Private Pilot Certificate
The Private Pilot Certificate is the foundation of your aviation career and the first major milestone for most pilots. This certificate allows you to act as pilot in command of an aircraft, carry passengers, and fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for personal travel—opening up the entire country as your backyard.
Our Part 61 training program combines structured ground school instruction with hands-on flight training tailored to your schedule. From your first Discovery Flight through your FAA checkride, we build the aeronautical knowledge and flight skills you need to become a safe, confident pilot.
Eligibility & Prerequisites
Before beginning Private Pilot training, applicants must meet the following FAA eligibility requirements under 14 CFR §61.103:
Minimum Age
You must be at least 17 years old to receive a Private Pilot Certificate. Student pilots may solo at age 16.
English Proficiency
You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
FAA Medical Certificate
Obtain at least a Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate (or BasicMed) from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). A Student Pilot Certificate is issued through IACRA at the same time or separately.
U.S. Citizenship or TSA Approval
U.S. citizens provide proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate and goverment issued photo ID). Non-U.S. citizens must obtain TSA approval through the Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) before beginning flight training.
What You'll Learn in Private Pilot Training
Aircraft Control & Maneuvering
Master fundamental flight maneuvers and build the skills needed to safely control the aircraft through normal, crosswind, and emergency flight situations.
Aeronautical Navigation
Learn pilotage, dead reckoning, and modern flight planning using VFR sectional charts, VOR navigation equipment, and GPS systems.
Aviation Weather Interpretation
Understand aviation weather reports, forecasts (METARs/TAFs), and atmospheric conditions to make safe go/no-go flight decisions.
FAA Regulations & Airspace
Build a working knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), National Airspace System, and safe aircraft operations.
FAA Part 61 Minimum Flight Requirements
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establishes minimum flight training requirements under 14 CFR §61.109. While these represent statutory minimums, most student pilots complete additional flight instruction to achieve checkride proficiency. The national average is approximately 55–70 total flight hours.
40 Hours Total Flight Time
Requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, including at least 20 hours of dual flight instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and 10 hours of solo flight time.
3 Hours Cross-Country Dual Instruction
Complete at least 3 hours of cross-country flight training with an instructor, mastering navigation, flight planning, and landing at distant airports.
3 Hours Night Flight Training
Log at least 3 hours of night flight training including one cross-country flight over 100 nautical miles total distance and 10 full-stop night takeoffs and landings.
3 Hours Basic Instrument Training
Log a minimum of 3 hours of flight instruction solely by reference to instruments to gain basic aircraft control during accidental IMC encounters.
10 Hours Solo Flight
Complete 10 hours of solo flight time, including 5 hours of solo cross-country flying with one cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance with full-stop landings at three points and one segment of at least 50 NM between takeoff and landing.
Official References: 14 CFR §61.109 and the official FAA Private Pilot Airplane ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6).
Steps to Earning Your Private Pilot Certificate
Discovery Flight & Student Pilot Certificate
Take your introductory Discovery Flight to experience controlling an aircraft firsthand. Next, apply for your FAA Student Pilot Certificate and FAA Medical Certificate while designing a customized training schedule.
Ground School & FAA Written Exam
Gain aeronautical knowledge covering weather, airspace, systems, regulations, and aerodynamics. Pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test (PAR) with a score of 70% or higher prior to practical test preparation.
First Solo Flight
After demonstrating consistent proficiency in takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures, receive your instructor endorsement for your first solo flight—a major aviation milestone.
Cross-Country Navigation Training
Apply advanced navigation skills during solo and dual cross-country flights, flying to unfamiliar airports and managing real-time weather and airspace changes.
FAA Practical Exam (Checkride)
Demonstrate flight proficiency and aeronautical knowledge to an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). Successfully pass the oral exam and flight portion to earn your Private Pilot Certificate.