PRIVATE PILOT
The private pilot course generally takes 45-60 hours of flight time (airplane and simulator). How long depends on the individual student. To obtain the Private License a student must pass a physical, a written test and a flight test. We recommend a "formal" ground school to learn about the basic aviation subject knowledge required of a private pilot. See "Training" tab for ground school info.
Private Pilot Requirements
To be eligible for a Private Pilot Certificate, a person must:
Be at least 17 years of age.
Be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language.
Hold a current FAA issued medical certificate and student pilot certificate.
A third-class medical certificate is valid for 5 years if the date of the examination was before the 40th birthday, or 2 years if the date of the examination was on or after the 40th birthday. The medical certificate expires on the last day of the month issued.
Pass a written exam with at least 70%.
Written exam certification must be current.
It is valid 2 years from the date of test. Must have an original certificate.
Receive a log book endorsement from a flight instructor referencing FAR 61.107(b)
Possess a valid drivers license, military ID card or passport as proof of identity.
Pass a practical test consisting of an oral and flight exam to be conducted by either a FAA inspector or designated pilot examiner.
FAR Part 61 minimum course requirements:
Flight Training:
20 hours dual instruction, including:
3 hours cross-country training
3 hours instrument training
3 hours night training
10 night take-offs and landings to a full stop
Night cross-country over 100 NM total distance
3 hours of prep within 60 days of practical test
10 hours of solo flight including:
5 hours of cross-country
1 cross-country of at least 150 NM with one straight-line distance of 50 NM and 3 separate landing to a full stop.
Ground Training:
To take the written test the applicant must have a logbook endorsement from a flight or ground instructor per FAR 61.103(d)(1 & 2)