Private Pilot Roadmap

Your path to the left seat, one step at a time

Earning your private pilot certificate is a big goal, but it's a clear one. Here's exactly what the journey looks like.

17Minimum age for the certificate (16 to solo)
40 hrsFAA minimum flight time
2FAA tests: written exam and checkride

8 steps to becoming a private pilot

Every pilot follows the same basic path. Your training is built around these milestones so you always know what's next.

1Get started

Take a discovery flight

Your first flight is a real lesson. You'll sit in the pilot's seat, take the controls with an instructor beside you, and find out how it feels to fly.

No experience needed. It's the best way to see if flight training is right for you.
2Paperwork

Check eligibility & get your student pilot certificate

  • Be at least 17 to earn the certificate (16 to fly solo)
  • Read, speak, write, and understand English
  • Apply for a free student pilot certificate online through the FAA's IACRA system. Your instructor helps you with this
3Medical

Get your FAA medical certificate

Fill out the FAA's online MedXPress form, then visit an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for a third-class medical exam. You'll need it before your first solo.

Do this early in training so nothing slows you down later.
4Ground school

Learn the knowledge & pass the written test

Study aerodynamics, weather, navigation, airspace, and regulations through ground lessons or an online course. When you're ready, your instructor signs you off for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test.

  • 60 multiple-choice questions
  • 70% needed to pass
5Flight training

Learn to fly & take your first solo

Practice takeoffs, landings, maneuvers, and emergency procedures with your instructor. When you're ready, you'll get an endorsement and fly the airplane by yourself for the first time.

Your first solo is a milestone every pilot remembers.
6Building skills

Cross-country, night & instrument training

  • Plan and fly trips to other airports, with your instructor and solo
  • A solo cross-country of at least 150 nautical miles total with landings at three airports
  • 3 hours of night flying, including 10 takeoffs and landings
  • 3 hours of flying by reference to instruments
7Getting ready

Meet the minimums & prep for the checkride

The FAA requires at least 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours solo. Most students need more, often 60–75 hours, and that's completely normal.

You'll finish with at least 3 hours of checkride prep in the two months before your test.

8The finish line

Pass your checkride & become a pilot

Your practical test is with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. It has two parts: an oral exam on the ground, then a flight where you show the skills you've practiced.

Pass, and you walk away a private pilot. You can fly day or night and take friends and family along.

Ready to take step one?

Book a discovery flight and see what it's like to be at the controls. I'll walk you through the rest.

Book a discovery flight

Requirements summarized from FAA 14 CFR Part 61 for airplane single-engine land. Your instructor will tailor training to you.