Private Pilot: Requirements & Currency

Private Pilot Certificate: Eligibility

• Must be at least 17 years of age.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Must hold at least a current third-class medical certificate.
• Must have received required ground and flight training endorsements.
• Must meet applicable aeronautical experience requirements.
• Must pass the required knowledge and practical tests.

Maintaining Currency as a Private Pilot

• Flight review within the preceding 24 months in an aircraft for which they are rated, given by an authorized instructor with logbook endorsement.
• To carry passengers, within the preceding 90 days, a pilot must have completed 3 takeoffs and landings as the sole manipulator of the flight controls in an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if required).
• For tailwheel airplanes, landings must be full stop landings.
• For carrying passengers 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise, the pilot in command (PIC) must have completed 3 takeoffs and full stop landings within the preceding 90 days in an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if required).

Logging Flight Time

• Logging recent flight experience and training is only required when used to meet certification requirements, such as a flight review, type rating, or recent aeronautical experience.
• PIC time may be logged for the time the pilot acts as the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which they are rated or have privileges.

Currency vs. Proficiency

• Being current means meeting the minimum legal requirements to fly, but does not guarantee competence or safety.
• Proficiency means being knowledgeable, skilled, and safe based on experience and ability.
• Pilots should not fly an unfamiliar aircraft because familiarity with all equipment optimizes safety and efficiency.

Second-in-Command (SIC) Time

• SIC time can be logged when a pilot is qualified and occupies a crewmember station in an aircraft that requires more than one pilot by the aircraft type certificate and has the proper category, class, and type rating (if required).

Privileges and Limitations of a Private Pilot

• A private pilot cannot act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers or cargo for compensation or hire.
• A private pilot cannot act as PIC for compensation or hire.
• A private pilot can share flight costs with passengers, but must pay at least a pro rata share of the operating expenses.

Pro Rata Share

• Pro rata means a proportional share.
• A private pilot must pay at least their fair share of the flight expenses and cannot profit from the flight.
• Example: If a flight costs $300 and there are four people on board, each person must pay at least $75.

Required Documents for a Pilot

• A pilot must have the following in their physical possession to act as a required pilot crewmember: pilot certificate, photo identification, and medical certificate.

FAA Ramp Inspection

• Upon request from an FAA inspector, a pilot must present their photo identification, pilot certificate, medical certificate, authorization, or license.

Overview of the eligibility requirements and the steps to maintain currency as a private pilot. Requirements include age, language proficiency, medical certificate, training endorsements, experience, and passing tests. Currency is maintained through flight reviews and recent flight experience.