📘14 CFR §61.109 – Aeronautical Experience (Private Pilot)

🚩 Overview

To obtain your Private Pilot Certificate, you must log specific minimum flight hours and experience in various categories. This ensures you have the necessary practical skills and experience for safe flying.

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✅ Minimum Flight Hour Requirements (Airplane Single-Engine)

You must log at least 40 hours of total flight time, including:

✈️ Dual Flight Training (20 hours minimum)

(Flight training with a CFI)

• 3 hours of cross-country flight training.

• 3 hours of night flight training, including:

  • One night cross-country flight of over 100 NM total distance.

  • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at night.

• 3 hours of instrument flight training (basic instrument maneuvers).

• 3 hours of flight training within the preceding two calendar months prior to the practical test (checkride).

✈️ Solo Flight Experience (10 hours minimum)

(Flying the aircraft solo without instructor)

• 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time, including:

  • One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 NM total distance with full-stop landings at three points (one segment being at least 50 NM straight-line distance).

• 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

✈️ Additional Flight Time

• Remaining flight hours (to meet the 40-hour minimum) can be dual or solo based on your training needs and instructor recommendations.

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🛩️ Example Scenario

You’ve logged 15 hours with your instructor, 5 of which were cross-country flights. Before your checkride, ensure you complete your required solo cross-country flight of 150 NM total distance, as well as your night flight and basic instrument training hours. Planning carefully now ensures a smooth path to your practical test.

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📌 CFI Pro Tips

• Track Hours Early: Regularly review your student’s logbook with them to ensure they're meeting all required flight hours and training tasks.

• Structured Solo Flights: Clearly plan solo flights that fulfill the cross-country and tower-controlled airport landing requirements to streamline training efficiency.

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📚 Further Reading and Official References

• 14 CFR §61.109 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-E/section-61.109

• FAA Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS): https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/media/private_airplane_acs.pdf

• FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook