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Student to Private Pilot Checklist

Student Pilot Certificate​

  • Third class medical certificate
  • IACARA Application
  • TSA Endorsement: A.14 endorsement

Solo Requirements​

  • Pre-solo knowledge test per § 61.87(b)
    • A.3 - Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge: § 61.87(b)
  • Pre-solo flight training items: the "15 things" listed in § 61.87(d)
    • A.4 - Pre-solo flight training: § 61.87(c)(1) and (2)
  • 90-day endorsement
    • A.6 - Solo flight (first 90-calendar-day period): § 61.87(n)
    • A.7 - Solo flight (each additional 90-calendar-day period): § 61.87(p)

Solo Requirements - Flights to Airport within 25nm​

Student pilots must stay within 25nm of their home airport.

  • They can land at another airport within 25nm, provided you:
    • fly with them to/from the airport
    • enter the traffic pattern
    • do takeoffs/landings
    • provide the A.8 endorsement

Solo XC Training​

  • Receive and log flight training in the following maneuvers and procedures (the "12 things")
    • Provide A.9 endorsement
  • Specific solo cross-country flight
    • Review student flight planning and the forecasted weather
    • Endorse a student for a specific solo XC flight: A.10

Repeated Flights within 50nm​

  • After completing the XC endorsement, repeated flights to/from an airport within 50nm (but more and 25nm) are allowed, provided:
    • fly with them to/from the airport
    • enter the traffic pattern
    • do takeoffs/landings
    • Give the A.11 endorsement

Private Pilot Aeronautical Knowledge - 61.105​

  • Need to receive ground training on the knowledge areas in 61.105
    • A.32: student is prepared for the private pilot knowledge test
  • Or complete a home-study course
    • A.82 is used if the student used a home study course

Private Pilot Aeronautical Experience - 61.109​

Prior to the practical test, private pilot applicants will need:

  • 40 hours total flight time
  • 20 hours of flight instruction, including:
    • 3 hours XC flight training
    • 3 hour of night flight, including:
      • One cross-country at night, in excess of 100nm
      • Ten takeoffs and ten landings to a complete stop, including a flight in the traffic pattern
    • 3 hours of flight solely by reference to instruments
    • 3 hours within the preceding 2 calendar months of the practical test
  • 10 hours solo flight time, including:
    • 5 hours solo XC flight time, which includes:
      • 1 long solo cross-country flight in excess of 150nm, with landings at 3 points, and one leg >50nm
    • 3 takeoffs and landings at an airport with an operating control tower

Checkride Preparation​

  • AC 61-65 A.1: Student is prepared for the practical test
  • AC 61-65 A.2: Instructor has reviewed any missed questions from the written test
  • A.33: Private student is prepared for the practical test