to aircraft rental rates.

TSA -- Additional requirements / restrictions apply for non-US citizens

Instrument Rating

(Part 61)

An Instrument Rating allows pilots to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), meaning they can navigate and control an aircraft solely using instruments, even when visibility is limited by weather conditions like clouds or fog. It's a crucial step for pilots who want to fly in various weather conditions, as well as for those pursuing careers in airlines or specialized aviation operations.

The Instrument Rating is the next step after the private license and requires additional cross country flying and training "under the hood". Many of the flights are with a certified flight instructor and there are also flights in simulated instrument that can be conducted with a qualified safety pilot.

SOMD Aircraft Rentals and Instructions has fully IFR aircraft with up-to-date avionics allowing for all kinds of approaches (RNAV, ILS, VOR, etc).

Instruction rates are $60 / hour and are in addition to aircraft rental rates.

Useful Links

IACRA -- Student Pilot Certificate Applications

FAR Part 61.109 -- Requirements for Private Pilot Certificates

AME Locator -- Find an Aviation Medical Examiner for your 3rd class medical

PHAK -- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, everything you need to know about flying

Airmen Certification Standards -- Conduct of the Private Pilot Oral and Flight Exam

AOPA Flight Training Syllabus -- Typical lesson conduct from first flight to license