What are the requirements for a private pilot certificate?
This is the entry-level certificate most new pilots receive. The FAA requires:
1) that
you be able to read, speak and understand English.
2) a medical
examination before you fly the airplane by yourself and then once every 2 to
3 years thereafter. The FAA needs to make sure your vision and hearing will
allow you to safely operate an airplane and that you are not likely to suddenly
lose consciousness. However, you do not need perfect vision or hearing
to qualify and most people have little problem passing the medical examination.
3) you
must complete a minimum of 20 hours of flight training with an instructor on
board (called dual training) and 10 hours of solo flight training.
An additional 10 hours (for a total of 40) may be allocated for either dual
or solo flight training. Most people exceed the minimum of 40 hours, and in
fact the average flight training received by Private Pilots in the United States
is approximately 55 hours.
4) aeronautical
knowledge training in such areas as meteorology, aerodynamics, aircraft performance,
regulations, and cross country flight planning. The FAA does not specify a minimum
number of hours for this training, only that you demonstrate adequate knowledge
of the material.
5) at
the conclusion of your training you must pass a multiple choice written exam
and practical exam. The practical exam consists of oral quizzing, performing
pilot operations, and executing maneuvers in the airplane. In order to take
the practical exam and obtain your Private Pilot Certificate, you must be at
least 17 years old. However, you make take lessons and begin training at any
age.