Frequently Asked Questions
Where Should I Learn to Fly?
Choosing where to learn to fly is a big decision, and it’s one that deserves intention. Earning a pilot certificate isn’t just a hobby, it’s a skill you’ll carry for the rest of your life. Where and how you train matters.
At Great Basin Aviation, we’d love to be the place where your aviation journey begins, but more importantly, we want you to find the right fit. We encourage prospective students to visit multiple schools, ask questions, and choose the environment that aligns with their goals, learning style, and long-term flying plans.
You should feel comfortable with your instructor, confident in how training is structured, and supported by a school that understands the type of flying you want to do, especially in a demanding environment like Reno. Availability matters, but so do consistency, instructor continuity, and professionalism.
At GBA, our instructors are not just building time. They are experienced teachers and communicators who are invested in student progress and long-term success. Before you decide where to train, we encourage you to stop by, meet our team, see our fleet, and experience our approach firsthand.
How Many Hours Do I Need to Earn a Private Pilot Certificate?
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 total flight hours to be eligible for a Private Pilot Certificate, including at least 20 hours with a Certified Flight Instructor. These are minimums, not averages.
Nationally, most students earn their private pilot certificate closer to 65 hours, which is consistent with what we typically see at Great Basin Aviation. Some students finish closer to the minimums, while others take longer, depending on training frequency, preparation, and individual learning pace.
Our goal is not to rush students to a number. You’ll be signed off when you’re safe, confident, and proficient, not simply when you meet the minimum requirements.
How Long Will It Take?
Training time depends largely on how consistently you fly.
Students who train regularly and stay engaged with ground study can sometimes complete their Private Pilot Certificate in as little as two to three months. For most students, a realistic timeline is four to six months. Less frequent training can extend that timeline.
Consistency is one of the biggest factors in efficient progress. Flying regularly and staying prepared between lessons helps reduce relearning, frustration, and overall cost.
How Much Will It Cost?
The total cost to earn a Private Pilot Certificate typically ranges between $16,000 and $19,000, depending on how efficiently you progress through training.
Most lessons average 1.3 to 1.7 hours of flight time. Depending on the aircraft, that usually translates to approximately $350–$400 per lesson. Training is pay-as-you-go, beginning with a $250 Discovery Flight.
Some lessons, such as longer cross-country flights, may cost more, and we make a point to communicate those expectations in advance.
At Great Basin Aviation, we are intentionally structured around consistency, instructor continuity, and long-term training outcomes. While some schools emphasize volume and availability, we focus on efficient progress, strong fundamentals, and preparing students to finish well. That approach often reduces repeated lessons and unnecessary delays, which has a far greater impact on total cost than the hourly rate alone.
Does a Cheaper Hourly Rate Mean Training Will Cost Less Overall?
Not necessarily.
While hourly rates are easy to compare, they are only one part of the total cost of flight training. In practice, the biggest drivers of overall cost are training consistency, instructor continuity, preparation, and how efficiently lessons build on one another.
Lower hourly rates can sometimes be offset by repeated lessons, long gaps between flights, frequent instructor changes, or restarting training after setbacks. Each of those adds time, frustration, and additional expense.
At Great Basin Aviation, our pricing reflects a structured, intentional approach to training. By emphasizing regular flying, clear expectations, instructor continuity, and preparation, many students are able to progress more efficiently and avoid paying multiple times for the same learning objectives.
When evaluating flight schools, we encourage prospective students to look beyond the hourly rate and consider how training is organized, how progress is tracked, and how the school supports students through to checkride readiness. Those factors often have a much greater impact on total cost than the advertised price per hour.
Why Does Flight Training Seem So Expensive?
Flight training is a complex, equipment-intensive, and highly regulated process. Costs reflect the reality of operating safely and professionally.
Aircraft are expensive to purchase, insure, maintain, and fuel. Each flight hour includes wear and tear, inspections, and compliance with FAA maintenance requirements. Instructor time reflects one-on-one instruction from certified professionals trained not just to fly, but to teach. Aviation fuel prices, insurance premiums, regulatory compliance, ground instruction, and training materials all contribute to overall cost.
Another major factor is pace. Long gaps between lessons often lead to relearning and repeated flights, increasing total cost. Consistent, well-structured training is one of the most effective ways to manage expenses.
Flight training is an investment. While it isn’t inexpensive, it is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your skills, confidence, and freedom to fly.
When Will I Solo?
Students solo after completing several key steps, including holding a valid medical certificate, passing a pre-solo written exam, and demonstrating consistent proficiency to their instructor.
Most students solo around 20 hours of flight time, though this varies based on training frequency, preparation, and individual progress. Solo happens when both student and instructor are confident the flight can be conducted safely, not on a predetermined schedule.
What Are the Minimum Age Requirements?
The FAA requires student pilots to be at least 16 years old to solo an airplane and 17 years old to earn a Private Pilot Certificate for powered aircraft. Gliders and balloons have lower age minimums. Some students solo very close to their 16th birthday.
Do I Need Any Special Education?
No special education is required. As long as you can read, speak, write, and understand English and meet medical and age requirements, you can learn to fly.
Students from all educational backgrounds succeed in flight training. Dedication, consistency, and a willingness to learn matter far more than any specific academic background.
What If I Have a Medical Condition?
Only certain severe medical conditions prevent someone from becoming a pilot. Many common conditions are acceptable, sometimes with additional documentation or a special issuance.
We strongly recommend completing your medical exam before beginning flight training to avoid surprises later. An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) or organizations like AOPA can help clarify eligibility early in the process.
Can I Bring a Friend or Family Member on a Training Flight?
In many cases, yes, if a flight instructor is onboard and approves it. However, training flights often involve maneuvers that can be uncomfortable for passengers. Your instructor will determine whether it’s appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Once you begin solo flights, passengers are not permitted.
How Do I Know I’m Working With a Good Flight Instructor?
A great instructor is more than a pilot with hours in a logbook. Strong instructors communicate clearly, adapt to different learning styles, mentor effectively, and model sound aeronautical decision-making.
At Great Basin Aviation, professionalism, preparation, and student advocacy are non-negotiable. Our instructors are expected to show up prepared, maintain high standards, and invest in student success beyond individual lessons.
Instructor continuity matters. One great instructor who knows your goals, tracks your progress, and teaches with intention is far more valuable than frequent handoffs or rushed instruction.
