Private Pilot Eligibility Requirements: For an airplane single-engine rating
- At least 16 years of age to solo and 17 years of age for a rating
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
- A person who applies for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in §61.107(b)(1) of this part, and the training must include at least—
(2) 3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine airplane that includes—
(i) One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and
(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
(3) 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments
including staight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight,
radio communications, and the use of navigation system/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight
(4) 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in a single-engine airplane in preparation for the practical test, which must have
been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test
(5) 10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane, consisting of at least—
(i) 5 hours of solo cross-country time;
(ii) One solo cross country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at three points, and one segment of
the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations;
(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an
operating control tower.
- Take the Private Pilot Knowledge test, 60 multiple choice questions with a passing grade of 70
- Obtain at least a 3rd class medical certificate from FAA-authorized Physician