Private Pilot Training for High School Students
How Dallas and Addison High School Students Can Get Their Pilot License
Rising Aviation’s Private Pilot Pathway Program offers students the opportunity to earn their private pilot license while still in high school.
Located at Addison Airport, our program provides in-depth flight training and instruction to obtain an FAA certificate.
Contact us to enroll your teen in the premier high school aviation program in Dallas-Fort Worth.
What is a Private Pilot License?
A Private Pilot License (PPL) is a type of pilot certificate that allows an individual to fly an aircraft for personal reasons, such as leisure or travel. This license is the most common type of fixed-wing pilot license and is the standard starting point for anyone who wants to become a professional pilot.
To obtain a PPL, your student will complete a certain number of hours of flight training, pass a written exam, and demonstrate their flying skills to a certified flight instructor.
The training typically includes both ground school and flight training, where the student learns the basic principles of flight, navigation, and aircraft control.
Here at Rising Aviation, students will cover these ground principles during their 9th grade and 10th grade years. Then they will begin the flying portion during their 11th grade year.
Once they’ve completed their training and passed the exams, they’re able to fly solo and take passengers with them. However, they cannot fly for commercial purposes or receive compensation for their piloting services.
Taking a Trade School Approach to Pilot Education
This program gives students the hands on skills and practical applications often found in trade schools, but within the structure of a full private high school education.
Students are engaged in real training scenarios and are guided by experienced flight instructors who understand the path from student pilot to professional aviator.
Students receive both flight simulator and in air training experience as part of their pilot pathway.
Our simulator lab allows students to practice procedures and build confidence before flying. Flight lessons are conducted at Addison Airport, just steps away from the classroom.
What's Included in the Pilot Pathway Program
Rising Aviation’s students who pursue the Pilot Pathway Program will be set up to earn their PPL by the time they graduate high school.
The program covers all of the steps and requirements of earning a Private Pilot’s License, including:
- Obtaining a Student Pilot’s Certificate
- Classes & materials to study for the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam
- Obtaining Logbook Endorsements from Flight Instructors to be able to complete Flight Training
- Completing 40+ hours of Flight Training
- Obtaining a third class medical certificate from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
- Passing a Check Flight with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
Students in this program will begin working towards earning their PPL at the age of 16, when they are eligible to obtain a Student Pilot Certificate — the first step in learning to fly.
To learn more about the other requirements and process of earning a Private Pilot’s License, check out our article: “How Can A Teenager Get Their Pilot License?“
Please note there are additional costs for flight training on top of tuition.
Flexible Learning with Our Flexible Hybrid Model
Students enrolled in the Fixed Wing Pilot Program have the option to participate in our hybrid learning model.
Students can complete their core academic classes remotely through our Learning Management System. For students who prefer in-person learning or need additional support, our Learning Lab offers both morning and afternoon sessions where students can get help from an instructor.
Aviation pathway students are required to attend school in person:
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One designated weekday per week for flight-focused instruction.
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Fridays, which are mandatory for all students and feature guest speakers, excursions, and other aviation enrichment activities.
This hybrid structure gives students greater flexibility while maintaining the rigor and hands-on experience essential to becoming a professional pilot.
Fixed Wing Pilot License Curriculum Overview
Each year students engage with a different aviation curriculum. During their freshman and sophmore years all students will cover the same material, giving them a strong foundation in aviation concepts. Then, beginning in their junior year students will select a specialized aviation pathway to follow. Below you’ll find an overview of the fixed wing pilot curriculm for each school year.
9th Grade - Level 1: Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace
The Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace course teaches students about flying and unmanned aircraft systems. It inspires students to explore careers in aviation and aerospace and prepares them for more advanced courses in the future.
10th Grade - Level 2: Introduction to Flight
Students learn the basic principles of flight for aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The course covers aerodynamics, forces of flight, and the main systems found on large and small airplanes and UAS.
11th Grade - Level 3: Aviation Ground School
During their Junior year, students will choose a pathway to study. If they want to fly airplanes, they’ll follow the Airplane Pilot Pathway.
The Private Pilot Pathway aviation curriculum covers a range of topics. This includes pilot and aircraft qualifications, principles of flight, aerodynamics, safety procedures and more.
At the end of the course students will be prepared for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Private Pilot written exam.
12th Grade - Level 4: Practicum in Transportation
In the private pilot pathway 12 grade students will study advanced aviation topics and explore career options, including instrument flight, commercial aviation, and advanced aircraft systems.
They’ll also study the future of the aerospace industry and learn about business development opportunities in aviation. Then students will conduct research in preparation for their capstone project in the second semester.
Overall, our aviation high school program provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the exciting and rewarding field of aviation. Whether a student wants to become a commercial pilot, or work in the drone industry, our aviation courses provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed when they graduate from high school.
We’re committed to providing a comprehensive and innovative educational experience that prepares our students for a bright future in aviation and beyond.
Get College Ready with Dual Enrollment
Through our partnership with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, students can take dual credit college courses related to aviation and aerospace. This makes Rising Aviation a pilot school with dual credit options that align with both academic and career goals.
Career, Military, and College Ready
Whether a student wants to become a commercial pilot, serve as a military aviator, or continue on to a college aviation program, this program will have them ready.
In addition to the career benefits of your teen having a STEM-related High School Diploma, obtaining a Private Pilot License before graduating is a huge boost on a resume for anyone going into the aviation industry.
Holding a Private Pilot License will help them if they are interested in a career as a fixed-wing pilot, drone pilot, charter operation and management, or another career in aviation.
The PPL is the foundation for all future aircraft pilot training and provides you with the necessary knowledge and skill to move on to more advanced pilot’s licenses, such as a Commercial Pilots License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL).
