Airplane - Private Pilot

In the USA, the requirements for an airplane private pilot checkride are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Age: You must be at least 17 years old to take the private pilot checkride.
2. Language Proficiency: You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
3. Medical Certificate: You need to hold at least a third-class medical certificate issued by an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). This ensures that you meet the medical standards required to safely operate an aircraft.
4. Training Hours: You must meet the minimum flight time requirements, which include:
   • 40 hours of total flight time, which must include:
     • 20 hours of flight training with an instructor.
     • 10 hours of solo flight time, including at least:
       • 5 hours of solo cross-country flight (more than 50 nautical miles from the departure airport).
       • One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance with full-stop landings at three points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations.
   • Additional requirements include:
     • 3 hours of cross-country flight training with an instructor.
     • 3 hours of night flight training, including:
       • One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance.
       • 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport.
     • 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test within the preceding two calendar months from the month of the test.
5. Ground School: You must undergo ground training covering specific aeronautical knowledge areas outlined in FAA regulations, including aerodynamics, weather, regulations, navigation, and more. This knowledge can be gained through a formal ground school course or self-study.
6. Written Exam: You must pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering aeronautical subjects relevant to piloting an aircraft.
7. Practical Test (PE-ASEL Checkride): This is the final step. You'll undergo an oral exam followed by a flight portion with an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE). During the checkride, you'll demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and ability to safely operate an aircraft.
8. Aircraft Requirements: The checkride must be conducted in an aircraft that meets FAA requirements for airworthiness, equipment, and documentation1.