Private Pilot Certificate

The information below is provided only as a quick reference guide for the required aeronautical experience requirements of Part 61. You should always refer to the Federal Aviation Regulation for the most current and complete requirements for the certificate or rating you are interested in.

Reference: §61.109 - Aeronautical experience

For a Single Engine Airplane Rating:
Total Time: 40 hours which consists of at least-

A. Dual: 20 hours of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation that includes:
1. 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single engine airplane;
2. 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least-
a. 1 cross-country flight of over 100 nm. total distance; and
b. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern.
3. 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane; and
4. 3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.
B. Solo: 10 hours of solo flying in a single engine airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation, that includes:
1. 5 hours of solo cross-country flying;
2. 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nm. total distance with 3 points and one segment of at least 50 nm. between takeoff and landings; and
3. 3 takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport.

For a Multiengine Airplane Rating:
Total Time: 40 hours which consists of at least-

A. Dual: 20 hours of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation that includes:
1. 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a multiengine airplane;
2. 3 hours of night flight training in a multiengine airplane, that includes at least-
a. 1 cross-country flight of over 100 nm. total distance; and
b. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern.
3. 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a multiengine airplane; and
4. 3 hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.
B. Solo: 10 hours of solo flying in an airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation, that includes:
1. 5 hours of solo cross-country flying;
2. 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nm. total distance with 3 points and one segment of at least 50 nm. between takeoff and landing; and
3. 3 takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport.