Single Engine Training
Your first certificate. Train from zero experience through checkride in the Diamond DA40. Composite airframe, glass cockpit with Garmin G1000 avionics, and the same professional-grade discipline we teach in the DA42. Financing available through Stratus Financial.
The Private Pilot License is where it all begins. Training is built around your schedule and pace, and covers everything from your first takeoff through solo flight, cross-country navigation, night flying, and full checkride preparation — all in the Diamond DA40 with Garmin G1000 avionics.
Every lesson is structured to build on the last, with checkride prep integrated from day one. Ground school support is included with instructor time to prepare you for the written exam. Most students complete between 65–75 hours total, though the FAA minimum is 40.
| Requirement | Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Flight Time | 40 hrs | Most complete in 65–75 hrs |
| Dual Instruction | 20 hrs | Included throughout the program |
| Solo Flight Time | 10 hrs | Built in during training |
| Solo Cross-Country | 5 hrs | Included in solo time |
| Long Solo Cross-Country | 150 NM, 3 points | Completed during solo phase |
| Night Flying | 3 hrs | Includes 10 takeoffs and landings |
| Night Cross-Country | 100 NM | Included in night phase |
| Instrument Training | 3 hrs | Included with instructor |
| Checkride Prep | 3 hrs within 60 days | Built into every lesson |
| Written Exam (PAR) | Pass before checkride | Ground school support included |
| FAA Medical Certificate | 3rd Class minimum | Student's responsibility |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old | For certificate issuance |
Pre-solo: aircraft familiarization, basic maneuvers, takeoffs and landings, pattern work, ground reference. Ends with your first solo flight.
Solo practice: build confidence and proficiency on your own. Solo pattern work, practice area maneuvers, short and soft field operations.
Cross-country: dual and solo cross-country flights, navigation planning, fuel management, diversions, flight following with ATC.
Night and instrument: night cross-country, night pattern work, basic instrument flying under the hood with your instructor.
Checkride prep: oral exam review, mock checkride flights, weak-area polishing, maneuvers to ACS standards. Written exam completion.
Practical test with a designated pilot examiner. Oral exam and flight test. You walk out a Private Pilot.
Most students complete in 3–6 months depending on schedule. Flying 4–5 days a week puts you on the faster end; 2–3 days a week is more typical and still works well.
None. The PPL program starts from zero flight time. You don't need to know anything about flying before your first lesson.
An FAA Medical is a physical exam performed by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). You need at least a 3rd Class Medical before your first solo. We can point you to a local AME to get started.
Ground school support is included with your instructor time. We prepare you for the Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) written exam alongside your flight training so you're ready well before your checkride.
Yes. Financing is available through Stratus Financial. You can apply before starting and spread the investment over time.
The DA40 is a modern, composite single-engine trainer with a glass cockpit and Garmin G1000 avionics — the same platform used in advanced aircraft and at the airlines. It's comfortable, forgiving, and built for training.
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)