FAA Requirements for Private Pilot
- Be at least 17 years old
- Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
- Obtain at least a third-class medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner
- Pass a computerized aeronautical knowledge test
- Accumulate and log a specified amount of training and experience, including the following:
- Solo requirements:
- 5 hours of solo cross-country time
- One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nmi (280 km) 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 nmi (93 km) between the takeoff and landing locations
- Three solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.
- Night requirements:
- 3 hours of night flight training
- 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
- 3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering solely by reference to instruments
- 3 hours of flight training for cross country flights
- 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test
- Solo requirements:
- Pass an oral test and flight test administered by an FAA inspector, FAA-designated examiner, or authorized check instructor