The First Steps to Becoming a Private Pilot

Are you eligible?

• Be at least 17 years of age

  • Be at least 16 years of age to solo

• Read, speak, write, and understand the English language

Meet with an instructor.

• Contact us or make an appointment for an introductory flight

• We will help you navigate the process of becoming a pilot

Obtain a medical certificate.

• Per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), you must have at least a third class medical certificate to be a private pilot

• You can obtain a medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)

Start flying with a Heading Aviation instructor!

Private Pilot Requirements

• 40 hours minimum total flight time

• 20 hours minimum of dual flight from an instructor which include:

  • 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane

  • 3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine airplane that includes:

    • One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance

    • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at an airport

  • 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane solely by reference to instruments

  • 3 hours of flight training with an instructor 2 calendar months preceding the month of the test

• 10 hours minimum of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane which includes:

  • 5 hours of solo cross-country time

  • One cross-country flight of 150 nautical miles, with full-stop landings at three points, and one segment consisting of more than 50 nautical miles

  • 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower

Instrument Pilot Requirements

• CURRENTLY NOT OFFERED AT HEADING AVIATION

Commercial Pilot Requirements

• Must log at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of:

  • 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes

  • 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least:

    • 50 hours in airplanes

    • 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes

  • 20 hours of training on the areas of operation that includes at least:

    • 10 hours of instrument training using a view limiting device

    • 10 hours of training in a complex airplane, a turbine-powered airplane, or a technically advanced airplane (TAA). Heading Aviation currently does not have an airplane to complete this requirement. We have recommendations elsewhere for you to fulfill this requirement.

  • One 2-hour cross country flight in a single-engine airplane in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure

  • One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure

  • 3 hours of flight training with an instructor 2 calendar months preceding the month of the test

  • 10 hours of solo flight time or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command in a single-engine airplane with an authorized instructor on the areas of operation that includes:

    • One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original point of departure

    • 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at an airport with an operating control tower

Certified Flight Instructor

Unlocking the Rewards of Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor

Becoming a certified flight instructor (CFI) is an exhilarating journey filled with countless rewards, both personally and professionally. For the passionate aviator, this coveted role serves as a stepping stone towards reaching new heights in their aviation career. Whether it's a pilot aspiring to become an airline captain or an individual seeking a fulfilling profession in the field of aviation, the path of a CFI offers unparalleled opportunities.