In the U.S. an FAA Private Pilot Certificate, also referred to as a Private Pilot License (PPL), let’s a person act as the Pilot in Command of an aircraft they are trained to fly. For some, this license is the beginning of their journey to become a commercial pilot. For others, it enhances their lifestyle by providing access to unique experiences. It is the essential first step for anyone wanting to fly and opens the door to enjoying the freedom of the skies. With this license, you can also take family and friends along on your adventures, flying them to various destinations. However, having a private pilot license does not allow you to receive payment for flying.
Earning your PPL is rigorous, time-consuming, and expensive. For those that are willing to show dedication and perseverance, earning a private pilot license is one of the most rewarding outcomes that will open many doors and opportunities.
Private Pilot Requirements
Below is the short version. For more detailed information, go to Federal Aviation Rule (FAR) 61.103.
You must be 17 years old or older
Students must be 16 years old to fly solo, and 17 years old to receive your pilot certificate.
You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
Hold a U.S. student, sport, or recreational pilot certificate
Hold at least a third-class medical certificate.
Certain conditions may disqualify you from being able to fly solo, thus it is recommended to complete this early in your training.
Receive a logbook endorsement from an instructor certifying you’re prepared for the knowledge test
Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an instructor certifying you’re prepared for the practical test. Listed under FAR 61.109.
Meet the aeronautical experience requirements
Pass the knowledge test
Pass the practical test (checkride with a designated pilot examiner (DPE))
NOTE: You don't need a medical certificate or student pilot certificate to start training with a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) or take a ground school or even take and pass the FAA Written exam. You only need a current student pilot certificate and a current medical certificate once you get to the point in your training where you fly solo without your instructor.
What Can You Do with a Private Pilot License?
You may act as Pilot in Command of an aircraft under (VFR) visual flight rules for private purposes (meaning not for hire or reward)
You may share the operating expenses of the flight with passengers as long as it’s equal.
Fly friends and family for travel or sightseeing.
Ability to add on ratings such as: Instrument
Volunteer for a charity charitable, nonprofit, or community event flight, for example Pilots n Paws.
Ability to learn a fly Floatplane, Tailwheel aircraft, backcountry flying, High performance Aircraft, and Complex Aircraft.
Rent and/or buy and own an airplane
Time to Get Private Pilot License
The time it takes to earn your license can differ for each student based on how often they train, their study habits, and their individual learning pace. Some students finish their training in a few months, while others may need a couple of years. Spending more time studying on the ground will better prepare you for your flight lessons. To earn your license, you can expect to complete between 30 to 50 flight lessons.
The best way to improve quickly is to schedule 2 to 3 flight lessons each week. If you only have one lesson each month, it will take much longer to get your license. Most students generally need more than the minimum of 40 flight hours to feel ready for the checkride, with the national average being around 60 to 65 hours.
Do you have more questions that come up after looking it over? Contact us to get your questions answered about the process from an instructor.
Ground School
All pilots should begin their training with ground school. This is where you'll learn the essential concepts, necessary information, and best practices in aviation. Ground school also covers more advanced subjects like weather, airspace, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and regulations. The material you study in ground school prepares you for the FAA written exam.
We recommend that you complete ground school prior to starting our flight training. Checkout our Online Ground School, which will save you more. Everyone learns different, so you can do both ground school and flight training at the same time so topics make more sense.
Checkride
You’ve finished ground school, received good training, and logged enough flight hours—great job! Now, the last step is to schedule your checkride. This is similar to a driving test. During the checkride, an FAA examiner will spend about two hours on the ground asking you questions to see how you think and make decisions as a pilot. After that, you’ll fly with the examiner for about two hours to show that you can control the aircraft well. You need to be ready to demonstrate your flight planning, perform required maneuvers, make several landings, and handle emergency procedures.
If everything goes smoothly, the entire checkride process will take around 4 to 5 hours. Keep in mind that checkrides can be costly, and if you’re not well-prepared, the fees can add up (expect to pay between $600 and $1,500 based on where you are in the country. Not including the aircraft rental fee, fuel, etc.).
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