Private Pilot
From Pilots Almanac
A Private Pilot is an individual who has completed required training and testing, mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and has been issued a Private Pilot Certificate. This certificate authorizes him/her to legally operate an aircraft in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). The regulations that specify the certification requirements are included under Part 61. The primary rules of operation for a private pilot are stipulated under Part 91 of the FARs.
Private pilots can be certificated in a variety of aircraft categories including fixed wing airplanes, gliders, helicopters, and balloons. Within the airplane category, private pilots may be certificated to fly single and multiengine, land and seaplanes.
A private pilot may carry passengers and may fly in furtherance of a business. However, a private pilot may not be compensated in any way for services as a pilot and must pay at least a pro rata share of a flight's expenses. Neither passengers nor cargo may be carried for hire. A private pilot may fly in conditions of good visibility under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in both day and night. In order to safely and legally fly in meteorilogically poor conditions, an Instrument Rating is required.
A private pilot must be at least 17 years of age, able to read, speak, write and understand the English language, and maintain at least a third class medical certificate, which is issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner.
In the U.S., training includes a mixture of flight and ground instruction, administered by a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI). In addition to completing the instruction and reaching a necessary skill level, two tests must be passed. The first is the Knowledge Test, more commonly known as the written test. The second test is the Practical Test. It is better known as the "checkride" and is performed with an FAA or FAA-designated examiner. The Practical Test consists of two parts: the "oral" examination, and a flight portion. See Private Pilot Requirements for more information regarding training.
After a private pilot certificate is issued, the pilot remains responsible for maintaining his/her currency by performing flight reviews, and complying with recency requirements regarding the carriage of passengers.
