Requirements for Obtaining Your Private Pilot Certificate (You must...):

  1. Be at least 17 years of age when you finish your training and take your FAA practical test.
  2. Be able to read, speak, write, and converse fluently in English.
  3. Obtain a student pilot certificate and at least a third-class FAA medical certificate.
  4. Pass the private pilot knowledge test with a score of 70% or better.
  5. Undertake flight training as described in Flight Lessons 1 - 25 and Ground Lessons 1 - 15 found listed below. Many of the Flight Lessons will require more than one flight to make you comfortable and proficient.
  6. Recieve a signed recommendation (8710) that you are competent as a private pilot from a CFI
  7. Successfully complete a practical test, which will be given as a final exam by an FAA-designated pilot examiner.

Flight Lessons:

  1. Introduction to Flight
  2. Preflight Procedures
  3. Taxi & Pre-Takeoff Check
  4. Fundamentals of Flight and Basic Airwork
  5. PostFlight Procedures
  6. Normal & Crosswind Takeoff & Climb
  7. Normal & Crosswind Approach to Landing
  8. Steep Turns
  9. Slow Flight
  10. Stalls (Power On/Off and Demonstration Stalls)
  11. Basic Instrument Maneuvers & Unusual Attitude
  12. Emergency Operations (i.)
  13. Ground Reference Maneuvers (ii.)
  14. Go-Arounds
  15. Forward Slips to Landing
  16. Presolo Test & Review
  17. Short Field Takeoff & Climb
  18. Short Field Approach to Landing
  19. Soft Field Takeoff & Climb
  20. Soft Field Approach to Landing
  21. Navigation Systems
  22. Cross-Country Planning and Diversions
  23. Lost Procedures
  24. Night Operations
  25. Checkride Check & Review

Ground Lessons:

  1. Aircraft Parts & Powerplant
  2. Regulations and Accident reporting
  3. Aircraft Instruments
  4. Aircraft Systems
  5. Aviation Safety
  6. Four Forces
  7. Stability
  8. Aerodynamics
  9. Flight Physiology
  10. Weather
  11. Airports
  12. Airspace
  13. ATC Clearance and Communication
  14. Charts & Publications
  15. Private Pilot Written Review
  1. Emergency Operations
  2. Ground Reference Maneuvers

Flight Time Requirements:

Under Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), you must receive a total of 40 hr. of flight time, including a minimum of
  1. 20 hr. of flight training from a certificated flight instructor, including at least
    1. 3 hr. of cross-country, i.e., to other airports
    2. 3 hr. at night, including
      1. One night cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles (NM) total distance
      2. 10 night takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at an airport
    3. 3 hr. of maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to instruments
    4. 3 hr. in airplanes in preparation for the private pilot practical test within 60 days prior to that test
  2. 10 hr. of solo flight time in an airplane, including at least
    1. 5 hr. of solo cross-country time
    2. One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 NM total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points and with one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 NM between the takeoff and landing locations
    3. 3 solo takeoffs & landings (full stop) at an airport with operating control tower