Private Pilot Certification Requirements

For a Single Engine Airplane Rating:
Total Time: 40 hours which consists of at least:
  1. 20 hours of flight training with an instructor.
    1. 3 hours of Dual cross-country;
    2. 3 hours of night flight training
      1. 1 cross-country flight of over 100 nm.
      2. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings.
    3. 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments.
    4. 3 hours of flight training within the preceding 60 days.
  2. 10 hours of Pilot in Command:
    1. 5 hours of solo cross-country;
    2. 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nm. total distance with 3 points and one segment of at least 50 nm. between takeoff and landings; and
    3. 3 takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport.
For a Multiengine Airplane Rating:
Total Time: 40 hours which consists of at least-
  1. Dual: 20 hours of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation that includes:
    1. 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a multiengine airplane;
    2. 3 hours of night flight training in a multiengine airplane, that includes at least-
      1. 1 cross-country flight of over 100 nm. total distance; and
      2. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern.
    3. 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a multiengine airplane; and (See Note)
    4. 3 hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.
  2. Solo: 10 hours of solo flying in an airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation, that includes:
    1. 5 hours of solo cross-country flying;
    2. 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nm. total distance with 3 points and one segment of at least 50 nm. between takeoff and landing; and
    3. 3 takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport.
NOTE: Where § 61.109 requires “. . . 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane” [i.e., II.A.3.] or “. . . in a multiengine airplane” [i.e., III. A.3.] or “. . . in a powered-lift” [i.e., VI. A.3.] it has to be in the aircraft in flight. It cannot be in a FS, FTD, or an PCATC. The ". . . flight training by reference to instruments . . ." must have been in the aircraft in flight.
NOTE: Please check the latest FAR part 61 and 141 requirements.

Private Endorsements (For complete list):

Verification of U.S. citizenship:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name), has presented me a (insert type of document presented, such as U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport, and the relevant control or sequential number on the document, if any) establishing that (he or she) is a U.S. citizen or national in accordance with 49 CFR 1552.3(h).
S/S [date] J.J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-00

Endorsement for deficient areas on the Knowledge test
I have reviewed the knowledge test results with Mr./Ms. __________________________ per FAR 61.39 (6)(iii) And resolved the deficient areas.

S/S [date] J.J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-00

Endorsement for practical test prerequisites: FAR 61.39(a)(6).
All Practical Tests that require an endorsement must have this Instructor endorsement. AC 61.65E Page 5 Paragraph 9. (NOTE)

I certify that Mr./Ms.____________________ has received training time required within the preceding 60 days in preparation for the (Name of test) (category and class) practical test and find him/her prepared for that test. (if knowledge test is required and applicant has achieved less than 100%) He/she has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas found deficient on the (Name of Test) aeronautical knowledge test.
S/S [date] J.J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-00

Endorsement for aeronautical knowledge: FAR sections 61.35(a)(1), 61.103(d), and 61.105.
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training in accordance with section 61.105. I have determined he/she is prepared for the (name the knowledge test).

S/S [date] J.J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-00

Endorsement for flight proficiency: FAR sections 61.103(f), 61.107(b), and 61.109.
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training in accordance with sections 61.107 and 61.109. I have determined he/she is prepared for the (name the practical test).

S/S [date] J.J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-00