PRIVATE PILOT REQUIREMENTS
61.103 Eligibility Requirements
Be at least 17 years of age
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
Hold a U.S. Student Pilot certificate, Sport Pilot certificate, or Recreational Pilot certificate
Obtain the appropriate logbook endorsements from an authorized instructor
Pass the required knowledge test
Meet the aeronautical experience requirements
Pass a practical test
61.105 Aeronautical Knowledge
Received and logged ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of 14 CFR 61.105(b)
61.107 Flight Proficiency
Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation of 14 CFR 61.107(b)(1)
61.109(a)
Aeronautical Experience
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 14 CFR 61.107(b)(1)
Note: The 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and the 10 hours of solo flight training are both required to be conducted in a single-engine airplane.
61.109(a)(1) Aeronautical Experience (Dual)
3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane
61.109(a)(2) Aeronautical Experience (Dual)
3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine airplane that includes:
One cross-country flight of over 100 NM total distance
10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
Note: 14 CFR 61.110 provides night flying exceptions for pilots in the State of Alaska.
61.109(a)(3) Aeronautical Experience (Dual)
3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight-and-level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight
61.109(a)(4) Aeronautical Experience (Dual)
3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a single-engine airplane performed within the preceding 2 calendar-months from the month of the test
61.109(a)(5) Aeronautical Experience (Solo)
10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane, consisting of at least:
5 hours of solo cross-country time
One solo cross country flight of 150 NM 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 NM between the takeoff and landing locations
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