Just for Fun: AI Recommendations for Obtaining Your Pilot Certificate

At work, I belong to a pilot group and probably once per month a new person joins and asks “I want to learn to fly, how do I start?” Typically, it’s followed by someone recycling an email that gets resent time and time again.

I decided to respond with a twist, I asked ChatGPT, an AI chat engine, “I want to earn a private pilot certificate in the US. I want a lesson plan with timelines and resources.” It’s response was quite interesting. The fact that the data model was populated a few years ago, it’s not far off and good start.

Using Model GPT-4, ChatGPT responded:

Earning a private pilot certificate in the US typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on your commitment and schedule. The following lesson plan outlines the steps and provides resources to help you achieve your goal.

Lesson Plan

Timeline: 3-6 months

Phase 1: Ground School (1-2 months)

1. Select a reputable flight school or ground school program in your area. Some options include:

• Local flight schools
• Community colleges
• Online ground school courses like Sporty’s Pilot Shop, King Schools, or Gleim Aviation 2. Study the following materials for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test:
• Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
• Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR/AIM)
• Aircraft-specific Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) 3. Take practice exams and quizzes to prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test. Use resources like:
• FAA Sample Exams
• Sporty’s Study Buddy
• Prepware by ASA 4. Schedule and pass the FAA Knowledge Test at an authorized testing center.

Phase 2: Flight Training (2-4 months)

1. Find a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at a local flight school or through online resources such as AOPA’s Flight School Finder.

2. Begin flight lessons, which will include:

• Preflight preparations and inspections
• Basic flight maneuvers
• Navigation and cross-country flying
• Night flying
• Performance and ground reference maneuvers
• Emergency procedures
• Radio communication and air traffic control procedures 3. Accumulate flight time, including at least:
• 40 hours of total flight time -20 hours of flight training with an instructor -10 hours of solo flight time, including at least:
• 5 hours of solo cross-country time
• One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles with three full-stop landings
• Three solo takeoffs and landings at an airport with an operating control tower 4. Prepare for the FAA Practical Test (checkride) by practicing with your CFI and reviewing the following materials:
• Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Private Pilot
• Oral Exam Guide: Private Pilot by ASA
• Online videos and tutorials on checkride preparation 5. Schedule and pass the FAA Practical Test with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

Resources:

1. AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association): https://www.aopa.org/ 2. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): https://www.faa.gov/ 3. Sporty’s Pilot Shop: https://www.sportys.com/ 4. King Schools: https://www.kingschools.com/ 5. Gleim Aviation: https://www.gleimaviation.com/ 6. AOPA Flight School Finder: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/flight-schools/flight-school-finder Then followed up with:

“What is the average cost to complete this lesson plan?”

The average cost to complete this lesson plan and earn a private pilot certificate in the US can vary based on several factors such as location, aircraft rental rates, and flight instructor fees. However, a general cost breakdown is as follows:

1. Ground School: $200 - $500 -Online courses or in-person classes -Study materials, including books and online resources 2. FAA Knowledge Test: $150 - $175 -Test-taking fee at an authorized testing center 3. Flight Training:

• Aircraft rental: $100 - $150 per hour (40 hours minimum) = $4,000 - $6,000
• Flight instructor fees: $40 - $80 per hour (20 hours minimum) = $800 - $1,600 4. Additional expenses:
• Headset: $100 - $500
• Flight bag and additional supplies: $100 - $200
• Chart subscription (optional): $50 - $100 5. FAA Practical Test (Checkride) Fee: $500 - $700
• Fee for Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) The total estimated cost for completing the lesson plan and earning a private pilot certificate ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 or more. Note that this is a rough estimate, and costs can vary depending on your specific situation and location. It’s essential to research local flight schools and instructors to obtain accurate pricing information for your area. Then:

“Can you estimate costs in the Seattle area?”

Costs for flight training in the Seattle area can vary depending on the specific flight school and aircraft chosen. Here’s an estimated cost breakdown for earning a private pilot certificate in the Seattle area:

1. Ground School: $200 - $500 -Online courses or in-person classes -Study materials, including books and online resources 2. FAA Knowledge Test: $150 - $175 -Test-taking fee at an authorized testing center 3. Flight Training:

• Aircraft rental: $130 - $180 per hour (40 hours minimum) = $5,200 - $7,200
• Flight instructor fees: $50 - $90 per hour (20 hours minimum) = $1,000 - $1,800 4. Additional expenses:
• Headset: $100 - $500
• Flight bag and additional supplies: $100 - $200
• Chart subscription (optional): $50 - $100 5. FAA Practical Test (Checkride) Fee: $500 - $700
• Fee for Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Based on these estimates, the total cost for completing the lesson plan and earning a private pilot certificate in the Seattle area ranges from approximately $7,000 to $11,000 or more. Note that these figures are still rough estimates, and actual costs can vary depending on your chosen flight school, aircraft, and instructor. It’s crucial to research local flight schools and instructors to get accurate pricing information for your area.

-ep