Private Pilot

Privileges and Limitations

In your capacity as a Private Pilot, you are granted the following privileges:

  • Act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft for which you are rated. This also includes flying 6477S after your successful rental checkout.
  • Engage in aviation for leisure, personal travel, or business purposes.
  • Transport passengers while equally sharing flight expenses.
  • Conduct flights during both daytime and nighttime under visual meteorological conditions (typically requiring a minimum visibility of 3 statute miles and substantial clearance from clouds).

You may not:

  • Transporting passengers for compensation or hire, which requires holding a Commercial Pilot certificate.
  • Operating flights in instrument meteorological conditions, which requires an Instrument Rating.

FAA Training Requirements

  • Minimum 40 hours of flight time, which includes:
    • 10 hours of solo flight time, including:
      • 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time
    • 20 hours of flight training from an instructor, including:
      • 3 hours of instrument flight training
      • 3 hours of night flight training
      • 3 hours of training in preparation for the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test
  • Complete an instructor-administered Pre-Solo Knowledge Test
  • Pass the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test
  • Pass the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test (includes a knowledge and skills evaluation)

Getting Started Checklist

Get in touch with Jim to arrange your orientation session, which can also include a Discovery Flight if you’re completely new to flying. This orientation sessions is conducted and billed as standard ground instruction. During the orientation, Jim will:

  • Assist you in completing the online application for your FAA Student Pilot Certificate.
  • Thoroughly go over all Juhl Aviation policies and operational procedures.
  • Coordinate the scheduling of your first flight lesson.
  • Gather documentation verifying your U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include an unexpired U.S. Passport or a U.S. birth certificate. Additionally, we’ll require a copy of your driver’s license.

Other items that will need attention are:

  • Get a pilot log book.
  • Download the ForeFlight app onto your iPad and iPhone. For device selection guidance, please refer to this link.
  • Check out the info on our Resources page.
  • Arrange an appointment with an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to acquire a Third Class medical certificate. Although not required for the start of training, this certificate is necessary for the completion of the training program. If your objective is to attain a Commercial Pilot certificate and pursue a career as a pilot, obtaining a First Class medical certificate is recommended.
  • Acquire a suitable headset. While we offer loaner headsets for your use at no charge, most pilots opt to have their personal headsets.
  • Let the flight training adventures begin!