Pass Your FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test the First Time
Earn your Private Pilot certificate. Study the exact topics on the Private Pilot Airplane knowledge test with ACS-aligned practice questions, an AI tutor that explains every answer, the proven 5-step method, and Smart Review spaced repetition that brings each question back right before you’d forget it.
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How to earn your FAA Private Pilot certificate
The Private Pilot certificate lets you fly friends and family and act as pilot in command. Here’s what the FAA requires:
- 1
Be at least 17 years old
You can start training and fly solo at 16, but the Private Pilot certificate is issued at 17.
- 2
Read, speak, write & understand English
With allowances for certain medical conditions.
- 3
Hold at least a third-class medical certificate
Obtained from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (or qualify under BasicMed to exercise privileges).
- 4
Pass the Private Pilot Airplane knowledge test
The aeronautical knowledge (written) test, taken at an FAA-approved testing center.
- 5
Log the required flight experience
At least 40 hours under Part 61 — dual instruction, solo, cross-country, and night flight.
- 6
Pass the practical test (checkride)
An oral and flight exam with an FAA examiner or designated pilot examiner (DPE).
The knowledge test is the part you study for — that’s where we come in. Always confirm current requirements at faa.gov.
What’s on the Private Pilot knowledge test
Get your free Private Pilot practice test
Drop your email for your free practice test — then follow the proven 5-step method to pass the Private Pilot knowledge test the first time.
Prefer to plan it out? See the free week-by-week Private Pilot study plan →