Single Engine Training
Your first certificate and the foundation of every rating that follows. The PPL program takes you from zero experience to a certificated private pilot in the Diamond DA40 — composite airframe, Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. FAA minimum is 40 hours; most students finish in 65–75. Train 4–5 days a week and you're looking at roughly three months. Dedicated instructor, ground-school support for the written, and financing available through Stratus Financial.
The Private Pilot License is where an aviation career begins. There's no flight prerequisite — you need to be at least 17, able to read, speak and understand English, and hold a 3rd Class Medical or BasicMed. From there you'll train in the Diamond DA40 with a dedicated Flight Stars instructor, learning to fly the airplane from the first lesson through your first solo, cross-country flying, and the checkride.
The FAA minimum is 40 hours, but it's an honest number — nationally most students finish closer to 65–75 hours, and we quote that range so there are no surprises. Ground school prepares you for the FAA written (PAR) knowledge test, and you can self-direct much of your study (King Schools, Sporty's) to keep ground costs down. Your checkride is scheduled at a defined milestone in your training, so the finish line is set before you get there.
| Requirement | Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 17 years | At time of checkride |
| Medical | 3rd Class or BasicMed | Student's responsibility |
| English Proficiency | Read, speak, understand | FAA requirement |
| Total Flight Time | 40 hrs minimum | National average 60–70 |
| Dual Instruction | 20 hrs minimum | With a CFI |
| Solo Time | 10 hrs minimum | Including solo cross-country |
| Night / Instrument / XC | 3 hrs each (dual) | Per 61.109 |
| Knowledge Test | PAR written | Pass before checkride |
Aircraft familiarization, G1000 basics, normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, slow flight, stalls, emergency procedures. Builds to first solo.
Supervised solo in the pattern, ground reference maneuvers, performance maneuvers, consistency and confidence.
Dual cross-country flying day and night, diversions and lost procedures, then solo cross-country including the long solo XC.
Required night, basic attitude instrument, and cross-country dual training per 61.109.
All maneuvers polished to ACS standard, mock oral and flight, weak-area cleanup.
Private Pilot practical test with an in-house DPE. You walk out a certificated private pilot.
No. PPL is the starting point — you can begin with zero hours.
Plan on about three months flying 4–5 days a week, or roughly six months at 2–3 days a week. Most students log 65–75 hours.
Yes — self-directed ground study (King Schools, Sporty's) is the biggest lever and cuts your paid ground hours.
The Diamond DA40 NG with a full Garmin G1000 glass cockpit — fuel-efficient, forgiving, and a proven trainer.
Yes, through Stratus Financial — roughly $250/month for qualified applicants.
Get Started
Fill out the form below and we will be in touch within 24 hours with a personalized training plan.
(480) 640-4160
sales@goflightstars.com
Mon–Fri: 7 AM – 6 PM
Sat: 8 AM – 4 PM
Sun: By appt
4550 E McKellips Rd STE 101, Mesa, AZ 85215
Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ)