Private Pilot License (PPL) Beginner's Guide — What You Need
Everything you need to know about earning your PPL at My Flight Time in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
MFT's Private Pilot License Program at a Glance
At My Flight Time, our Private Pilot License program is structured for speed and quality. The program requires approximately 40 flight hours total — 30 hours dual instruction and 10 hours solo — and can be completed in as little as 4 weeks when training full-time.
We train 12 hours per day, 7 days a week at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE). Our fleet includes Cessna 172s, all company-owned and maintained by our in-house 24/7 maintenance team. Total program cost: approximately $11,750.
Our instructors are experienced professionals who have trained thousands of pilots. Every student gets a customized training plan that adapts to their learning pace.
Why Train at KFXE for Your PPL
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) is a towered Class D airport with three runways and full ILS approaches. Training here from day one means you graduate with real-world ATC experience.
KFXE's proximity to Miami Class B airspace gives you exposure to complex airspace operations. South Florida offers year-round VFR conditions with over 300 flyable days per year.
Your PPL Journey at My Flight Time — Step by Step
Day 1 — Orientation & First Flight: Meet your instructor, tour KFXE, and take your first flight with hands on the controls.
Week 1 — Fundamentals: Takeoffs, landings, slow flight, stalls, steep turns, and ground reference maneuvers.
Week 2 — First Solo: After your instructor signs you off, you fly the traffic pattern at KFXE alone for the first time.
Week 3 — Cross-Country: Plan and fly solo cross-country flights to airports throughout South Florida.
Week 4 — Checkride Prep & Practical Exam: Final practice, oral exam prep, and your FAA practical checkride.
What Our Students Say
"I came to MFT from New York and got my PPL in exactly 4 weeks. The weather was perfect every day, and my instructor was incredible." — Recent MFT PPL Graduate
"Training at a busy towered airport like KFXE made me a much more confident pilot." — MFT Student
If you want to go deeper on this topic, keep reading Accelerated Commercial Pilot Training Fort Lauderdale and Multi-Engine Time Building Tips for New Pilots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a PPL in Fort Lauderdale?
Most full-time students complete their PPL in 4 to 6 weeks. Part-time students typically finish in 2 to 3 months.
What medical certificate do I need for a PPL?
You need at least a Third Class medical certificate issued by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
Can I train on weekends only?
Yes. While full-time training is the fastest path, we accommodate weekend-only and part-time schedules.
Which trainer will a brand-new student fly first?
New students start in a Cessna 172 or a Piper Archer or Warrior, all company-owned and maintained in-house, so your first lessons are in a docile four-seat trainer with modern avionics.
Get Your PPL in 4 Weeks — Apply Now
Keep reading: time building at KFXE, current hourly rates and program pricing, our aircraft fleet, the Airline Pilot Program, or the pilot training blog.