What is a Private Pilot Certificate?

Whether you want to become an airline pilot, fly for fun, or anything in between, it all starts with a Private Pilot Certificate. Skyfarer Academy makes this process easier by connecting you with flight instructors and flight schools nationwide, as well as online ground school programs to help you build the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

Anyone Can Fly!

17

Minimum age for certificate

60h

Estimated flight hours

6

Average months of training

Private Pilot Certificate Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Applicants for a Private Pilot Certificate must:

Be 17 years of age
Obtain at least a Class 3 FAA Flight Medical
Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
Pass the FAA Knowledge Test (written exam)
Receive logbook endorsements certifying preparation
Pass an FAA Practical Test (oral exam and flight checkride)
Meet specific flight time and training requirements per 14 CFR §61.109
Meet and demonstrate specific flight proficiency requirements per 14 CFR §61.107
Meet and demonstrate specific aeronautical knowledge requirements per 14 CFR §61.105

Average or Typical Requirements

It is particularly rare students are fully-prepared to meet the FAA checkride requirements with only 40 hours of flight time.

The national average hours logged for students passing a Private Pilot checkride is closer to 70 hours of flight time.

Skyfarer helps you choose instructors and training plans that fit your schedule and budget so you can progress efficiently without sacrificing quality. We encourages students to plan and budget for at least one and a half to twice the minimum required hours. Flying is a depreciable skill, so delays typical in aviation often mean repeating lessons or flying additional hours to maintain proficiency before a test. Moreover, the saying “if you have time to spare, go by air” applies most particularly to earning ratings at the Private Level.

The Journey to Becoming a Private Pilot

Before you earn your Private Pilot Certificate, there are a few important steps to complete. The process takes time and commitment, but the sense of accomplishment — but the reward is a freedom in the sky.

Step 1: Decide to Begin

The journey to becoming a pilot starts with a simple decision: Do you want to get your Private Pilot Certificate? Earning it takes time, effort, and dedication, but the experience is incredibly rewarding.

Ask yourself a few key questions:

How much money am I willing to invest? You’ll need to budget for flight lessons, ground school, training materials, and exam fees. If you don’t plan to buy your own aircraft, you can rent one or fly with an instructor’s aircraft.
How much time am I willing to invest? The FAA requires at least 40 hours of flight training, but most students take 60–70 hours to become proficient. Flying more frequently helps you finish faster and retain more knowledge.

Step 2: Start Ground School and Prepare for Your Medical

Before you begin flying lessons, there are a few steps to complete. Most students start with ground school, which builds a solid foundation of aeronautical knowledge and prepares you for the FAA Knowledge Test. Online ground school is a popular way to get ahead and make your first flights more productive.

You will also need to obtain a third-class FAA medical certificate before you start. This is a process handled by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

At the same time, plan to schedule your FAA medical examination so that you are eligible to solo when the time comes.

Step 3: Decide How and Where You Want to Training

After you’ve committed to training, the next step is choosing where you want to learn to fly. Most students select a convenient airport close to home, but you can train almost anywhere that weather, airspace, and aircraft availability allow.

When choosing a training location, consider:

How busy the airport is and whether it supports an efficient learning environment.
Instructor and aircraft availability — frequent cancellations slow down progress.
The cost of instruction and aircraft rental.
The type of aircraft you want to fly (single-engine vs. multi-engine, analog vs. glass cockpit).

Step 4: Choosing an Instructor

Finding the right instructor is one of the most important decisions you will make. Instructors on Skyfarer list their experience, teaching style, and availability so you can find someone who fits your learning preferences.

When evaluating instructors, ask questions like:

How long have they been flying and teaching?
Are they certified by the FAA and in good standing?
What is their approach to training and safety?
Can they provide references or testimonials from past students?

Many instructors on Skyfarer offer free consultations and introductory lessons so you can ask more questions, meet them, and confirm it’s a good match before committing to a full training.

Step 5: Getting Your Paperwork in Order

Before you start lessons, make sure you have your third-class medical certificate completed, as it will be required before you can solo. You must also be at least 16 years old to solo and 17 to earn your certificate. Younger students can still begin lessons under instructor supervision and log hours toward their certificate.

Step 6: Beginning the Flight Training Process

Once you have your paperwork ready, it’s time to start flying. Your first meeting with your instructor will include a discussion of your goals and a review of your training plan. Lessons usually include a pre-flight briefing, flight training, and a post-flight debrief.

When you’re ready, you’ll take a checkride — an oral and practical test with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) — to earn your Private Pilot Certificate.

Step 7: The Private Pilot Training Timeline

Training can take anywhere from three months to over a year. Many students complete their training in about 6–12 months if they fly regularly. Most will log between 50–70 hours of flight time before they’re ready for the checkride.

Learning to fly takes time and practice — it can’t be rushed — but it’s one of the most rewarding challenges you’ll ever take on.

Step 8: Congratulations! You’re a Private Pilot

After successfully completing your checkride, you’ll receive your Private Pilot Certificate — and the freedom to fly! This is just the beginning of a lifetime of adventure.