To earn a private pilot certificate in an airplane, you must meet the FAA’s eligibility, knowledge, experience, and testing requirements set out in 14 CFR 61.103 and 61.109. Here is the complete checklist, in plain English.
This is part of the complete Private Pilot License guide. Pair it with the cost breakdown and the step-by-step path.
Eligibility
- Age: at least 17 to be issued the certificate (you may solo at 16)
- Language: able to read, speak, write, and understand English
Medical certificate
You must hold at least a third class medical certificate (or qualify under BasicMed for certain operations), and you must have a medical in hand before you fly solo. Most students get the medical early so it never delays training. See the full FAA medical certificate guide.
Aeronautical knowledge (the written exam)
You must receive ground training and pass the FAA private pilot knowledge test (60 questions, 70 percent to pass). The test result is valid for 24 calendar months, within which you must take your checkride. Study against the Airman Certification Standards.
Flight experience (14 CFR 61.109)
For an airplane single-engine rating you need a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including at least 20 hours of flight training and 10 hours of solo. Within those totals, the regulation requires specific items:
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Total flight time | 40 hours |
| Dual instruction (with a CFI) | 20 hours |
| Solo flight | 10 hours |
| Dual cross country | 3 hours |
| Night training, including a cross country over 100 nm and 10 takeoffs and landings | 3 hours |
| Instrument training (reference to instruments) | 3 hours |
| Checkride preparation within 2 calendar months of the test | 3 hours |
| Solo cross country, including one of at least 150 nm total with full-stop landings at 3 points and one leg of at least 50 nm straight-line distance | 5 hours |
Most people exceed 40 hours; the national average is closer to 60 to 75. The minimums are floors, not targets.
Required endorsements
Your instructor provides logbook endorsements at key milestones, including before your first solo, before solo cross country flights, and to certify you are prepared for the knowledge and practical tests.
The practical test (checkride)
Finally, you pass the practical test with a designated pilot examiner. It has two parts: an oral exam and a flight portion, both measured against the ACS. See the ACS and checkride guide for exactly what is tested.
Requirements checklist
- 17 years old and proficient in English
- Third class medical (or BasicMed)
- Pass the knowledge test
- Meet the 61.109 flight experience minimums
- Hold the required endorsements
- Pass the checkride
Gear to track your progress
What you'll need
A logbook and the right references make meeting these requirements easier to manage.
Pre-solo requirements
Before your first solo you must complete training in the specific maneuvers required by regulation and pass a pre-solo written test administered by your instructor, covering the applicable regulations and the operating characteristics of your airplane. Your instructor then provides a solo endorsement in your logbook and on your student certificate.
English language and security requirements
You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. In addition, non-U.S. citizens and certain others must comply with TSA flight-training security requirements before they begin training. Your flight school can walk you through that process.
Understanding category and class
The most common private certificate is for the Airplane category, Single-Engine Land class. That rating lets you fly typical single-engine training and personal airplanes. Flying multi-engine airplanes, seaplanes, or other categories requires adding the appropriate rating, each with its own training and checkride.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age?
You can solo at 16 and earn the private pilot certificate at 17.
What is the minimum number of flight hours?
40 hours under Part 61, though most students need 60 to 75.
Do you need a college degree?
No. No FAA certificate requires a degree.
Do I need a medical before I solo?
Yes. You must hold a medical certificate before your first solo flight.
How good does my English need to be?
You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English well enough to operate safely and communicate with air traffic control.