Become a Private Pilot

To become a private pilot, you must:

• Be at least 17 years of age, (16 to solo) and read, speak and understand English
  
• Log at least 40 hours in the air
  
• At least 20 hours with an instructor
• At least 10 hours of solo flight
• 3 hours of cross-country flight with an instructor
• 3 hours of night flight with an instructor
• 3 hours of instrument instruction
• at least 10 night takeoffs and landings to a full stop
• 100 NM + cross country with an instructor
• 5 hours of solo cross country
• 150 NM + 3-leg solo cross country
• Do a pre-solo written knowledge test.
  
• Control tower operations with 3 takeoffs and landings.
  
• Pass an FAA administered written airmen knowledge exam
  
• Possess BasicMed, a Third Class FAA Medical Certificate, or better (must have to solo)
  
• Pass a Private Pilot Practical Test, flight and oral, with a pilot examiner
  

Click here for the FAA website to review in detail.

Our instructor members train under FAR Part 61 which addresses regulations pertaining to flight instruction for most independent flight instructors and flying clubs. While the minimum time for a Private license is 40 hours, the average time is closer to 65 hours.