First, there are a few requirements to be eligible.

- At least 16 years old

- You have to be able to read, write and speak English

- Obtain a minimum 3rd class medical certificate

- Be a US Citizen or a Permanent Resident

After that, you are ready to go!!! Now let's discuss the requirements for obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate, Part 61 style.

1. You must log at least 40 hours of flight time, including at least 20 hours of flight training from a flight instructor and 10 hours of solo time, 5 of which need to be cross-country to include one solo cross-country of at least 150 nautical miles.

2. Complete 3 hours of cross-country flying as well as 3 hours of night flying, with 1 cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles (NM) and 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at an airport.

3. Complete 3 hours of flight utilizing their instruments, completing straight and level flight, airspeed climbs and descents, heading turns, attitude recovery, radio contact and the use of navigation and radar services as necessary.

4. Perform 3 hours of flight training with your instructor to prepare yourself for the practical exam test within 60 days of the exam’s date.

5. You’re also required to complete 10 hours of solo flight time, including 5 hours of solo cross-country time, one cross-country flight of 150 NM with a full stop landing at three different points. The flight must involve a straight-line distance of more than 50 NM between the takeoff and landing locations and three takeoffs and landings to a full stop at a tower-controlled airport.

So, according to the FAA, the national average shows that most pilots need 60 to 75 hours of flight training, exceeding the minimum requirements, but that’s ok because regardless, you need to hit that 250-hour mark for your commercial.