In order to become a private pilot in the United States, you must meet the requirements outlined in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), specifically Part 61. Specifically, to obtain a private pilot certificate, you must:
- The student must be 17 years of age or older.
- Be able to speak, read, understand, and write the English language.
- Must obtain a current third-class medical certificate.
- Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of Part 61
- Pass a knowledge written test on the aeronautical knowledge areas required for a private pilot certificate, also known as the ground school test or the written test.
- Pass a practical test with an FAA-designated pilot examiner, also known as a “checkride,” on the skills required for a private pilot certificate, this portion of the testing includes the oral exam.
Flight Time Requirements to obtain a Private Pilot License
In addition to these requirements, an individual must also meet the flight time requirements for a private pilot certificate.
These requirements are outlined in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and include 40 hours of flight time broken down as follows:
- 20 hours of solo flight time: This time must be spent flying the aircraft by yourself, without an instructor on board.
- 10 hours of solo cross-country flight time: This time must be spent flying the aircraft by yourself on a cross-country flight, which is a flight that takes you more than 50 nautical miles from your point of departure.
- 3 hours of cross-country flight time: This time must be spent flying the aircraft with an instructor on board on a cross-country flight.
- 3 hours of night flight time: This time must be spent flying the aircraft with an instructor at night.
- 3 hours of flight time in preparation for the practical test: This time must be spent flying the aircraft with an instructor within the 2 calendar months preceding the practical test.
It’s important to note that these are just the minimum requirements, and many pilots find that they need more flight time and practice to feel comfortable and confident as pilots.
Once you have completed these steps and received your private pilot certificate, you will be able to fly as a private pilot. You will be able to fly for personal or recreational purposes, but you will not be able to fly for hire or compensation.
You can find more information about these requirements in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), which are available on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) website