Private Certificate

The private pilot is by far the most popular of the entry-level pilot certificates. As of January 2008, there were 228,475 private pilots in the United States. The private license grants more privileges and imposes fewer limitations than the other basic licenses, but consequently requires the most in qualifications and training.

An applicant for a private license must pass a written examination and a practical examination. The practical examination is administered by an FAA examiner, and consists of an oral test and a flight test.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a private license, a person must be at least 17 years of age (or 16 for a glider or balloon rating). An applicant must also be able to read, write, and speak the English language, and be able to pass a class III physical examination.

Flight Training

An applicant for a private license must have an absolute minimum of 35 hours of logged flight time. At least 20 hours of the total must consist of dual instruction with a certified flight instructor, with the balance being no less than 10 hours of solo flight time.

The total flight hours required of a private pilot applicant consist of the following specific training requirements:

  • 3 hours of cross-country training
  • 3 hours of night training
  • 3 hours of training at flying solely by reference to instruments
  • 3 hours of flight training specifically in preparation for taking the private pilot practical exam
  • 10 hours of solo flight, of which at least 5 hours must be solo cross-country time

Privileges and Limitations

Private pilots may not carry passengers or cargo for compensation or hire, and of course must obey all FAA rules of operation, but are otherwise unrestricted.

Cost of Obtaining a Private License

There are many variables that factor into the total cost of obtaining a private license. The type of airplane used for training and the total number of hours flown (very few students finish in the minimum required hours) will have a great impact upon the total cost. Also, in preparation for taking the written examination, some people are comfortable studying on their own, while others prefer paying for a ground school course of study. A reasonable ballpark estimate for obtaining a private license would be $5000 to $10000.