Almost anyone can begin learning to fly. You do not need any previous aviation experience to start flight training.

To earn an FAA Private Pilot Certificate for an airplane, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old to fly solo and 17 years old to earn your Private Pilot Certificate.

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

• Obtain an FAA Student Pilot Certificate before your first solo flight.

• Meet the applicable FAA medical requirements before flying solo.

• Complete the required flight and ground training.

• Pass the FAA knowledge exam.

• Pass a final oral and flight examination, commonly called the checkride, with an FAA examiner.

Under FAA Part 61, you must complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including:

• 20 hours of flight training with a certified flight instructor.

• 10 hours of solo flight time.

• 3 hours of cross-country flight training.

• 3 hours of night flight training.

• 3 hours of flight training using only the aircraft's instruments.

• Specific solo cross-country, takeoff, landing, and checkride-preparation requirements.

40 hours is the FAA minimum—not a guaranteed completion time. The FAA reports that the national average for earning a Private Pilot Certificate is approximately 75 flight hours. Your total time will depend on how frequently you train, your individual progress, weather, and aircraft availability.

You can begin taking flight lessons before meeting the age requirements for solo flight or receiving a Student Pilot Certificate.

Yes, we have a partnership with Sporty's, and you can use Sporty's Learn To Fly Course - Private Pilot Ground School with your instructor in a Part 61 environment. In fact, it is a very common and cost-effective approach. Part 61 rules offer the flexibility to complete your ground training at home while working through flight maneuvers with your local flight instructor.