Pilot Licenses, Costs

Pilot License training. Modern flight training system: great aircraft, interactive flight training study materials and 1:1 flight and ground instruction.

First Steps

Solo Pilot License.

We offer access to flying resources.  There are flying classes and Licenses for Pilots at all levels.

If you are just starting out, you will want to complete an introductory Flying Lesson first.  The flight time can count towards a Solo Pilot License (sm). When you have achieved competence to fly solo, you will be able to make local flights by yourself. And fly to other airports with your flight instructor’s approval. Most students can complete the training for the Solo Pilot License (sm) with 15 – 35 hours of flying time

Prerequisites.

There are virtually no requirements to begin flight training. To obtain a Solo Pilot License Endorsement, you can either use your Driver’s License, or pass a basic ‘FAA medical’ test, as evidence of medical eligibility.

Costs.

When you use a modern 2-seat Sport Plane training aircraft, the average cost of this flight training may range between $6,000 and $12,500

Sport Pilot License.

Sport Pilot License flight training is for those pilots who want to be able to fly, with a passenger — in an airplane classified as a Light Sport Aircraft or LSA. Such as, for example the Cessna-162 Skycatcher or a Czech SportCruiser airplane.

To obtain a Sport Pilot License from the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], you will need a minimum of 20 hours of flight time. This must include 15 hours with an Instructor and 5 hours of Solo Flight. The real-world average flight time to complete the training for this certification may range from 35 to 45 hours. Previous hours flown for your Solo Pilot License can count towards this certificate.

Prerequisites.

There are almost no requirements to begin training. Sport Pilots can use a valid U.S. driver’s license as evidence of medical eligibility. A Sport Pilot must then comply with any limitations on the driver’s license.

Costs.

The additional flight training costs to obtain a Sport Pilot License after obtaining a Solo License, may vary between $3,700 and $7,200

Private Pilot License.

If you want to be able to fly with more than 1 passenger in a large variety of aircraft, you will need a Private Pilot’s License.  From the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA].

For a Private Pilot License, the FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours flying time. This must include a minimum of 20 flight hours with an Instructor-Pilot and 10 hours of Solo flight time. Training for Night Flying and Cross-Country Flying is usually included. All the hours flown for a Solo Pilot License or to obtain a Sport Pilot License can count towards this certificate. On average, it may take between 50 and 80 hours of total flying time to obtain this license. Many people are able to complete their training in as little as 16 weeks.

Prerequisites.

There are no requirements to start flight training for your FAA Private Pilot’s License. But you will want to complete at least your Solo Pilot License (sm) before moving on to work towards your Private Pilot License.

Costs.

The average additional flight training costs to obtain a Private Pilot License, after completion of a Solo Pilot License, may range between $11,000 and $14,400
Total costs may vary between students.  Not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace. The type of plane used, the frequency of lessons, as well as changing variable costs — like fuel costs — may influence the total costs.

Advanced Pilot Training.

Instrument Rating.

Instrument Flight Rating flight-training (or obtaining the “IFR Rating”) comes after the Private Pilot’s License training. Instrument Pilots learn to control the aircraft solely by reference to the plane’s instruments. With an Instrument Rating, you will be able to fly in more marginal weather conditions. With an Instrument Rating you will be able to take off in “zero visibility” and fly through clouds.

For IFR Training, Members will be able to use up-to-date integrated flight training materials. They are produced by the Cessna Aircraft Company. IFR proficiency reviews are available for those members who already have an Instrument Rating.

Prerequisites.

To complete an IFR Rating you must have a Private Pilot’s License. And 50 cross-country flight hours as ‘Pilot In Command’. And, 40 hours of specialized flight training. You can count all your prior solo cross-country flight time towards this rating.

Commercial Pilot.

This certification is for those pilots who want to carry passengers or freight for hire. Details about FAA requirements are available from the Club’s office. The requirements include 10 hours of flight time in a “complex aircraft”.  Credits from prior flight experience can be used.

Other Training.

For pilots with more experience, additional flight training is available.

  • Flight Instructor and Instrument Flight Instructor Rating.
  • Complex/High Performance Aircraft.
  • Technically Advanced Aircraft transition training.
  • Mountain Flying Checkout.
  • Known-Icing conditions flying.

Jet Rating.

Obtain your Jet Rating! Stanford Flying Club - 2666 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Personal Jet Type-Rating.

Stanford Flying Club strives to present a range of flight training options.  Flight training for a Jet Rating is available through our Jet Rating training partner.  The training allows Members to train for and pass the Eclipse Jet Type Rating FAA practical test. It is a comprehensive one to one training program. Members can utilize a 5-seat Eclipse Twin-Engine Jet to obtain a Jet Type-Rating. This training is available with an FAA Type-Rated, Club-Endorsed Instructor-Pilot.

  • This course will enable you, to safely and confidently fly an Eclipse Jet. Climb 4,000 feet per minute, and travel at 370 knots at 41,000 feet.
  • The Ground Training will cover all major Eclipse Jet systems. Turbine engines, fire protection, the fuel system, hydraulics, and landing gear and brake systems. The flight control system, the electrical system, anti ice, pressurization and oxygen. And, various backup systems and ‘glass’ avionics.
  • The Flight Training requires about 16 hours of jet flight, to be able to take and pass the Single Pilot Jet Type Rating test. The Flight Training combined with the Ground Training may take a total of about 7 to 10 days. And you can schedule your training time in a flexible manner.

Prerequisites.

To start Eclipse Personal Jet Type-Rating training, you will need the following. Private Pilot Certification, with an airplane Instrument Rating. And, a Multi-Engine Rating. [If you still need to obtain a Multi Engine rating, you can obtain one in 4 days. With approximately 8.5 hours of flight time]. Credits for previous experience can be determined and given on a case by case basis.

Costs.

The estimated cost ranges between $16 and $25K.

Post-Requisites.

Upon completion of the FAA test, a Mentor Program is available to continue your learning experience. Insurance Requirements and Federal Aviation Regulations require 25 hours of Supervised Operating Experience. [FAR 61.63 & 61.64].
This program intends to provide a newly type rated Eclipse Jet pilot the ability to operate with an increased level of safety. And gain more practical experience, while already flying as Pilot in Command in this jet aircraft.

Contact Us

  • Call (650) 858-2200 to get started or schedule an introductory flying lesson.

    Or request a phone call