So you’re ready to pursue your dream of flying? Where do you start?
- Starting from Zero hours to Commercially rated *$50,000+
Before jumping into flight training, we offer a completely free 30-minute to 1-hour sit-down with Sam, the owner of Aces High Aviation.
This meeting is a great way to get familiar with how we operate and make sure all your questions are answered before taking off.
Here’s what we’ll go over:
How Aces High runs and what makes us different
What a typical lesson looks like from start to finish
Setting realistic expectations for cost, timeline, and progress
- What you’ll encounter as you progress through your flight training
- What you’ll need to do to make this successful
Info on written exams, FAA medicals, Insurance, and more
A full tour of the aircraft and training facility
Plenty of time to ask any questions — nothing is rushed
Most students choose to do this meeting before booking a demo flight — though it’s completely optional if you’d like to do it after.
Our goal is to make sure you’re fully informed, comfortable, and confident before getting started. Let’s talk about your goals and build a training plan that fits you.
✈️ What is a Demo Flight?
A demo flight is your first real lesson — not just a ride. You’ll be in the pilot’s seat, flying the aircraft with a certified instructor beside you.
It gives you a true feel for what flight training is like:
✅ The controls, the headset, the views, and the vibe
✅ What it’s like to fly with your instructor
✅ How the lessons will actually go
Best of all, it’s not just for fun — it’s logged as your first official hour of flight time, and it counts toward your Private Pilot License.
If you’re curious about flying but not quite ready to commit, this is the perfect way to experience what it’s really like.
You can find more information on it here
❓ Have Questions?
Below you’ll find a Q&A section that covers many of the basics — from how training works to what to expect.
That said, we always recommend scheduling a quick in-person meeting.
It’s the best way to get personalized answers and make sure you’re fully informed before getting started.
We’re here to help — and no question is too small.
Welcome to Aces High Aviation
As the owner of Aces High Aviation, I personally meet with every new student to answer any questions you have about flying. Whether you're brand new or just exploring your options, I'm happy to help you get started.
Whether you're pursuing the skies for the sheer joy of flight or aiming for a professional airline career, this is where your journey begins. At Aces High Aviation, we offer comprehensive flight and airline training programs tailored to your goals, ensuring a solid foundation from your first lesson onward.
If you're ready to begin and have already spoken with us, you can go ahead and start here:
👉 New Student Starter Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
🧒 Are there age restrictions?
There are no age limits to take lessons with an instructor. However, you must be at least 16 years old to fly solo and 17 to earn a private pilot certificate.
We've had students from ages 13 to 75+, so it’s never too early—or too late—to start learning.
⏳ How long does it take?
Like most things, you get out what you put in. Progress depends heavily on consistency and self-study. All of our lessons are 1-on-1 with an instructor, and you can set your own pace.
📊 Flight Training Time Estimates
✈️ Private Pilot License (PPL)
| Training Type | Frequency | Estimated Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 4–5 lessons per week | 3 months |
| Consistent Part-Time | 2–3 lessons per week | 4 to 6 months |
| Flexible / Sporadic | 1 lesson per week or less | 6 to 12+ months |
🌫️ Instrument Rating
| Training Type | Frequency | Estimated Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 4–5 lessons per week | 2 months |
| Part-Time | 2–3 lessons per week | 3 to 4 months |
| Flexible / Sporadic | 1 lesson per week or less | 4 to 8+ months |
💼 Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
| Training Type | Frequency | Estimated Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 4–5 lessons per week | 2 to 3 months |
| Part-Time | 2–3 lessons per week | 3 to 6 months |
| Flexible / Sporadic | 1 lesson per week or less | 6 to 12+ months |
Note: These are realistic estimates based on student averages. Completion time depends on consistency, weather, availability, and how much time you dedicate to studying between lessons.
✈️ How many flight hours will it take?
The FAA minimum is 40 hours, but the U.S. national average is around 70 hours to reach the required proficiency level.
Studying regularly, completing homework assignments, and coming prepared for each lesson can help reduce training time — and save you money in the process.
🗓️ Do I need to enroll? Is it class-based?
No enrollment is required, and there are no monthly or annual fees.
All instruction is private and scheduled directly with your instructor. Some instructors start as early as 7:00 AM, others fly into the evening — you simply book what works best for you.
📝 What tests do I need to pass?
You’ll complete three written exams and three checkrides over the course of your training — one set for each certificate level:
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
• FAA Written Knowledge Test: 60 multiple-choice questions (70% to pass)
• Checkride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (oral + flight test) - Instrument Rating
• FAA Instrument Written Test: 60 multiple-choice questions (70% to pass)
• Instrument Checkride with an FAA DPE - Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• FAA Commercial Written Test: 100 multiple-choice questions (70% to pass)
• Commercial Checkride with an FAA DPE
Your instructor will help you prepare thoroughly for both the written and practical exams. You’ll never be left wondering what’s next — we’re with you every step of the way.
📋 What other requirements are there?
You’ll need a student pilot certificate (your instructor will help you apply), and a medical exam from an FAA-certified medical examiner — required before your first solo flight.
💵 What does it cost?
This is the most common question — and the hardest to answer with a fixed number. There are many variables: how often you fly, which aircraft you choose, how well you study, and your ability to retain and apply what you're taught.
While you can’t guarantee an exact total, you can use the national average of 70 flight hours as a planning baseline. We’ve created a breakdown of realistic cost estimates based on this and other averages that you'll find below.
🛩️ Which plane should I choose?
The first thing to consider when choosing between aircraft is height and weight.
For the Cessna 152, we recommend a general limit of 185 lbs and under 6'2". If you're taller or heavier than that, the Cessna 172 will likely be the better fit. The 152 has a smaller cockpit — height is more of a comfort issue than a hard limit, but we want you to feel comfortable and confident while learning.
That said, the training is identical in both aircraft. Whether you're in a 152 or 172, the flight maneuvers and skills are the same.
We’ll help you decide which aircraft is the right fit for your body, goals, and budget. Just ask — we’ll get you in the one that makes sense for you.
📨 Still have questions?
Feel free to reach out anytime. I’m always happy to talk with future pilots — whether you're ready to start flying or just want honest answers to your questions.
Cessna 152 vs Cessna 172 – Full Training Path Cost Estimates (2025)
Side-by-side breakdown based on national averages, assuming consistent training and time-building with another pilot.
| Item | C152 Estimate | C172 Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Private Pilot License (PPL) | ||
| Aircraft Time | 70 hrs @ $135/hr = $10,125 | 70 hrs @ $165/hr = $11,550 |
| Instructor Flight / Ground / Debrief | 117 hrs @ $85/hr = $9,945 | 117 hrs @ $85/hr = $9,945 |
| FAA Medical Exam | $130 – $150 | $130 – $150 |
| FAA Checkride | $800 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,000 |
| Renter’s Insurance (Annual) | $300 – $350 | $300 – $350 |
| Online Ground School / Written Test | $375 – $475 | $375 – $475 |
| Training Materials | $100 – $150 | $100 – $150 |
| Total PPL Estimate | $21,500 – $22,020 | $23,600 – $24,620 |
| 🌫️ Instrument Rating (IR) | ||
| Aircraft Time | 35 hrs @ $150/hr = $5,250 | 35 hrs @ $175/hr = $6,125 |
| Simulator Time | 20 hrs @ $85/hr = $1,700 | 20 hrs @ $85/hr = $1,700 |
| Instructor Flight / Ground / Debrief | 82 hrs @ $85/hr = $6,970 | 82 hrs @ $85/hr = $6,970 |
| FAA Checkride | $800 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,000 |
| Online Ground School / Written Test | $245 | $245 |
| Training Materials | $100 | $100 |
| Total IR Estimate | $14,890 – $15,090 | $15,940 – $16,240 |
| 💼 Commercial Pilot License (CPL) | ||
| Time Building (Split) | 100 hrs @ $67.50/hr = $6,750 | 100 hrs @ $82.50/hr = $8,250 |
| Aircraft Time (Training) | 20 hrs @ $135/hr = $2,700 | 20 hrs @ $165/hr = $3,300 |
| Instructor Flight / Ground / Debrief | 37 hrs @ $85/hr = $3,145 | 37 hrs @ $85/hr = $3,145 |
| FAA Checkride | $800 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,000 |
| Online Ground School / Written Test | $245 | $245 |
| Training Materials | $60 | $60 |
| Total CPL Estimate | $13,700 – $13,900 | $15,800 – $16,000 |
| 🧮 Full Path Total | $50,090 – $51,010 | $55,340 – $56,860 |
These estimates reflect high-end U.S. averages. Actual cost may be 10–15% lower with strong study habits, consistency, and efficient scheduling. Rates may vary by aircraft availability and seasonal pricing.
These numbers are based on a decent level of self study, good preparation, consistency and drive on the part of the student! They are in no way a guarantee of completion or passing of any Check-rides.
* These are based on US averages and are dependent on several factors and do in no way guarantee completion for this amount.
If you’d like to schedule a free meeting with the owner of the flight school you may call or email to arrange this admin@aceshighaviation.com or (562) 726 – 3719
Helpful Links
- Student Documents & Requirements – What to bring before your first lesson
- FAA Medical Certificate Info – How to get cleared to fly (and why to do it early)
- Private, Instrument, and Commercial Requirements – See what each rating takes
- Training Costs & Timeframes – Know the full cost and duration of your flight path
- Long Beach Airport Security Badge – How to access the aircraft solo