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A private pilot can fly a large variety of aircraft from small single engine two seat airplanes to large multi-engine aircraft if they have obtained the required training, ratings and endorsements for the aircraft they wish to fly. They may also carry passengers and fly during the day or at night in most cases. Private pilots may not fly for compensation or hire but can share the cost of a flight with passengers.
To become a private pilot you must first become a student pilot. Student pilots receive flight and ground training from a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) preparing the student to take the private pilot practical exam. When you have successful completed your training as a student pilot and passed the practical exam you become a private pilot.
"How long will it take me to learn to fly?" That is a tough question to answer. The federal aviation regulations stipulate a minimum of 40 hours' flight time for a private pilot. However the practical exam is a skill and knowledge based test not simply meeting a flight hour requirement. According to the FAA, the average student pilot now requires 60 to 75 flight hours to earn a private pilot certificate.
Why so long? When the 40 hour requirement was established the complexity of the regulations and airspace was simpler than it is today. Additional instruction is now required on ground operations and collision avoidance, new navigation systems like GPS, and other additions to the private pilot curriculum have increased training time. Age can be a factor, with older students generally requiring a little more time than younger pilots. Other factors can influence this figure as well like weather, frequency of training flights, and personal study habits. Remember to become a pilot the FAA is looking for a skill and knowledge level to maintain a safe flight environment for all.
How old do I need to be? You can start flight training and log time at any age as you will be flying with a CFI. However you must be 16 years of age to obtain a student pilot certificate. A student pilot certificate is required for solo flight, fly without a CFI, a necessary part of your training. To be eligible for a private pilot certificate you must be at least 17 years old.
For more information on learning to fly visit the flight training overview page http://flighttraining.aopa.org/learntofly/overview/pilots.cfm on the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) website. AOPA is a major proponent of general aviation and a great resource for all pilots. Please consider becoming a member of AOPA and receive a free six month subscription to Flight Training magazine.
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