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.