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