Primary Training
If you're just starting your aviation journey, you are in the right place. Train to become a Sport Pilot or Private Pilot and lay a strong foundation for your recreational or professional aviation career.
What is the right pilot certificate for you?
The FAA's MOSAIC rule has greatly expanded the privileges that Sport Pilots may exercise. Sport Pilots may now fly a wider array of aircraft, including some once reserved for Private Pilots, making the Sport Pilot certificate a more attractive certificate to attain.
That said, there are still numerous limitations on Sport Pilots, and the array of aircraft that Private Pilots may fly is still much wider. The goal of the Sport Pilot certificate is to make flying accessible for those who cannot obtain FAA medical certification. If you do not wish to do so, and if your are ok with flying only one passenger at a time on relatively-shorter flights, the Sport Pilot certificate is for you.
However, if you are able to obtain an FAA medical certificate, do consider pursuing a Private Pilot certificate. You will have privileges to fly a wider selection of aircraft, and you can fly more than just one passenger. You will also have the ability to pursue additional training fly in poor weather. A Private Pilot certificate is also a required part of pursuing a career in aviation.
View basic certification requirements below. I'm working on building up the Primary Training Resources page for more details on making the decision on which certificate to pursue.
What Is Required For a Sport Pilot Certificate?
Required Flight Time
Sport Pilots must log at least 20 hours of total flight time, including 15 hours of dual instruction and 5 hours solo. More complex aircraft may require more time to gain proficiency.
Required Flight Training Items
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Preflight Preparation & Pre/Post-Flight Procedures
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Airport Operations
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Takeoffs, Landings, & Go-Arounds
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Performance & Ground Reference Maneuvers
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Navigation
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Slow Flight & Stalls
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Emergency Procedures
Required Aeronautical Experience
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2 hours of cross-country flight training
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10 takeoffs and landings
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One 75-mile solo cross-country where one leg is at least 25 miles
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2 hours of instruction preparing for the FAA practical test
What Is Required For a Private Pilot Certificate?
Required Flight Time
Private Pilots must log at least 40 hours of total flight time, including 20 hours of dual instruction and 10 hours solo. This leaves at least 10 hours of "flex" time to use for either solo or dual instruction. Please note that the FAA reports that the average Private Pilot applicant needs 75 hours to be ready for their checkride.
Required Flight Training Items
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Preflight Preparation & Pre/Post-Flight Procedures
-
Airport Operations
-
Takeoffs, Landings, & Go-Arounds
-
Performance & Ground Reference Maneuvers
-
Navigation
-
Slow Flight & Stalls
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Instrument Maneuvers and Night Flying
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Emergency Procedures
Required Aeronautical Experience
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3 hours of cross-country flight training
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3 Hours of Night Flight Training, Including a 100-mile (round-trip) Cross Country at night and 10 takeoffs/landings
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3 hours of flight training by reference to the flight instruments
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3 hours of instruction preparing for the FAA practical test
Get Into The Weeds
Listed above are the basic flight training requirements to pursue Sport Pilot and Private Pilot certificates. However, there is more to the story. Visit my Primary Training Resources page for a discussion on the nuances of flight training I have learned from teaching both Sport Pilot and Private Pilot applicants.