Requirements before your first solo
- Be at least 16 years old
- Hold a student pilot certificate
- Hold a medical certificate (required for solo in powered aircraft)
- Pass the pre-solo knowledge test given by your instructor on the relevant regulations and aircraft
- Receive and log pre-solo flight training in the required maneuvers and procedures
- Receive a solo endorsement from your instructor for the specific aircraft make and model
Student pilot limitations to remember
- You cannot carry passengers
- You cannot fly for compensation or hire
- Your instructor's endorsements define where and when you may fly solo
- Weather and flight conditions must meet the limits set by your instructor
Solo cross-country requirements
Before each solo cross-country, your instructor must review your planning and weather briefing and endorse the flight. For the private pilot certificate you must complete:
- Five hours of solo cross-country time
- One solo cross-country of at least 150 NM total distance with full-stop landings at three points
- One segment of that flight with a straight-line distance of at least 50 NM
- Three solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower
Total solo time required
Part 61 requires 10 hours of solo flight time for an airplane private pilot certificate. Log each solo flight and keep the endorsements that allowed it.
| Requirement (airplane, Part 61) | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Total flight time | 40 hours |
| Flight training with an instructor (dual) | 20 hours |
| Solo flight time | 10 hours |
| Dual cross-country | 3 hours |
| Dual night training | 3 hours, including one cross-country of more than 100 NM total distance and 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop |
| Dual instrument training | 3 hours |
| Solo cross-country | 5 hours |
| Long solo cross-country | One flight of at least 150 NM total distance, with full-stop landings at three points and one segment of at least 50 NM |
| Solo at a towered airport | 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower |
| Checkride preparation | 3 hours of dual in the 2 calendar months before the practical test |