During your ground school, you'll learn bits of "book knowledge" you'll need to be a proficient pilot. You have several options for ground training, but the goal is to successfully complete your aviation written test.

To be eligible for a Private Pilot Certificate, a person must:

• Be at least 17 years of age
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. (d) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor.
• Hold at least a current third class medical certificate.
• Pass a written exam on the on the aeronautical knowledge areas of FAR 61.105.
• Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
  • Has conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.107(b) (2)
  • Has certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
  • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements that apply to the aircraft rating sought.
  • Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.107(b).

At least 40 hours of flight time that includes:

• At least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and
• 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.107(b) (1).

Flight Training must include:

• 3 hours of cross-country flight training
• 3 hours of night flight training including
  • One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance and 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full

3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;

3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in the preceding 60 days.

Solo Flight Training must include

• 5 hours of solo cross-country time including:
  • One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations
• Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.