Louisiana Tech University - College of Liberal Arts - Professional Aviation::Private Pilot Certificate

The Private Pilot Certificate is an entry-level certificate for building flight time towards advanced certificates and ratings. The Private Pilot Certificate requires a minimum of 35 hours of flight time (five can be in the Level 6 Flight Training Device [FTD] under 14 CFR 141) for completion. The national average for this rating is 77 hours of flight time at Part 61 flight schools. Typically, a Tech student can expect to spend approximately 40 -45 hours in the attainment of the Private Pilot Certificate. The Student Pilot Certificate (which is also the Class I medical certificate) is required to commence flight training.

TESTS

After completion of the Private Pilot ground school (PRAV 101 and 102) and before you can take the FAA Practical Test, the student has to pass the FAA Computer Knowledge Test with a minimum grade of 70%. The Computer Knowledge exam is good for a period of 24 months. A pre-solo written exam will also be administered by your flight instructor during your training prior to solo.

Requirements for the Private Pilot Certificate

Completion of PRAV 101, 102, 110, and 111
1st/2nd/3rd Class Medical Certificate
Completion of FAA Practical Test

Minumum Flight Times

Dual Flight 22 Hours
Solo Flight 8 Hours
FTD Flight 5 Hours
Oral Instruction 15 Hours

The time required for the Private Pilot Certificate is typically about 10 months, but we have had students strart and finish it in six weeks. Flight training can begin commensurate with your initial ground school course (PRAV 101). However, cost considerations and student schedule considerations may necessitate that the training be spread over three full quarters. Flying at a rate of 3-5 flights per week would allow attainment of the private license in a 5-month period. However, personal schedules, weather cancellations, work schedules and financial considerations usually become a factor. There is an advantage to taking your flight lessons concurrently with PRAV-101 and PRAV-102, since the ground school and flight training tend to compliment each other and speed the student's progress.