PRIVATE PILOT (PPL)
Altitude Aviation Academy
Pass Your Checkride
After meeting all the FAA requirements, and impressing us with your flying skills, you’ll be ready to take your checkride. This is the final test to achieving your private pilot’s license. They are administered by an FAA-approved Designated Pilot Examiner or DPE. Consisting of both an oral and flight portion, check rides take place over the course of 4 to 6 hours. Testing both your aviation knowledge and your flying skills.

AAA has made it easy to achieve my PPL as I am a high school student. They’ve been flexible with my schedule and incredibly supportive throughout my training.
— Corbin, PPL Student
Ready to Start?
Why Train with Altitude
Scenic Montana airspace & real-world weather
01
Local, family-owned academy with a personal touch
02
Certified instructors who care about your success
03
Flexible lesson scheduling around your life
04
Mountain flight experience built into training
05
Train at a Controlled Airport (KGPI)
06
Cost Breakdown
We keep it transparent — no surprise fees.
Some supplies, FAA Medical, Written, & Checkride is outside of AAA. But listed for reference on cost breakdown.
**Reach out for a personalized quote.**
Aircraft Rental
$180-$195/hr
Flight Instructor
$75/hour
Ground Instruction
$75/hour
Supplies/Headset/Books
Varies
FAA Medical
$150 est
Written
$175-$200
Checkride
$800-$1000

Become a Certified Private Pilot
Your journey starts here — earn your wings and experience the freedom of flight.
Whether you're dreaming of flying for fun, traveling on your own terms, or laying the foundation for a professional pilot career — this is your first step. Our Private Pilot course is designed to take you from zero experience to confident, certified pilot.
What You’ll Learn
Flight Fundamentals
Learn takeoffs, landings, stalls, emergency procedures, and more.

Navigation & Communication
Master airspace, flight planning, and radio skills.

Weather & Safety
Understand aviation weather, risk management, and FAA safety protocols.

Ground School
One-on-one or online options to prepare for your FAA written exam.
