The Private Pilot Certificate is the entry-level certificate. for the building of flight time towards higher certificates and ratings. The Private Pilot certificate careers requires a minimum of 35 hours flying time (14 CFR 142). The national average for this rating is closer to 50 hours flying time at the Part 61 flight schools. Typically, a Tech student can expect to spend approximately 40 hours in the attainment of the Private Pilot Certificate. The Student Pilot Certificate (which is also the Class III medical certificate) is required to commence flight training.
The FAA written exam shouldaccomplished after the completion of private pilot ground school when you are approaching the date for your final flight check. The flight test cannot be scheduled until you have passed your written exam (minimum grade 70%). The written exam is good for a period of 24 months. There is also a pre-solo written exam that will be administered by your flight instructor.
Requirements for the Private Pilot Certificate
- Completion of PA 101, 102, 110, and 111
- 3rd Class Medical Certificate
- Completion of Final Check
- Private Pilot Ground School I and II
- Private Pilot Flight I and II
- Oral Exam and Flight Check
Minumum Flight Times
Dual Flight 22 Hours
Solo Flight 10 Hours
Simulator Flight 3 Hours
Oral Instruction 15 Hours
The time required for the Private Pilot Certificate is typically about 10 months. Flight training can begin commensurate with your initial ground school course (PA101). The Private Pilot Certificate can be obtained in a minimum of two quarters. However, cost considerations and student schedule considerations may necessitate that the training be spread over three full quarters. Flying at a rate of 2 or three flights per week would allow attainment of the private license in a 6 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 PA-101 and PA-102, since the ground school and flight training tend to compliment each other and speed the student's progress.
