How to Become a Private Pilot

Small white airplane on airport tarmac during sunset, with sunlight shining from the right side.

Start your journey in aviation with your private pilot certificate.

Whether your goal is to get to the airlines, or you just want to fulfill your childhood dream of becoming a pilot, the private pilot certificate is the first step.

Earning your private pilot license could be one of your life’s most rewarding achievements! My mission is to help you turn that dream into reality in a fun, safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

I train pilots under the FAA 14 CFR Part 61 program which allows you the flexibility to learn at a pace that fits your schedule.

Private Pilot License Requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years old to solo. (But you can start training before 16)

  • Be at least 17 years old to earn a private pilot license

  • Be able to read, write, speak and understand English.

  • Obtain at least a 3rd class medical certificate.

  • Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor

  • Pass an FAA knowledge test.

  • Pass a practical test with an FAA examiner where your aeronautical knowledge and flying skills will be tested.

  • At least 40 hours of flight time

  • At least 20 hours with an authorized flight instructor

  • 10 hours solo time

  • 3 hours cross country

  • 3 hours of night flight training with 10 night takeoffs and landings

Earning your instrument rating will take your piloting skills to the next level.

Adding an instrument rating to your pilot certificate will allow you to fly into weather that would otherwise keep you grounded as a private pilot. You will learn how to fly by using the instruments only, as well as learn instrument approach procedures and departures along with other instrument flying procedures. You will also develop a deeper level of understanding on weather and air traffic control communications, aircraft control, and aeronautical decision making.

An instrument rating is recommended to all pilots willing to take their knowledge and skills to the next level as you will develop into a much safer and more capable pilot.

Aside from that, it is also a requirement for anyone pursuing a career in aviation.

Aircraft cockpit instrument panel with various gauges and controls, including altimeter, airspeed indicator, and navigation instruments.

How to Earn Your Instrument Rating

Instrument Rating Requirements

  • Log 50 hours of cross country flight time as pilot in command

  • Log 40 hours of simulated IMC flight time

  • Log 15 hours of instrument flight instruction from an authorized flight instructor

Silhouette of a military jet airplane on tarmac at sunset with the sun in the background.

How to Earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate

Now that you have a Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument rated, what is next? Are you wanting to work as a pilot? Wanting to be paid as a pilot? Then you will need to get a commercial certificate. A lot think that once a private pilot certificate is received that they can go find a job and be paid as a pilot. Not quite… If you are looking for a career in aviation then the next step is going to be the commercial certificate.

In this course, you will take what you already know and advance it. At this point you have a private pilot understanding but after commercial you will know much more.

Once this certificate is received then the sky opens up to you!

To obtain a commercial certificate you will need:

  • 250 hours of flight time

  • 100 hours of pilot in command

  • 50 hours of cross country

  • 20 hours of training, including 10 of instrument, 10 hours of complex or TAA

  • 10 hours of solo training