Bar one: the minimum flight experience
For the airplane private pilot certificate under Part 61, 14 CFR 61.109 lists the minimum aeronautical experience. Your tracker should compare your logged time to each line, not only to the 40 hour total.
| 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 |
Bar two: proficiency, not just hours
Meeting the minimums does not by itself mean you are ready. The practical test is based on the FAA Airman Certification Standards, which describe the knowledge, risk management and skill you must demonstrate. Your instructor decides when you are ready and gives the endorsements that allow you to take the test.
This is why many students use a tracker for the numbers and rely on their CFI for the readiness call.
Milestones worth tracking beyond hours
- Student pilot certificate and medical certificate
- Pre-solo knowledge and solo endorsements
- Cross-country solo and the long solo cross-country
- FAA knowledge (written) test passed, with your report available
- Instructor recommendation for the practical test
- Checkride scheduled with a designated pilot examiner
How FlightStride works as a PPL progress tracker
- Dashboard totals for total, dual, solo, night and cross-country time
- Progress shown against private pilot experience requirements
- Endorsements stored with your training record
- FAA written test practice in the same account
- Your linked CFI sees your progress and can add logs and endorsements
Put this into practice with FlightStride
Log flights, see your progress toward the private pilot certificate, and keep your instructor in the loop. Free to start, no credit card required.
Frequently asked questions
How do I track my PPL progress?
Log every flight with its categories of time and compare your totals to each requirement in 14 CFR 61.109. FlightStride does the totals for you and shows your progress on your dashboard.
Does meeting the 40 hour minimum mean I am ready for the checkride?
No. The minimums are a legal floor. You must also meet the Airman Certification Standards, and your instructor must endorse you as ready for the practical test.
Can my instructor see my PPL progress?
Yes. When you link with your CFI in FlightStride they can view your progress and add flight logs and endorsements.
Is the PPL progress tracker free?
You can create a free FlightStride account and begin tracking right away.