Private Pilot Resources
Here you can find resources to help you on your journey to becoming a private pilot. There are certain requirements that must be met, maneuvers that must be logged, and knowledge areas that must be covered as you move from pre-solo → solo → cross country → checkride prep. The resources here can help you track your progress.
I will also be continually adding resources to help students grasp concepts that may be confusing at first (e.g., airworthiness).
I recommend reading through the “Getting Started” section first for help applying for the student pilot certificate.
Contents
- Private Pilot Overview – General overview of the requirements to be eligible for a private pilot certificate
- Required Knowledge Areas – List of required ground topics, pre-solo maneuvers, and pre-cross country maneuvers
- Tough Concepts – Topics that often confuse students but are certain to appear on the checkride
Private Pilot Overview
Here is a document covering the requirements, general checkpoints, and endorsements necessary for a Private Pilot Certificate.
For more information, consult the relevant parts of the FAR/AIM:
§ 61.83 Eligibility requirements for student pilots.
§ 61.87 Solo requirements for student pilots.
§ 61.93 Solo cross-country flight requirements.
§ 61.103 Eligibility requirements: General.
§ 61.105 Aeronautical knowledge.
§ 61.107 Flight proficiency.
§ 61.109 Aeronautical experience.
§ 61.117 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Second in command of aircraft requiring more than one pilot.
Here are additional documents that may help with understanding the areas needed for a Private License or to help other instructors organize their teaching.
Required Knowledge Areas
Tough Concepts
Airworthiness
This can be a confusing concept for students. Determining if an aircraft is “airworthy” is ultimately at the discretion of the Pilot in Command (PIC). Here is one way to view airworthiness, like a pyramid.
Traffic Pattern
Good landings begin with good traffic patterns. Here is a rough guide to practice chair flying the pattern.
