FAR 61.109 — Aeronautical Experience (Private Pilot)

This regulation specifies the minimum flight experience required for a private pilot certificate in the airplane category. Applicants must log at least 40 hours of total flight time including 20 hours of dual instruction and 10 hours of solo flight. Within those hours are specific requirements: 3 hours of night flight with 10 night takeoffs and landings, 3 hours of instrument training, 3 hours of flight training within 2 calendar months of the practical test, and at least 5 hours of solo cross-country time including one solo cross-country of at least 150 nautical miles with full-stop landings at three points. Understanding these requirements helps students plan their training timeline and budget.