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he FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) establishes the criteria that must be met in order to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate. Those requirements are spelled out in detail in CFR §61.102-120, but the basic minimums are listed below:
Age: 17 Years (16 to Fly Solo)
Total Flight Time: 40 Hours
Instruction Flight Time: 20 Hours
Solo Flight Time: 10 Hours
Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate
FAA Written Test
FAA Practical Test (Checkride)
It's important to keep in mind that these are the FAA-mandated minimums. The national average for students to complete their private pilot training is around 70 hours total flight time. Aero Atlanta students typically receive their license in an average of 55 hours. Also, there is no minimum age to start flying lessons, the ages above only apply to solo flight and license eligibility.