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Private Pilot Certificate
In the 1950s, the FAA determined the minimum requirements for a Private Pilot Certification to be 40 hours of total flight time. Since then, the nation's airspace, navigation/communication systems, weather reporting services and aircraft systems have increased dramatically in complexity. Today, the national average of flight time before Private Pilot certification is around 75 hours. However, the more time you can commit to your training, the sooner you will get done and the cheaper it will be. In the training I have given, I have seen students finish anywher between 60-80 hours all depending on their availability and course guidance.
What it takes to earn a Private Pilot Certification:
FAR 61.103 Eligibility Requirements
17 years of age
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor for the knowledge test
Pass the required knowledge test
Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor
Meet the aeronautical experience requirements
Pass a practical test
FAR 61.105 Aeronautical Knowledge
Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home study course on the following aeronautical knowledge:
Federal Aviation Regulations that relate to private pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations
National Transportation Safety Board
Aeronautical Information Manual and FAA advisory circular
Aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems
Radio communication procedures
Weather, weather reports and forecasts
Safe and efficient operation of aircraft
Effects of density altitude
Weight and balance computations
Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems
Aeronautical decision making and judgment
Preflight action
FAR 61.107 Flight Proficiency
Preflight preparation
Preflight procedures
Airport base operations
Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds
Performance maneuvers
Ground reference maneuvers
Navigation
Slow flight and stalls
Basic instrument maneuvers
Emergency operations
Night operations
Postflight procedures
FAR 61.109 Aeronautical Experience
At least 40 hours of flight time
At least 20 hours of flight with an authorized instructor, including:
3 hours of flight training solely by reference to instruments
3 hours of night flight, including:
One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance
10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop
10 hours of solo flight, including:
5 hours of solo cross-country
One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations.
3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower
3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of the test.