The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours with each criteria met below. Most students finish their requirements in 50-60 hours. Our instructors will work with you to meet your timeline and goals.
General
- Be at least 17 years of age. Students may begin training prior to this as young as 14.
- Be able to read, write and converse fluently in English.
- Obtain at least a third class medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner
- Pass a computerized aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-designated computer testing center with a score of 70 or higher
- Accumulate and log flight experience (FAR 61.109). Receive a minimum of 40 hours of flight instruction and solo flight time including:
Solo Requirements
- 10 total hours of which 5 must be solo cross-county time
- One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nmi (280km) total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of 3 points and with at least one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50nmi (93km) between the takeoff and landing locations
- Three solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower
Night Requirements
- 3 hours of night flight training
- One cross-country flight over 100nmi (190km)
- 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (w/ each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
Other
- 3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering solely by reference to instruments
- 3 hours of flight training for cross-country flights
- 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test.