WHAT CAN I DO AS A PRIVATE PILOT?
Becoming a private pilot is a great first platform towards entering the wonderful, dynamic world of aviation. You'll meet countless passionate aviators from all walks of life, excited to share knowledge and experiences! Once certified as a private pilot, your certificate will NEVER expire.
As a private pilot, you are approved to fly most single-engine aircraft, day or night, in visual flight conditions. In order to fly through clouds or in poor visibility, an instrument rating is required.
Private pilots can fly anywhere in the U.S. with ease, as well as many other countries including Canada, The Bahamas, Mexico, and more! As a private pilot, you can carry family and friends so long as the flight is not for hire. That is to say, costs can be split but you cannot act commercially.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To become a private pilot, you must comply with the following requirements:
1) Be at least 17 years of age (however training can start at any age)
2) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language*
3) Pass the FAA Knowledge Test (the "written exam", on a computer)
4) Obtain an FAA Third Class Medical Certificate
5) Log a minimum of 40 Flight Hours (20 hours instruction, 10 hours solo)
6) Pass an FAA Practical Test (the "checkride")
BREAKDOWN OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Be at least 17 years of age
Although training and flying with a certified flight instructor can begin at any age, you must be 16 years old to solo fly, and 17 years old to apply for the private pilot certificate.
Read, speak, write, and understand English
If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, the FAA may place limitations on the applicant’s pilot certificate.
Pass the FAA Knowledge Test
This is a computerized test covering a wide area of aviation topics. The test can be taken at any point during training, however applicants must have an instructors signed endorsement.
Third Class Medical Certificate
The 3rd Class Medical Certificate if valid for either 5 or 2 years, dependent on your age. For more information regarding medicals, click HERE.
Logging Flight Time
Most Private pilot applicants log a minimum of 55-70 hours before applying. However, there is a a minimum of 40 Flight Hours of which a minimum of 20 hours must be with an instructor, and 10 hours solo. Additionally, flight time NEVER expires, so each hour logged toward the private pilot certificate will count towards future certificates (IE instrument rating, commercial, airline transport pilot, etc.)
The Practical Test
Also known as the "Checkride", the FAA Practical Test is the final exam towards becoming a private pilot. Once your flight instructor signs you off for the checkride, you'll meet with a Designated Pilot Examiner for the two-part test: the oral exam and flight exam.
