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Private Pilot

The first step in becoming a pilot is to obtain your Private Pilot Certificate (PPL). This is one of the most challenging but fun and rewarding experiences a pilot can have. A Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) will allow you to fly your family and friends to new destinations. Beat the traffic and take a weekend trip up into the mountains!

 

Learning to fly is a combination of acquiring aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and flight experience.  At Summit Flight Training, our Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) program is comprehensive but also requires you to put in the work! We are here to support your journey.

 

Private Pilot License Requirements 

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  • Be at least 17 years of age

  • 40 hours total flight time

  • 20 hours of flight training

  • 10 hours solo flight time

  • 5 hours solo cross-country

  • Solo cross-country flight of 150NM total distance with:

    • Full-stop landings at three points

    • One segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 NM between takeoff and landing locations

  • 3 takeoffs and 3 full stop landings solo at a towered airport

  • 3 hours of cross-country flight training

  • 3 hours of night flight training

  • Night cross-country training flight over 100NM total distance

  • 10 takeoffs and 10 full stop landings at an airport at night

  • 3 hours of flight training solely by reference to instruments

  • 3 hours of flight training within preceding 2 calendar months prior to checkride

  • Passing a 60 question written exam and a practical test with an FAA examiner

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