Private Pilot Requirements
Earning a private pilot certificate involves meeting the specific requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The requirements are centered around aeronautical experience that is gained whilst taking flight lessons with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
You must meet the following minimum requirements to be eligible to become a Private Pilot.
- Be at least 17 years of age.
- Be able to read, write, and converse fluently in English.
- Obtain an FAA medical certificate or operate under BasicMed
- Obtain an FAA student pilot certificate.
- Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course.
- Pass a FAA knowledge test with a score of 70% or better. (https://faa.psiexams.com/FAA/login)
- Complete at least 40 hrs required total flight time in any category and class of aircraft – including:
- At least 20 hrs dual flight training (training with a flight instructor)
- 3 hrs dual cross country in a single engine airplane
- 3 hrs dual night time in a single engine airplane
- Including one dual cross country night flight over 100 nm
- Including 10 takeoffs and landings at night dual to full stop
- 3 hrs dual instrument time (hood or actual) in single engine airplane
- 3 hrs dual check-ride prep in a single engine airplane in past 2 calendar months
- At least 20 hrs dual flight training (training with a flight instructor)
- Solo Flight Time
- 10 hrs Solo flight (minimum) in single engine airplane including:
- 5 hrs solo cross country time in single engine airplane Including one flight over 150 nm total, 3 landing points, and at least one leg over 50 nm 3 solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with a operating tower
- Pass a FAA practical test. (AKA Check ride) The FAA practical test, which is conducted by an appropriate FAA evaluator. The practical test consists of:
- Oral exam
- Flight test