Private Pilot License (PPL)

A private pilot is allowed to carry passengers and baggage, not for hire, in fair weather conditions (VFR), day or night. (VFR is an acronym for Visual Flight Rules and basically requires 3 statute miles visibility and at least a 1,000’ cloud ceiling above the ground level). With few exceptions, you're allowed to fly into most airports as well as Canada, Mexico, and other foreign countries. This is done in an airplane for which you are rated, usually a single engine airplane with 6 or fewer seats. With some brief additional training you are allowed to fly an airplane with retractable landing gear and or a high- performance engine with a high performance propeller. The training consists of ground school in preparation for a multiple-choice knowledge test which you must pass with at least a 70% and then flight training in preparation for your practical test with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Once you complete your check ride successfully, you can enjoy the privileges of a private pilot.

Requirements for a private pilot license:

• You must have your citizenship verified by your CFI. This must be done before any training can be begin. If you are not a US citizen, you must apply and get approval from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Once approval is received, you must begin training with 180 days and it must be completed within 365 days. Citizenship can be verified by a government issued photo ID and a birth certificate or passport. The CFI will make a notation in the student’s logbook that citizenship has been verified. Once this is done, training can begin.

• Be at least 17 years of age. (You can fly solo at 16 years of age)

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.

• Pass the required knowledge test.

• Log at least 40 hours of total flight time of which:
  • At least 20 hours of flight training includes at least:
    • 3 hours of cross-country flight training.
    • 3 hours of night flight training that includes one cross-country flight over 100 nautical miles total distance, 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at night.
    • 3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering by reference to instruments.
    • 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 months.
  • At least 10 hours of solo flight time consisting of at least:
    • 5 hours of solo cross-country time.
    • One solo cross-country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance.
    • Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.

The remaining 10 hours of the required 40 hours of flight time can be either dual (with an instructor) or solo.  Solo means the student is the sole occupant of the aircraft.  Student pilots are not allowed to carry passengers.  

Please keep in mind that these are the minimums required. All students receive training

above the minimums in all areas. Most students finish a PPL  between 60 to 80

hours or more.