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PRIVATE PILOT (PPL)

Altitude Aviation Academy

Take A Discovery Flight

A discovery flight is a great introduction to flight training. We'll take you up for a 30 minute flight, and give you a brief overview of what learning to fly is all about. We might even send you home with an Altitude
t-shirt. Schedule your discovery flight today!

Get Your Medical

The FAA wants to make sure you're healthy enough to fly. That's where Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) come in. They'll give you the 'ol once over and issue you a medical certificate. There are three classes of medical certificates, we can help you choose the right one for you. 

Complete Ground School

Online ground schools will teach you all the theory and knowledge that goes along with flying. From aerodynamics and weather theory, to airspace and the federal regulations governing flying. I mean, who doesn't want to be an amateur meteorologist and lawyer?

Come Fly With Us

After you’ve started or completed ground school, you can start scheduling some lessons. Here you’ll put all that ground school knowledge to good use. Aim to fly at least twice a week - weather and schedules permitting.

Take Your Written

With ground school complete and an endorsement written by one of our instructors, you’ll be ready to take the FAA private pilot written exam.

Consisting of 60 multiple choice questions, the written is administered at an FAA-approved testing center. Score a 70% or higher to pass.

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.

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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?

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Your first step is easier than you think.
Schedule a discovery flight or connect with our team to build a custom training plan that fits your goals and your life.

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

Cockpit

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.

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Navigation & Communication

Master airspace, flight planning, and radio skills.

Compass

Weather & Safety

Understand aviation weather, risk management, and FAA safety protocols.

Image by NOAA

Ground School

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

Books

The Flight Plan

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