General Requirements
Age
Be at least 16 years old to fly solo
Be at least 17 years old to receive a private pilot certificate
Health
Obtain at least a third-class medical certificate
General education
English: reading, speaking, writing, and understanding
Basic math: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing
Training regimen
Complete the flight training requirements & the knowledge exam
Pass a practical exam consisting of a verbal exam and a flight test
Flight Time:
40 hrs min
Dual Flying
20 hrs min
Flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation:
3 hours of cross country flight training in a single engine airplane;
3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least:
a) 1 cross country flight of over 100 nm total distance; and
b) 10 Takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport.
3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane; and
3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the 60 days prior to the practical test.
Solo Flying
10 hrs min
Solo flying in a single engine airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation:
5 hours of solo cross country flying;
1 solo cross country flight of at least 150nm total distance with full stop landings at 3 points and one segment of at least 50nm between takeoffs and landings; and
3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
For calls and texts
Office hours by appointment
Civil Air Patrol Headquarters Building
1915 Airport Dr, San Marcos, TX
