Privileges: The Private Certificate permits holders to check out in a wide variety of aircraft and to carry passengers virtually anywhere. New Private pilots are restricted from flying in non-visual conditions (clouds and other "bad" weather).
Requirements: Applicants need to meet standards in three separate areas to qualify for FAA pilot certificates: Flight experience, Flight skill, and Theoretical understanding.
Flight Experience: An applicant for the Private Pilot certificate must have a minimum of 40 hours flight time: 20 hours dual and 20 hours solo.
Flight Skill: The skills required for the Private Certificate can be grouped into three broad areas: Solo flight, Cross-country navigation and night flight Pilot-in-Command experience