Which FAA exams test 14 CFR 61.109?

This regulation is tested on the following FAA exams: PAR, FIA. These include the FAA Private Pilot (PAR), FAA Certified Flight Instructor (FIA).

Part 61Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors

14 CFR 61.109 — Aeronautical Experience: Private Pilot

Specifies the minimum flight experience required for a private pilot certificate: 40 hours total, including 20 dual and 10 solo.

Regulation Text

For an airplane single-engine rating, a person must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor and at least 10 hours of solo flight training including: 5 hours of solo cross-country flying, one solo cross-country of at least 150 nm total distance with full-stop landings at 3 points and one segment of at least 50 nm, and 3 solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.

Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.

Plain-English Explanation

To get your private pilot certificate, you need a minimum of 40 hours total flight time (though the national average is about 60-70 hours). This must include 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours solo. The solo time has specific requirements: cross-country flights, a long solo cross-country (150+ nm with 3 stops), and solo landings at a towered airport. Part 141 schools can reduce the total to 35 hours.