PPL Requirements

Part 61: ASEL Private Pilot Checklist

Eligibility Requirements

References: 14 CFR 61.39, 14 CFR 61.103

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Hold a U.S. Student Pilot certificate, Sport Pilot certificate, or Recreational Pilot certificate
  • Pass the knowledge test within the preceding 24 calendar months of the practical test
  • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements
  • Obtain the appropriate logbook endorsements from an authorized instructor
  • Comply with 14 CFR 61.39 (Prerequisites for Practical Tests), which requires:
    • At least a 3rd Class Medical certificate to take the practical test, if a medical certificate is required
    • A review of the knowledge test deficiencies by an authorized instructor
    • Logged training time in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months
    • A completed and signed application form (IACRA)
  • Pass a practical test

Aeronautical Knowledge

Reference: 14 CFR 61.105

  • Received and logged ground training from an authorized instructor or completed a home study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of 14 CFR 61.105(b)

Flight Proficiency

Reference: 14 CFR 61.107

  • Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation of 14 CFR 61.107(b)(1)

Aeronautical Experience

References: 14 CFR 61.109, Domingo (2018) Legal Interpretation

  • At least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the Areas of Operation listed in 14 CFR 61.107(b)(1)

Note: The 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and the 10 hours of solo flight training are both required to be conducted in a single-engine airplane.

Aeronautical Experience (Dual)
  • 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane
  • 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight-and-level flight, constant airspeed climbs, and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight
  • 3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine airplane that includes:
    • One cross-country flight of over 100 NM total distance
    • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
  • 3 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test in a single-engine airplane performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test

Note: 14 CFR 61.110 provides night flying exceptions for pilots in the State of Alaska.

Aeronautical Experience (Solo)
  • 10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane, consisting of at least:
    • 5 hours of solo cross-country time
    • One solo cross-country flight of 150 NM total distance, with full-stop landings at three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 NM between the takeoff and landing locations
    • Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower

Use of Flight Simulators and Flight Training Devices

Reference: 14 CFR 61.109

  • A maximum of 5 hours may be performed in a full flight simulator or flight training device if the training was accomplished in accordance with 14 CFR Part 142 by an authorized instructor
  • A maximum of 2.5 hours may be performed in a full flight simulator or flight training device if the training was not accomplished in accordance with 14 CFR Part 142 by an authorized instructor

Note: The simulator or device must represent the category, class, and type, if applicable, of aircraft appropriate to the rating sought.