Your First License · Self-Paced

Get
started.

Your Private Pilot License — and your gateway to everything that comes next. Train at your own pace in Diamond DA40 NG glass-cockpit airplanes, work real Class C airspace with ATC, and finish with a dedicated DPE on schedule.

40 hrs
FAA Minimum
58 hrs
Avg pilot finishes in
Class C
KCHS airspace + ATC
DA40 NG
FADEC · G1000 glass
▸ The CRAFT Difference

Enjoy the greatest learning experience in Charleston.

▸ FACT 01

Class C airspace from day one

KCHS is Class C airspace. Real ATC, real radio work, real wake separation. You learn to communicate clearly with controllers from your first lesson — most students from outlying fields don't get this for years.

▸ FACT 02

The future of aviation, today

Diamond DA40 NG: composite airframe, Jet-A FADEC engine, Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit with synthetic vision, GFC700 digital autopilot. You learn in the platform you'll be flying for the rest of your career.

▸ FACT 03

Online written + CFI in-person

Online course handles the FAA written prep at your pace. Your CFI complements it with one-on-one ground sessions — applying the book to your actual aircraft, your actual checkride, your actual flying.

▸ FACT 04

DPE coordination handled

We work directly with local DPEs to schedule your checkride. No waitlist scramble. When you're ready, the date is locked.

▸ FACT 05

Redbird AATD on-site

$100/hr Redbird AATD sim — FAA-loggable toward your PPL, perfect for emergency procedures, instrument intro, and bad-weather days. Time still counts.

▸ FACT 06

Train at your own pace

Three months, six months, a year — fly 1, 2, or 3 lessons a week as your schedule allows. We meet you where your life is.

How many hours will it actually take?

The FAA minimum is 40 hours. The national average is 58 hours. Where you land depends on training cadence, weather, and personal aptitude. The cost calculator gives you a real estimate based on your goals.

58 hrs
▸ Average pilot · national data
40 hrs
FAA minimum
3 mo+
Typical timeline
▸ Everything you need

What's included.

Diamond DA40 NG aircraft

FADEC Jet-A turbodiesel, G1000 NXi, GFC700 autopilot, synthetic vision, ADS-B in/out. Pay-per-hour wet rental during training.

Dedicated instructor

One CFI through the entire program. No revolving door of teachers — consistency cuts hours and costs.

Online written-test prep

Self-paced video course covers everything on the FAA Private Pilot written. Pass it before checkride, log it permanently.

One-on-one ground sessions

Your CFI complements the online course — applying book material to your actual aircraft, your actual flying.

Redbird AATD sim time

$100/hr loggable simulator time. Perfect for hood work, emergency procedures, and weather days. Counts toward your rating.

DPE coordination

We work directly with local DPEs to schedule your checkride. When you're ready, the date is locked.

What you'll actually spend.

Honest estimate based on the FAA's national average pilot. Your cost will vary based on your training cadence and aptitude — use the calculator for your personal number.

▸ Estimate · 58 hours · CRAFT plane
~$22,000
Total program · including everything below
$255/hrDA40 NG wet rate
$55/hrInstruction
$100/hrRedbird AATD sim
Fixed costs included: ASA Private Pilot training materials · FAA written exam fee (~$175) · DPE checkride fee ($800–1,500, not included in program estimate) · ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot EFB
Run My Personal Estimate
Estimate above assumes 58 hours total. FAA minimum 40 hours produces a lower cost; ~$17,500. DPE checkride fee varies by examiner. All aircraft hours billed wet (fuel + oil included).

Ready to start?

Book a $325 Discovery Flight, talk to a real CFI, or run the calculator for your personal estimate. No commitment, no pressure.