🕷️ Crawler Inspector

[Skip to content](https://flyavit.com/become-a-pilot-ohio/#content "Skip to content") [Skip to content](https://flyavit.com/become-a-pilot-ohio/#content "Skip to content") [](https://www.facebook.com/avitflight) [](https://www.instagram.com/flyavit/) [](https://flyavit.com/) [](https://flyavit.com/ "Fly Avit") Menu - [About](https://flyavit.com/about/) - [About Avit](https://flyavit.com/about/) - [Our Team](https://flyavit.com/about/our-team/) - [Contact Us](https://flyavit.com/contact/) - [Training](https://flyavit.com/training/) - [Our Training](https://flyavit.com/training/) - [Aviation Degree Programs](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/aviation-degree-programs/) - [Private Pilot Training](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/private-pilot-training/) - [Instrument Training](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/instrument-training/) - [Commercial Pilot Training](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/commercial-pilot-training/) - [CFI / CFII Training](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/cfi-cfii-training/) - [Multi-Engine Training](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/multi-engine-training/) - [Aircraft](https://flyavit.com/aircraft-fleet/) - [Our Aircraft](https://flyavit.com/aircraft-fleet/) - [Non-Owned Aircraft Insurance](https://flyavit.com/renters-insurance/) - [Locations](https://flyavit.com/locations/) - [Our Locations](https://flyavit.com/locations/) - [Wadsworth Municipal Airport](https://flyavit.com/wadsworth-municipal-airport/) - [Wayne County Airport](https://flyavit.com/wayne-county-ohio-airport/) - [Akron Fulton Airport](https://flyavit.com/akron-fulton-airport/) - [Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport](https://flyavit.com/mansfield-lahm-regional-airport/) - [Portage County Regional Airport](https://flyavit.com/portage-county-airport/) - [Resources](https://flyavit.com/information-resources/) - [Alumni](https://flyavit.com/avit-alumni-professional-pilots/) - [Careers](https://flyavit.com/flight-instructor-jobs-ohio/) - [Contact](https://flyavit.com/contact/) # How to Become a Pilot – Requirements, Costs & Training **Ready to turn your dream of flying into reality?** At Avit Flight Academy, we guide aspiring pilots throughout Northeast Ohio — including Cleveland, Akron, Mansfield, Wadsworth/Medina County, Wayne County and Kent/Portage County — through every step of earning their Private Pilot License (PPL), from your very first lesson to your checkride. Whether your goal is to fly for fun or start an aviation career, our instructor availability, large fleet of well-maintained aircraft, proven training programs, and supportive community make it easy to get the flight hours you need. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about becoming a pilot in Ohio: how long training takes, costs, FAA requirements, and how to get started at one of our seven locations in Northeast Ohio. ### **How long will it take me to get my Private Pilot License?** The FAA requires student pilots to receive 40 hours minimum of training. These hours will consist of but are not limited to: 1. 20 hours minimum of dual flight training with an instructor. This includes: - 3 hours of cross-country flight training - 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes: - 1 cross country flight of 100 nm total distance - 10 take-offs and full stop landings - 3 hours of IFR flight training - 3 hours of flight training within 60 days of the practical test 1. 10 hours minimum of solo flight. This includes: - 5 hours of solo cross-country flight - One solo cross country of at least 150 nm total distance. - Full stop landings must be completed at 3 points. - One segment of the cross country must be at least 50 nm. - 3 take-offs and full stop landings at an airport with an operating tower. Though the minimum training required by the FAA is 40 hours, most students need around **50-60 hours** of flight training to successfully be prepared for their checkride. This process can be completed in as little as 2 months, with the average being 6-10 months. ### **How old do I have to be to begin training?** There is no minimum age to begin flight training. However, you do need to be 16 to complete a solo flight and 17 to receive your private pilot license. ### **What requirements are there for me to obtain my Private Pilot License?** You must: - Be at least 17 years of age. - Be able to speak, read, write and understand English. - Receive a logbook endoresement from an authorized instructor. - Hold a US student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate or recreational pilot certificate. - Obtain a medical certification (before the first solo flight). - Pass the written knowledge test, oral exam and checkride. ### **How much will it cost me to get my Private Pilot License?** Flight training will roughly cost about \$13,000 to \$16,000; however, the cost of your training will depend on a few factors. These include: - The time it takes to get your license. Most students need more flight time than the minimum requirement of 40 hours. - The plane you rent. See our aircraft fleet and rates [here](https://flyavit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Avit-aircraft-hourly-rates-March-2026.pdf). ### **Are there any organizations that can help me pay for my private pilot license?** Yes! Financial readiness is an important aspect of flight training. Below is a brief list of Ohio-based and national organizations that offer scholarships. This is not an exhaustive list, but a compilation of opportunities many of our students have had success with. - [EAA Flight Training Scholarships](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/learn-to-fly/scholarships/eaa-flight-training-scholarships) - [AOPA Foundation Flight Training Scholarships](https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/students/aopa-flight-training-scholarships) - [LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Scholarship](https://leroywhomerjr.org/scholarships/) - [Women in Aviation International Scholarships](https://www.wai.org/scholarships) - [The North East Ohio Pilot’s Association (NEOPA) Education & Safety Foundation Flight Scholarship](https://ecopapilot.com/scholarship/) ### **What items do I need to purchase to begin my flight training?** - A headset - Flight bag - Logbook - E6-B Flight Calculator - Detroit Sectional Chart - Plotter - Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge ### **What items do I need to enroll for flight lessons with Avit Flight Academy?** - A valid ID - An original birth certificate OR valid passport - A credit card or other method of payment - Any certificates you already possess (if applicable) - A medical certification (if one has been obtained) ### **Do I need to have 20/20 vision?** You will need to pass a basic medical examination and receive a medical certificate. Correct vision, using contacts, glasses, or LASIK, is acceptable. ### **How do I obtain a medical certification?** To obtain a medical certification, you must be examined by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). At your appointment, your AME will complete your examination and if you meet the medical standards, you will be given your certificate. [Search for an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)](https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator) in your area. ### **What’s the next step?** We invite you to our main office at [Wadsworth Municipal Airport](https://flyavit.com/wadsworth-municipal-airport/), for a personalized flight training consultation and to enroll in flight lessons. We’ll answer your questions and explore topics such as: the flight training process, careers paths in aviation and [aviation degree programs](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/aviation-degree-programs/). Avit is proud to partner with [Purdue Global](https://onlinedegrees.purdue.edu/purdue-global/aviation/partnerships/), offering online aviation degree programs developed in collaboration with Purdue University’s renowned School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. Through this partnership, all Avit students — and their immediate family members — receive a **20% tuition reduction** on undergraduate programs and a **14% tuition reduction** on graduate programs, with textbooks included for undergraduate courses. **Contact us to get started\!** 330-335-1257 or [email](https://flyavit.com/contact/) ## Avit Flight Academy 840 Airport Drive Wadsworth, OH 44281 [330\.335.1257](tel:3303351257) [Email Us](https://flyavit.com/contact/) [Map / Location](https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d12043.746098437348!2d-81.7588334!3d41.0047625!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x94d92ccc7869e178!2sWadsworth+Municipal+Airport!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1490904572531) **Hours:** Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm ## Content - [Home](https://flyavit.com/) - [About](https://flyavit.com/about/) - [Training](https://flyavit.com/training/) - [Aircraft](https://flyavit.com/aircraft-fleet/) - [Locations](https://flyavit.com/locations/) - [Resources](https://flyavit.com/information-resources/) - [Contact](https://flyavit.com/contact/) - [Privacy Policy](https://flyavit.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms & Conditions](https://flyavit.com/terms-conditions/) ## Training Programs - [Aviation Degree Programs](https://flyavit.com/training/ohio-aviation-degree-programs/) - [Private Pilot Training](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/private-pilot-training/) - [Instrument Training](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/instrument-training/) - [Commercial Pilot Training](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/commercial-pilot-training/) - [CFI / CFII Training](https://flyavit.com/?page_id=2736) - [Multi-Engine Training](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/multi-engine-training/) We are pleased to be associated with: [](http://www.wadsworthairport.com/) [](https://www.airplaneclinic.com/) [](https://www.purdueglobal.edu/)

**Ready to turn your dream of flying into reality?** At Avit Flight Academy, we guide aspiring pilots throughout Northeast Ohio — including Cleveland, Akron, Mansfield, Wadsworth/Medina County, Wayne County and Kent/Portage County — through every step of earning their Private Pilot License (PPL), from your very first lesson to your checkride. Whether your goal is to fly for fun or start an aviation career, our instructor availability, large fleet of well-maintained aircraft, proven training programs, and supportive community make it easy to get the flight hours you need. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about becoming a pilot in Ohio: how long training takes, costs, FAA requirements, and how to get started at one of our seven locations in Northeast Ohio. ### **How long will it take me to get my Private Pilot License?** The FAA requires student pilots to receive 40 hours minimum of training. These hours will consist of but are not limited to: 1. 20 hours minimum of dual flight training with an instructor. This includes: - 3 hours of cross-country flight training - 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes: - 1 cross country flight of 100 nm total distance - 10 take-offs and full stop landings - 3 hours of IFR flight training - 3 hours of flight training within 60 days of the practical test 1. 10 hours minimum of solo flight. This includes: - 5 hours of solo cross-country flight - One solo cross country of at least 150 nm total distance. - Full stop landings must be completed at 3 points. - One segment of the cross country must be at least 50 nm. - 3 take-offs and full stop landings at an airport with an operating tower. Though the minimum training required by the FAA is 40 hours, most students need around **50-60 hours** of flight training to successfully be prepared for their checkride. This process can be completed in as little as 2 months, with the average being 6-10 months. ### **How old do I have to be to begin training?** There is no minimum age to begin flight training. However, you do need to be 16 to complete a solo flight and 17 to receive your private pilot license. ### **What requirements are there for me to obtain my Private Pilot License?** You must: - Be at least 17 years of age. - Be able to speak, read, write and understand English. - Receive a logbook endoresement from an authorized instructor. - Hold a US student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate or recreational pilot certificate. - Obtain a medical certification (before the first solo flight). - Pass the written knowledge test, oral exam and checkride. ### **How much will it cost me to get my Private Pilot License?** Flight training will roughly cost about \$13,000 to \$16,000; however, the cost of your training will depend on a few factors. These include: - The time it takes to get your license. Most students need more flight time than the minimum requirement of 40 hours. - The plane you rent. See our aircraft fleet and rates [here](https://flyavit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Avit-aircraft-hourly-rates-March-2026.pdf). ### **Are there any organizations that can help me pay for my private pilot license?** Yes! Financial readiness is an important aspect of flight training. Below is a brief list of Ohio-based and national organizations that offer scholarships. This is not an exhaustive list, but a compilation of opportunities many of our students have had success with. - [EAA Flight Training Scholarships](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/learn-to-fly/scholarships/eaa-flight-training-scholarships) - [AOPA Foundation Flight Training Scholarships](https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/students/aopa-flight-training-scholarships) - [LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation Scholarship](https://leroywhomerjr.org/scholarships/) - [Women in Aviation International Scholarships](https://www.wai.org/scholarships) - [The North East Ohio Pilot’s Association (NEOPA) Education & Safety Foundation Flight Scholarship](https://ecopapilot.com/scholarship/) ### **What items do I need to purchase to begin my flight training?** - A headset - Flight bag - Logbook - E6-B Flight Calculator - Detroit Sectional Chart - Plotter - Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge ### **What items do I need to enroll for flight lessons with Avit Flight Academy?** - A valid ID - An original birth certificate OR valid passport - A credit card or other method of payment - Any certificates you already possess (if applicable) - A medical certification (if one has been obtained) ### **Do I need to have 20/20 vision?** You will need to pass a basic medical examination and receive a medical certificate. Correct vision, using contacts, glasses, or LASIK, is acceptable. ### **How do I obtain a medical certification?** To obtain a medical certification, you must be examined by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). At your appointment, your AME will complete your examination and if you meet the medical standards, you will be given your certificate. [Search for an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)](https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator) in your area. ### **What’s the next step?** We invite you to our main office at [Wadsworth Municipal Airport](https://flyavit.com/wadsworth-municipal-airport/), for a personalized flight training consultation and to enroll in flight lessons. We’ll answer your questions and explore topics such as: the flight training process, careers paths in aviation and [aviation degree programs](https://flyavit.com/training_courses/aviation-degree-programs/). Avit is proud to partner with [Purdue Global](https://onlinedegrees.purdue.edu/purdue-global/aviation/partnerships/), offering online aviation degree programs developed in collaboration with Purdue University’s renowned School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. Through this partnership, all Avit students — and their immediate family members — receive a **20% tuition reduction** on undergraduate programs and a **14% tuition reduction** on graduate programs, with textbooks included for undergraduate courses. **Contact us to get started\!** 330-335-1257 or [email](https://flyavit.com/contact/)