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Private Pilot
Requirements
Cessna 35388, pictured at
Lewisburg, West Virginia, with its new paint scheme - 2001
The applicant
for a private pilot's license (in powered aircraft) must:
1. Be at least 17 years of age
2. Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
3. Hold at least a third class medical certificate.
4. Pass a computerized knowledge test
5. Pass a practical test, of oral quizzing, and actual flying.
He must
demonstrate knowledge of:
1. VFR
(Visual Flight Rules) navigation
2. Weather
3. Safe and efficient operation of the aircraft
4. Basic Aerodynamics
5. Stall and spin awareness
6. Accident reporting requirements and procedures
He must have
experience and training:
1. At least
20 hours of instruction from an authorized instructor, and
2. At least 10 hours of solo flight time.
3. At least 40 hours total flight time. *
For more details see FAR 61.102 through 117
* This 40-hour
minimum was established many decades ago. Although the minimum number of
flight hours required for a Private Pilot certificate has not changed, the
addition of other requirements has pushed the average up to 60 to 70 hours,
depending on where you get your statistics.
When the
forty-hour minimum was established, there was no requirement to learn radio
navigation, or communication, night flying, instrument flight, or flying in
a radar environment. Here at Eagles' Wings, most students average about 60
hours. One thing is for sure: you will have 50% more useful learning
experiences in 60 hours than in 40.
Flying
is partly knowledge, partly skill, and partly judgment, plus a good measure
of self discipline!
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