Private Pilot License Requirements & Eligibility
Requirements for obtaining a private pilot license are set out in the FAR]AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual) Part 61.103-109. This can be broken down into 2 parts - Eligibility & Aeronautical Experience.
Eligibility Requirements for Private Pilot License
- Be at least 17 years of age for a rating in other than a glider or balloon
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
- Instructor logbook endorsement certifying your aeronautical knowledge (14 CFR 61.105) and that you are prepared for the written test
- Passed the written test and can present your original embossed Airman Knowledge Test Report
- Instructor logbook endorsement certifying your flight proficiency (14 CFR 61.107) and that you are ready for the flight test
- Log all required aeronautical experience (below)
Aeronautical Experience Requirement for Private Pilot License
Total Time
40 hours minimum which consists of at least:
Dual Time
20 hours minimum of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:
- 3 hours of cross country flight training in a single engine airplane;
- 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least:
- a) 1 cross country flight of over 100 nm total distance; and
- b) 10 T/O’s and 10 landings to a full stop with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport.
- 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane; and
- 3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the 60 days prior to the practical test.
Solo Time
10 hours minimum of solo flying in a single engine airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:
- 5 hours of solo cross country flying;
- 1x 150 NM solo cross country flight, with full-stop landings at three points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 NM between the takeoff and landing locations; and
- 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower
Every effort is made to ensure this page is accurate and up-to-date, however, it is important to check the regulations or ask us to confirm current requirements.