What is a Private Pilot Certificate?
A private pilot certificate is akin to a driver’s license but for flying an aircraft. Obtaining a private pilot certificate authorizes you to legally operate an aircraft.
How Does It Work? What Can I Expect?
The journey to becoming a pilot is somewhat distinct from traditional educational paths, involving minimal classroom time. Think of acquiring your pilot’s license more as an apprenticeship. Darkhorse Aviation will provide you with all the necessary resources to study and successfully pass both the FAA written and practical exams.
- We’ll discuss your aviation aspirations to customize your lessons accordingly.
- For optimal outcomes, plan to fly 2-3 times per week. It’s possible to earn your private license in as little as one month, though the average timeframe is 3 – 6 months.
- Lessons will be scheduled based on your availability.
- Your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) will assign content for you to review and study before each session.
- Enroll in Sporty’s Learn To Fly Course: Private Pilot Test Prep to support your ground studies. The most successful pilots balance their efforts between ground and air training.
- Your instructor will endorse you for the written exam when you’re ready.
- After you become proficient in the maneuvers and procedures specified in the Airmen Certification Standards and fulfill the required hours, your CFI will endorse you for the check ride.
- Congratulations! Passing the check ride earns you a temporary certificate, valid for 120 days, while your official Private Pilot license is mailed to you.
General Requirements
- Minimum age of 16 to solo.
- Minimum age of 17 to take the check ride.
Hours
- At least 40 hours total flight time required.
- A minimum of 20 hours must be with an instructor.
- A minimum of 10 hours must be solo flight time.
- For more details, see FAR/AIM 61.109.
Supplies Needed
- Non-owner’s aircraft insurance.
- An aviation medical (third class is sufficient for a private pilot).
- Darkhorse Aviation Private Pilot Kit (includes all necessary training materials).
- Sectional charts (Denver & ABQ).
- An iPad is optional but recommended if you’re considering a career in aviation.
- For iPad users, purchase ForeFlight for additional tools and a digital logbook ($100/year).
How Do I Get My Student Pilot Certificate?
To obtain your Student Pilot Certificate, create an account on IACRA with the following steps:
- Create a profile.
- Start a new application.
- Await your application’s acceptance (your CFI will review and accept it).
