Private Pilot Training

​The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) establishes the criteria that must be met in order to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate. Those requirements are spelled out in detail in CFR §61.102-120, but the basic minimums are listed below:

• Age: 17 Years (16 to Fly Solo)
• Total Flight Time: 40 Hours
• Instruction Flight Time: 20 Hours
• Solo Flight Time: 10 Hours
• Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate
• FAA Written Test
• FAA Practical Test (Checkride)

It's important to keep in mind that these are the FAA-mandated minimums. The national average for students to complete their private pilot training is around 70 hours total flight time. There is no minimum age to start flying lessons, the ages above only apply to solo flight and license eligibility.