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. Receive 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, Spin Aware, and Demo 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
  2. Powerplant
  3. Aircraft Instruments
  4. Aircraft Systems
  5. Aviation Safety
  6. Regulations and Accident reporting
  7. Aerodynamics & The Four Forces
  8. Stability
  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