- An applicant for the Private Pilot-Airplane Practical Test is required by 14 CFR part 61 to:
- Be at least 17 years of age;
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
- If there is a doubt, use AC 60-28, English Language Skill Standards;
- Have passed the appropriate private pilot knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in which they take the practical test;
- Have satisfactorily accomplished the required training and obtained the aeronautical experience prescribed;
- Possess at least a current third class medical certification or when a military pilot of the U.S. Armed Forces can show and present evidence of an up-to-date medical examination authorizing pilot status issued by the U.S. Armed Forces;
- Have an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant has received and logged training time within two (2) calendar months preceding the date of application in preparation for the practical test, and is prepared for the practical test;
- Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of 14 CFR part 61.105 paragraph (b) that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and
- Also have an endorsement certifying that the applicant has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test (not required for power aircraft to non-power aircraft or power aircraft to power aircraft for additional category or class rating)
- The private pilot-airplane applicant is required by 14 CFR section 61.45 to provide an airworthy, certificated aircraft for use during the practical test. This section further requires that the aircraft must:
- Be of U.S., foreign, or military registry of the same category, class, and type, if applicable, for the certificate and/or rating for which the applicant is applying;
- Have fully functioning dual controls, except as provided for in 14 CFR section 61.45(c) and (e); and
- Be capable of performing all Areas of Operation appropriate to the rating sought and have no operating limitations, which prohibit its use in any of the Areas of Operation, required for the practical test
- An appropriately rated flight instructor is responsible for training the private pilot applicant to acceptable standards in ALL subject matter areas, procedures, and maneuvers included in the Tasks within each Area of Operation in the appropriate private pilot practical test standard, even if the applicant is adding a category or class rating
- Because of the impact of their teaching activities in developing safe, proficient pilots, flight instructors should exhibit a high level of knowledge, skill, and the ability to impart that knowledge and skill to students
- Throughout the applicant's training, the flight instructor is responsible for emphasizing the performance of effective visual scanning, collision avoidance procedures, the manufacturer's recommended procedures for the airplane flown, and other areas deemed appropriate to the practical test
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- Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge: § 61.87(b): I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has satisfactorily completed the pre-solo knowledge test of § 61.87(b) for the [make and model] aircraft
- Pre-solo flight training: § 61.87(c)(1) and (2). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received and logged pre-solo flight training for the maneuvers and procedures that are appropriate to the [make and model] aircraft. I have determined [he or she] has demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety on the maneuvers and procedures required by § 61.87 in this or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown
- Pre-solo flight training at night: § 61.87(o). Flight training must be received within the 90 calendar-day period preceding the date of the flight. I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received flight training at night on night flying procedures that include takeoffs, approaches, landings, and go-arounds at night at the [airport name] airport where the solo flight will be conducted; navigation training at night in the vicinity of the [airport name] airport where the solo flight will be conducted. This endorsement expires 90 calendar-days from the date the flight training at night was received
- Solo flight (first 90 calendar-day period): § 61.87(n). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training to qualify for solo flying. I have determined [he or she] meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(n) and is proficient to make solo flights in [make and model]
- Solo flight (each additional 90 calendar-day period): § 61.87(p). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training to qualify for solo flying. I have determined that [he or she] meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(p) and is proficient to make solo flights in [make and model]
- Solo takeoffs and landings at another airport within 25 nautical miles (NM): § 61.93(b)(1). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.93(b)(1). I have determined that [he or she] is proficient to practice solo takeoffs and landings at [airport name]. The takeoffs and landings at [airport name] are subject to the following conditions: [List any applicable conditions or limitations]
- Solo cross-country flight: § 61.93(c)(1) and (2). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required solo cross-country training. I find [he or she] has met the applicable requirements of § 61.93, and is proficient to make solo cross-country flights in a [make and model] aircraft, [aircraft category]
- Solo cross-country flight: § 61.93(c)(3). I have reviewed the cross-country planning of [First name, MI, Last name]. I find the planning and preparation to be correct to make the solo flight from [origination airport] to [origination airport] via [route of flight] with landings at [names of the airports] in a [make and model] aircraft on [date]. [List any applicable conditions or limitations]
- Repeated solo cross-country flights not more than 50 NM from the point of departure: § 61.93(b)(2).I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in bothdirections between and at both [airport names]. I have determined that [he or she] isproficient of § 61.93(b)(2) to conduct repeated solo cross-country flights over that route,subject to the following conditions: [List any applicable conditions or limitations]
- Solo flight in Class B airspace: § 61.95(a). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.95(a). I have determined [he or she] is proficient to conduct solo flights in [name of Class B]airspace. [List any applicable conditions or limitations]
- Solo flight to, from, or at an airport located in Class B airspace: § 61.95(b) and 14 CFR part 91, § 91.131(b)(1). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.95(b)(1). I have determined that [he or she] is proficient to conduct solo flight operations at [name of airport]. [List any applicable conditions or limitations]
- Endorsement of U.S. citizenship recommended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) § 1552.3(h). The flight instructor must keep a copy of the documents used to provide proof of citizenship for 5 years or make the following endorsement in the student’s logbook and the instructor’s logbook or other record used to record flight student endorsements with the following: I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has presented me a [type of document presented, such as a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport, and the relevant control or sequential number on the document, if any] establishing that [he or she] is a U.S. citizen or national in accordance with 49 CFR § 1552.3(h)
- There are three possible outcomes of the practical test:
- Temporary Airman Certificate (satisfactory);
- Notice of Disapproval (unsatisfactory), or;
- Letter of Discontinuance
- If the evaluator determines that a Task is incomplete, or the outcome is uncertain, the evaluator must require the applicant to repeat that Task, or portions of that Task.
- This provision does not mean that instruction, practice, or the repetition of an unsatisfactory Task is permitted during the practical test
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- Refer to 14 CFR part 61, section 61.43(e)(2) for conditions to issue a letter of discontinuance for Private Pilot Airplane
- If discontinuing a practical test for reasons other than unsatisfactory performance (e.g., equipment failure, weather, illness), the evaluator must return all test paperwork to the applicant.
- The evaluator must prepare, sign, and issue a Letter of Discontinuance that lists those Areas of Operation the applicant successfully completed and the time period remaining to complete the test to receive credit for previously completed Areas of Operation
- The evaluator should advise the applicant to present the Letter of Discontinuance to the evaluator when the practical test resumes to receive credit for the items successfully completed
- The Letter of Discontinuance becomes part of the applicant's certification file
- Refer to 14 CFR part 61, sections 61.39(f) and 61.43(f) after issuance of a Letter of Discontinuance or Notice of Disapproval of Application
- To learn more about earning the practical test, visit the checkride page