PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE

• Must meet T.S.A. requirements (Original or Certified copy of your US Government-issued Birth Certificate and US Government-issued photo ID, or a valid, unexpired US Passport)
• 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.
• Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor.
• Pass the FAA knowledge exam.
• Meet the aeronautical experience requirements.
• Pass a practical test for the aircraft rating sought (checkride).

Reference 14 CFR §61.103 for complete requirements and limitations.

A person who applies for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log 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 following areas:

• 3 hours of cross-country flight training – A flight from an airport with a landing at another airport at least 50 nautical miles away from the point of departure
• 3 hours of night flight training
  • One cross-country flight over 100 nautical miles total distance
  • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport
  • 3 hours of flight training on control and maneuvering solely by reference to instruments
  • 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test (must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test)
  • 10 hours of solo flight time consisting of:
  • 5 hours of solo cross-country time
  • One solo cross-country flight of 150 nautical miles 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 nautical miles 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.

Reference 14 CFR §61.109 for complete requirements and limitations.

• A private pilot may not act as pilot-in-command of an airplane for compensation or hire, nor an aircraft carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire.
• A private pilot may act as a pilot in command of an aircraft and receive pro rata share, or an equal portion of the operating expense (fuel, oil, airport expenditures and rental fees only) from other passengers on board the aircraft as long as the pilot does not pay less than the pro rata share.
• A private pilot may be reimbursed for fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees of a sanctioned search and location operations
• A private pilot may act as pilot in command of a charitable, nonprofit or community event flight if the sponsor and pilot comply with requirements.

Reference 14 CFR §61.113 for complete privileges and limitations.

• Here are some fun stories about people with their private pilot certificate
  – Why I fly website (explore the options on the left side of the page)
  – Flying Adventures lots of fun ideas around the U.S.A and beyond
  – Ranch help (using an aircraft for work and fun)
  – Local favorite fly out destinations (times vary based on type of aircraft and wind)
  • Gold Beach 1 hr round trip
  • Crescent City 1.5 hrs round trip
  • Crater lake 1.5 hrs round trip
  • Reno 2.5 hrs one way

• Instrument rating – fly through the fog and clouds
• multi engine- twice the fun
• High performance- more than 200 hp
• Complex- retractable gear and constant speed propeller
• Tail wheel- fly a classic (little wheel on the tail)
• Type ratings- for jet and aircraft over 12,500 lbs