Private Pilot Requirements

General Requirements
- Ground school instruction.
- Must pass an FAA written exam.
- Minimum 40 hours total flight time.
  - Minimum 20 hours of dual flight time (with an instructor).
  - Minimum 10 hours of solo flight time.
  - 10 hours flight time at the discression of the instructor.
- Must pass a practical flying test (checkride) with an FAA flight examiner.
Cross-Country
- Minimum 5 hours dual flight time.
- Minimum 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time.
  - One cross-country flight must consist of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of three points. One segment of the flight must consist of a straight-line distance of at least 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.
Night (1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise)
- Minimum 3 hours, including one cross-country flight over 100 nautical miles total distance.
- 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport.
Instruments
- Minimum 3 hours.
Practical Test Preparation (within 60 days of checkride)
- 3 hours dual flight training in preparation for the practical test.
Solo Practice
- Minimum 10 hours (10 hours must be in the areas of operation as specified and listed in FAR Part 61.107).