Obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate means that you are able to act as pilot in command (PIC) of any aircraft for which you are rated. You can fly for fun to take your friends and family across the state or across the country, day or night. While you can’t get paid to carry passengers or property, you can fly with other pilots and split the cost. You also can’t fly in instrument conditions (clouds or low visibility), and we strongly encourage EVERY pilot to obtain their instrument rating.

Training requirements established by the FAA

• Minimum 40 hours of flight time, which includes:
  • 10 hours of solo flight time, including:
    • 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time
    • 150 mile cross-country
    • 3 take-offs and landings at a towered airport
  • 20 hours of flight training from an instructor, including:
    • 3 hours of instrument flight training
    • 3 hours of cross-country training
    • 3 hours of night flight training
    • 3 hours of training in preparation for the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test (checkride prep)
• Complete an instructor-administered Pre-Solo Knowledge Test
• Pass the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test
• Pass the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test (checkride)

Your instructor will make sure your training schedule accomplishes all of these requirements in the most efficient manner.