Start Your Journey

Many private pilots are interested in flying for fun and flying a variety of different aircraft. Others learn to fly so they are able to use an aircraft to support their business or professional interests, like flying themselves to meetings to cut down on travel time. Whatever the goal, private pilots have many options.

Eligibility requirements: General.

• While flight training can start at any age, you must be 16 years old to solo.

• You must be 17 years old at the FAA check ride.

• Pass a medical exam.

• Meet flight experience requirements.

• Pass a knowledge exam.

• Pass a Practical (flight and oral) exam.

• Minimum of 40 flight hours and ground school

Total Time: 40 hours flying minimum which consists of at least:

Dual: 20 hours minimum of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:

1. 3 hours of cross country flight training in a single engine airplane;

2. 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least:
   a) 1 cross country flight of over 100 nm total distance; and
   b) 10 T/O’s and 10 landings to a full stop with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport.

3. 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane; and

4. 3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the 60 days prior to the practical test.

Solo: 10 hours minimum of solo flying in a single engine airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:

1. 5 hours of solo cross country flying;

2. 1 solo cross country flight of at least 150nm total distance with full stop landings at 3 points and one segment of at least 50nm between T/O and landings; and

3. 3 T/O’s and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.