This page is intended as a quick reference to the aeronautical experience required by the FAA for the issuance of private and commercial pilot tickets. Links to the full language of the relevant CFRs is included below.

I should note that I’m including only those requirements for single engine ratings, as I am not (nor do I plan to in the near future) provide multi-engine training.

Private Pilot Aeronautical Experience

14 CFR 61.109

  • For an airplane single-engine rating. Except as provided in paragraph (k) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in § 61.107(b)(1) of this part, and the training must include at least -

    • 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane;

    • Except as provided in § 61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine airplane that includes -

      • 1 cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and

      • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.

    • 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;

    • 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in a single-engine airplane in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test; and

    • 10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane, consisting of at least -

      • 5 hours of solo cross-country time;

      • 1 solo cross country flight of 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 more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and

      • 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.

Commercial Pilot Aeronautical Experience

14 CFR 61.129

  • For an airplane single-engine rating. Except as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, a person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:

    • 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.

    • 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least -

      • 50 hours in airplanes; and

      • 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.

    • 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in § 61.127(b)(1) of this part that includes at least -

      • 10 hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device including attitude instrument flying, partial panel skills, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, and intercepting and tracking navigational systems. 5 hours of the 10 hours required on instrument training must be in a single engine airplane;

      • 10 hours of training in a complex airplane, a turbine-powered airplane, or a technically advanced airplane (TAA) that meets the requirements of paragraph (j) of this section, or any combination thereof. The airplane must be appropriate to land or sea for the rating sought;

      • 1 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;

      • 1 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

      • 3 hours in a single-engine airplane with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.

    • 10 hours of solo flight time in a single engine airplane or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command in a single engine airplane with an authorized instructor on board (either of which may be credited towards the flight time requirement under paragraph (a)(2) of this section), on the areas of operation listed under § 61.127(b)(1) that include -

      • 1 cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point. However, if this requirement is being met in Hawaii, the longest segment need only have a straight-line distance of at least 150 nautical miles; and

      • 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.