Private Pilot Requirements

 

  1. Be at least 17 years old.
  2. Be able to read, write and converse fluently in English.
  3. Hold a current FAA 3rd class medical and Student Pilot Certificate.
  4. Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or training program covering the following topics:
    1. FARs
    2. ATC system and procedures
    3. VFR navigation
    4. Aerodynamics
    5. Weight and Balance
    6. Operation of aircraft & aircraft systems
    7. Use of VFR charts
    8. Aviation weather
    9. Emergency Procedures & unusual flight attitudes
    10. Recognition of critical weather
    11. Radio Communications
    12. Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
  5. Accumulate flight experience (FAR 61.109):
    1. 3 hrs of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane
    2. 3 hrs of night flight training, including:
      1. One cross-country training flight of over 100 NM total distance
      2. 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (each involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at the airport
    3. 3 hrs of flight training on the control and maneuvering of the aircraft solely by reference to the flight instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radiocommunications and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight
    4. 3 hrs of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a single-engine airplane, which must have been performed within 60 days preceding the date of the test
    5. Solo Requirements 10 hrs, consisting of:
      1. 5 hrs solo cross-country time
      2.  One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 NM total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points and with one segment of the flight consisting of a straight line distance of at least 50 NM between the takeoff and landing locations.
      3. Three solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower
  1. FAA   PILOT KNOWLEDGE TEST consisting of 40 multiple choice questions covering:
    1. Applicable regulations of this chapter that relate to sport pilot privileges, limits, and fligh operations.
    2. Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board.
    3. Use of the applicable portions of the aeronautical information manual and FAA advisory circulars.
    4. Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems as appropriate.
    5. Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and  forecasts.
    6. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and   recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence.
    7. Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance.
    8. Weight and balance computations.
    9. Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems.
    10. Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques, as applicable.
    11. Aeronautical decision making and risk management.
    12. Preflight actions that include:
      1. How  to get information on runway lengths at airports of intended use,  data on  takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements.
      2. How  to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or if  you encounter delays.
  2. FAA PRACTICAL TEST
    1. Preflight preparation.
    2. Preflight procedures.
    3. Airport operations where applicable.
    4. Takeoffs , landings, and go-arounds.
    5. Performance maneuvers.
    6. Ground reference maneuvers.
    7. Navigation.
    8. Slow flight.
    9. Stalls.
    10. Emergency Operations.
    11. Post-flight procedures.