Path to Pilot and Beyond
Student Pilot Certificate
- Must be 16 years old for an airplane, 14 years old for gliders
- Flight Instructor completes and submits an application through IACRA
- Obtain a 3rd class (or higher) medical
Private Pilot Certificate
- 17 years old
- Third class (or higher) medical
- Complete ground training and a minimum of 40 hours of flight training time broken down as follows: at least 20 hours of flight training with a CFI, 10 hours of solo flight, and 3 hours of cross country flying, 3 hours of night flying, and 3 hours of instrument time.
- Take the Private Pilot written exam and score a minimum of 70%
- Pass a practical flight test with an FAA examiner or DPE
Instrument rating
- Hold a private pilot's license
- Have a minimum of a third class medical
- Pass a written knowledge test
- Flight time requirements: 50 hours of cross country as PIC and 40 hours of instrument time.
- Pass a check ride and an oral exam with an FAA or FAA designated examiner
Commercial rating
- Private Pilot certificate
- Flight time requirements - 120 hours of total flight time: 55 hours of dual flight training, 65 hours of solo flight training, 10 hours of solo time as the sole occupant of the aircraft, 3 hours of instruction with a flight instructor in cross country flight.
- Take and pass a written exam and check ride with an FAA designated examiner
Certified Flight Instructor
- 18 years old
- Have your commercial pilot certificate or ATP
- Have an instrument rating
- Have a minimum of 250 hours of flight instruction
- Have a third class (or higher) medical certificate
- Obtain a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor
- Pass the FAA Certified Flight Instructor Knowledge Exam and the Fundamentals of Instruction Exam
