FAA Flight Training Requirements

FAA Specific Requirements:
Minimum 30 hours total flight time.
3 hours solo flight time.
12 hours dual or solo flight time to meet 30 hours minimum requirement.

Limitations:
Limited to carrying one passenger, during the day only.
Airplane must be fixed gear, with a maximum of 180 horsepower.

Private Pilot Certificate:

General Requirements:
17 years of age (16 years to solo).
Read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
Obtain a Third Class Flight Physical.
Receive and log flight training from an Authorized Instructor.
Pass the FAA written test.
Meet aeronautical experience requirements.
Pass the FAA Practical Test (checkride).

FAA Specific Requirements:
Minimum 40 hours total flight time.
20 hours dual flight time.
3 hours cross country.
3 hours night instruction including 10 takeoffs & landings and a 150nm cross country.
3 hours instrument training.
3 hours flight test preparation.
10 hours solo flight time.

Instrument Rating:

FAA Specific Requirements:
50 hours cross country (over 50nm) as Pilot In Command.
15 hours of Instrument Flight Instruction.
40 hours simulated or actual Instrument Flight time.
A 250nm Instrument Flight Rules cross country.
The FAA no longer requires a minimum number of total flight hours,
so this rating can be started as soon as the Private Pilot Certificate is achieved.

Commercial Certificate:

FAA Specific Requirements:
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must pass a 2nd Class Flight Physical.
Must have logged a minimum of 250 hours with not more than 50 hours in a suitable ground trainer.
Must have at least 10 hours in a Complex aircraft.