FAA Requirements:
Private Pilot Requirements (FAA Part 61)
To become a certificated Private Pilot, the FAA requires a minimum of:
40 total flight hours (Most students take slightly longer)
20 hours of dual instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor
10 hours of solo flight time, including cross-country and takeoffs/landings
3 hours of night flying, including a cross-country
3 hours of simulated instrument training
3 hours of checkride prep within 60 days of the exam
We’ll walk you through every step of the process—from your first preflight to your final checkride—and make sure you’re not just hitting the minimums, but truly ready to fly with confidence. If you’ve got questions about your eligibility or what it takes to get started, we’re happy to talk through it with you.
Commercial Pilot Certificate Requirements (FAA Part 61)
To earn your Commercial Pilot Certificate under Part 61, the FAA requires:
250 total flight hours, including:
100 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC)
50 hours of cross-country flight time
20 hours of flight training from a CFI, including:
10 hours of instrument training (can be in actual or simulated conditions)
10 hours in a complex or technically advanced aircraft (TAA)
A long cross-country (minimum 2 hours, 100+ NM, with a landing at a point more than 100 NM from departure)
5 hours of night VFR training, including 10 takeoffs and landings
10 hours of solo time or time performing PIC duties, including:
One cross-country flight of at least 300 NM total distance with landings at three points
5 hours of night solo or night PIC with 10 full-stop landings
Most students exceed the FAA minimums in the process of becoming truly prepared. We’ll work with you to build a custom path based on your current hours and goals, making sure every flight counts—not just toward the certificate, but toward your competence and confidence as a commercial pilot.
Instrument Rating Requirements (FAA Part 61)
To earn your Instrument Rating, the FAA requires the following minimums:
50 hours of cross-country PIC time, including at least one cross-country flight under IFR (250 NM minimum, 3 approaches, 3 different airports)
40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including:
15 hours of instrument training with a CFI
I3 hours of checkride prep within 60 days of the practical test
One IFR cross-country flight with a CFII (250 NM, 3 types of approaches)
While the FAA outlines the minimums, most students benefit from additional time to build true IFR confidence—especially if you’ve had a gap in flying. We’ll assess where you’re at and create a plan that keeps you moving forward without wasting time or money.
Anoka Couny Blaine Airport
Phone: 605-760-4028
Email: [email protected]