Private Pilot Certificate Requirements

Aeronautical Experience Required

• 40 hours total flight time
• 20 hours dual
• 3 hours dual cross-country
• 3 hours night dual and 10 takeoffs & landings
• One cross-country flight of over 100 NM total distance
• 15 hours solo flight time, consisting of...
  1. 5 hours solo cross-country (at least 50 NM from home)
  2. 3 solo takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport
  3. 3 hours dual during the 60 days prior to the flight test
  4. 3 hours controlling & maneuvering solely by reference to instruments 1 solo cross-country of at least 150 NM total distance w/full-stop landings at a minimum of points & one segment of at least 50 NM between takeoff and landing.

Other Requirements

1. Be at least 17 years of age when you finish your training and take your FAA practical (flight) test.
2. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
3. Obtain a third class medical certificate and student pilot certificate.
   • You must be at least 16 years of age to receive a student pilot certificate.
   • You must undergo a routine medical examination which may only be administered by FAA – designated doctors called Aviation Medical Examiners (AME).
     • A third class medical certificate is good for 3 years if the date of the examination was before your 40th birthday or 2 years if the date of the examination was on or after your 40th birthday. The medical certificate expires on the last day of the month issued (when another examination is required).
4. Pass the private pilot knowledge test with a score of 70 percent or better. All FAA tests are administered at FAA designated computer testing centers.
5. Successfully complete a practical (flight) test which will be given as a final exam by an FAA pilot examiner.