Private Pilot
Private Pilot Requirements
1- Log a minimum of 40 hours of flight time
2- Be 16 years of age or older to apply for a student pilot certificate and fly solo.
3- Be 17 years of age or older for the practical test.
4- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
5- Be able to obtain at least a third-class medical certificate.
6- Complete a home-study course on private pilot aeronautical knowledge.
7- Pass the private pilot FAA knowledge written exam.
8- Pass the private pilot FAA practical test, also called “checkride.”
Additional Information
There are no age requirements to start your flying lessons; however, the FAA requires that the student pilot be 16 years of age or older to fly solo an airplane (powered flight) which means that you can start your training before 16 years of age. On your 16th birthday, you could do your first solo.
We know that the minimum flight hours required when completing the FAA private pilot training is 40; however, the reality is that for most student pilots, before they are recommended for the private pilot practical test is about 65 hours.
If you would like to start your Private Pilot training, we recommend that you schedule a 3rd class pilot medical certificate before you start training or as soon as you possibly can.
instrument rating
Instrument Rating Requirements
1- FAA Private Pilot Certificate.
2- Log 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command.
3- Log 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight time.
4- Complete 15 hours of instrument flight training.
5- Be able to obtain at least a third-class medical certificate.
6- Complete a home-study course on instrument pilot aeronautical knowledge.
7- Pass the FAA written knowledge test.
8- Pass the FAA instrument pilot practical test.
Instrument Flight Rules “IFR”
You can start your instrument rating training at any time even as a student pilot however, to apply for an instrument rating, you must hold an FAA private pilot certificate.
Once you earn your private pilot certificate and want to take families and friends somewhere, you definitely want an option and that is not be limited to just flying under Visual Flight Rules “VFR” conditions and risking of been stranded somewhere.
An instrument rating is your ticket. Besides, the instrument pilot training will positively improve your flying skills thus making you a better and safer pilot.
Commercial Pilot
Commercial Pilot Certificate Requirements
Under 14 CFR part 61 rules:
1- FAA Private Pilot Certificate
2- Be at least 18 years of age.
3- Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
4- Log 250 hours of total flight time,
-100 hours of which must be in powered aircraft, and 50 must be in airplanes.
-100 hours of pilot-in-command time, 50 of which must be in airplanes.
- 50 hours of cross-country time, 10 of which must be in an airplane.
- 20 hours of training, including 10 hours of instrument, 10 hours of complex to include cross-country and practical test preparation.
- 10 hours of solo night cross-country.
5- Third-class medical certificate "minimum for the practical test."
6- Complete a home-study course on commercial pilot aeronautical knowledge.
7- Pass the FAA written commercial knowledge test.
8- Pass the FAA commercial pilot practical test.
Learn More
Are you envisioning earning an income as a pilot or perhaps one day flying for the airlines? Then, the commercial pilot certificate is your ticket.
You will have several opportunities as a commercial pilot in the job market to earn an income as a flight instructor, ferry pilot, banner towing, news traffic reporting, agriculture, pipeline patrol, some corporate, and some charter flights.
Most commercial pilots only require a 2nd class medical certificate to exercise commercial privileges; however, we recommend that you do a 1st class if you plan to be a pilot with the airlines.
CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
If you are looking into building hours to fly for the airlines, this job is ideal.
The requirements for a CFI are:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Hold an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating or single-engine ATP Certificate.
Must hold a valid FAA Medical Certificate.
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
Spin training endorsement
Pass the FAA Knowledge CFI-A and FOI written exams.
Pass the FAA Practical Flight Test and Oral Examination.
Log at least 15 hours as pilot in command in the category and class of aircraft that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.
Learn More
Here at Fun Flight Training, we can assist you in becoming a Certified Flight Instructor.