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Private Pilot Certificate

Whether you want to fly for fun, travel with family and friends, or take the first step toward a career in aviation, it all starts with earning your Private Pilot Certificate.

Estimated Training:

Minimum Age for Certificate
0
Estimated flight hours
0 h
Average months of training
0
Average number of lessons
36- 0
Average cost per lesson
$ 0

At Rich Aviation Services, our FAA-approved training program gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take control of the skies. You’ll learn from experienced instructors, build valuable flight time, and train at your own pace in our safe, well-maintained fleet.

With campuses at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW) and Decatur Municipal Airport (KLUD), we make professional flight training accessible and enjoyable.

Minimum Flight Time Requirements

Total Flight Time
40 Hours
Flight Training with an Instructor*
20 Hours
Instrument Flight Training
3 Hours
Cross-Country Flight Training
3 Hours
Nighttime Flight Training
3 Hours
  • One night XC flight of over 100nm
  • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern at night
Solo Flight Time
10 Hours
Solo Cross-Country Flight Time
5 Hours
  • One Solo XC flight of over 100nm
  • Solo XC must include full-stop landings at 3 points
  • Solo time must include 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower

*Three (3) hours of flight training must be conducted within the 2 calendar months preceding the test.

Additional Requirements

Applicants for a Private Pilot Certificate must:

  • Be 17 years of age
  • Obtain at least a Class 3 FAA Flight Medical
  • Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
  • Pass the FAA Knowledge Test (written exam)
  • Receive logbook endorsements certifying preparation
  • Pass an FAA Practical Test (oral exam and flight checkride)
  • Meet specific flight time and training requirements per 14 CFR §61.109
  • Meet and demonstrate specific flight proficiency requirements per 14 CFR §61.107
  • Meet and demonstrate specific aeronautical knowledge requirements per 14 CFR §61.105

It is particularly rare students are fully-prepared to meet the FAA checkride requirements with only 40 hours of flight time.

The national average hours logged for students passing a Private Pilot checkride is closer to 70 hours of flight time.

Rich Aviation Services encourages our students to plan and budget for at least one and a half to twice the minimum required hours. Flying is a depreciable skill, so delays typical in aviation often mean repeating lessons or flying additional hours to maintain proficiency before a test. Moreover, the saying “if you have time to spare, go by air” applies most particularly to earning ratings at the Private Level.

Steps to earn a private pilot certificate

  • Your journey begins with a decision. Earning a Private Pilot Certificate takes commitment, time, and effort — but the reward is the freedom to fly anywhere you want. Whether your goal is a career in aviation or the joy of personal flight, Rich Aviation Services is here to guide you every step of the way.
  • With two convenient campuses — Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW) and Decatur Municipal Airport (KLUD) — RAS makes it easy to begin your training close to home. Both locations offer the same high-quality instructors, well-maintained aircraft, and welcoming environment.
  • Before flight training begins, you’ll need an FAA third-class medical certificate from an aviation medical examiner. Pilots must also be at least 16 years old to solo, and 17 to earn a Private Pilot Certificate. RAS will help ensure you have all required documents and endorsements in place.
  • Training starts with a dedicated instructor who will create a personalized learning plan for you. You’ll complete ground lessons, simulator work, and flight training in our fleet of Cessna aircraft. Each lesson builds on the last as you develop the skills and confidence to fly safely and independently.
  • As you progress, you’ll log both dual instruction and solo flight hours. This includes cross-country flights, nighttime operations, and practicing maneuvers under a variety of conditions. Your instructor will ensure you meet — and exceed — FAA requirements.
  • The final stage of training includes polishing your knowledge and flying skills. With ground review sessions, practice flights, and checkride prep, RAS instructors will make sure you’re confident and ready for the FAA oral and practical test.
  • After successfully passing your checkride, you’ll receive your Private Pilot Certificate. It’s your ticket to explore the skies — whether that means flying friends and family, traveling for business, or beginning the path to a professional aviation career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! If you are properly rated, you simply need to receive brief instruction in the type of plane you wish to rent and take a “rental checkout quiz”. Typically, the necessary instruction will consist of a brief ground session and a short flight with an instructor to verify that you are able to safely operate the new airplane.

No, as long as you hold a valid aviation medical certificate, renter’s insurance, and a current Private Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings, you may rent an aircraft from Rich Aviation Services.

The length of time it takes to get a Private Pilot Certificate will depend on how often you fly. If a student schedules 2-3 lessons each week, they can be done in about 6-8 months. However, we are able to tailor our program to fit your needs. Many students schedule multiple lessons a week, depending on their availability. A typical lesson will last 2-3 hours with both ground and flight instruction.

You must be 17 years old to take the Private Pilot practical exam. You need to be at least 16 years old to solo in an airplane.

To keep your Private Pilot Certificate current, you can either add another certificate/rating, or you can complete a flight review with an authorized flight instructor (required every 24 months).

As a private pilot, you may not receive any form of compensation for flying. Although, you can fly with friends and share the expenses of the flight. You must fly within the legal weather limitations prescribed by the FAA.

With your Private Pilot Certificate, you can fly alone or with friends and family to share your experiences!  

You will receive both ground and flight instruction with your Private Pilot training. You can lessen the hours of ground training by studying the material at home. Remember, ground training is not required, but you will need it to pass your oral and written exams.