Home >> Hobbies >> Aviation

Private Pilot Qualifications

Becoming a private pilot is one of the best ways for those with an interest in aviation to experience the freedom of the skies. In order to earn the required license, however, students must meet certain criteria and qualifications after the completion of training. These requirements are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration and are designed to ensure that all licensed pilots have the basic knowledge and skills to fly safely.

Basic Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 16 years old to fly gliders or balloons and 17 years old to fly all other aircraft. In addition, all pilots must have a firm grasp of the English language -- both spoken and written. Finally, all students must have a student pilot certificate to train to become a private pilot. These are available to those as young as 16 years old (or 14 for gliders or balloons) and are issued upon completion of the required FAA third-class medical exam.
Medical Standards
- All private pilots must have a valid third-class medical exam completed to fly any aircraft. The standards for this exam are FAA-mandated and quite lengthy. Applicants should be in good health and free of any conditions or diseases that would hamper their ability to fly safely. The medical exam includes a drug test, and requires that all applicants have vision that is correctable to 20/40 with glasses or contact lenses.
Ground Training
- Becoming a private pilot isn't all about flying. Students must complete either an official FAA-sanctioned ground school or a home-study program that adheres to FAA requirements to earn their certificate. These requirements state that students should review a variety of aviation topics ranging from aerodynamics and the principles of flight to navigation, weather and FAA regulations. Students should pay attention during these courses because, prior to earning their license, they must pass a 60-question written knowledge test with a score of 70 or better.
Flight Training
- Students must log the necessary flight experience before earning a private pilot certificate. This includes at least 40 hours of total flight time, 10 hours of which should be solo and without the presence of an instructor. During this training, students will learn how to control the aircraft, to safely land and take off, to navigate long distances and to fly at night. Upon completion of flight training, students will have to demonstrate their abilities to a certified FAA examiner to earn their license.

Aviation