Pilot Certificate Comparison Chart

 

Sport

Recreational

Private

Training

20hrs - Total

15hrs - Flight Training

5hrs - Solo

2hrs - Dual Cross Country

1hr - Solo Cross Country

3hrs - Prep

*National average for Sport Pilot Certification is 33hrs

30hrs - Total

15hrs- Flight Training

3hrs - Solo

2hrs - Dual Cross Country, Limited to 50nm

3hrs - Prep

*National average for Recreational Pilot Certification is 44hrs

40hrs - Total

20hrs - Flight Training

10hrs - Solo

3hrs - Dual Cross Country

5hrs - Solo Cross Country

3hrs - Prep

3hrs - Night

3hrs - Instrument

*National average for Private Pilot Certification is 70hrs

Age Requirement

17

17

17

Medical Requirement

NO Medical Required - US Drivers License Required

Medical Required - 3rd Class Medical

Medical Required - 3rd Class Medical

Aircraft Size Limitation

1,320lbs MAX - Limited to 2 seats

180hp MAX - Limited to 4 seats

Unlimited - certain aircraft may require a TYPE rating

Complex Aircraft - Retractable landing gear

NO

NO

YES

Passenger Carriage

1 Passenger only

1 Passenger only

Unlimited

Flight in Class B, C, D Airspace

Only with additional Flight Training

Only with additional Flight Training

YES

Night Flight

NO

YES - no passengers allowed, and with additional Flight Training

YES

Flight outside the Continental United States

NO

NO

YES

Flight for Compensation or Hire

NO

NO

NO

Flight Visibility of less than 3nm

NO

NO

YES