While no one can say that becoming a pilot is simple, the philosophy at Willamette Aviation is that anyone can achieve this aim. While a huge time commitment is required, it’s a path that’s open to many.
With Willamette Aviation, becoming a private pilot can cost between $14,000 and $17,000 and upwards. There are 40 to 60 hours of training, and one to two hours per week of flying is recommended. Willamette doesn’t promise a quick fix, pointing out instead that training usually takes a minimum of six months to a year to complete.
Before making the commitment, Willamette recommends booking one of their Discovery Flights to work out whether this could be the right career for you. If you do go ahead with studying for your private pilot certificate, then future options include a career in flying as well as taking off for leisure purposes.
Students can also progress via the school’s advanced flight training programs, which cover Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine, and CFI/CFII certification, and even aerobatics tuition at Aurora State Airport. The latter is delivered with the help of local community partners.