Program Summary
Getting Started Checklist
Privileges and Limitations
As a Private Pilot, you may:
- Act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft for which you are rated. If you rent our aircraft, this will include those aircraft for which you have completed a rental checkout.
- Fly for pleasure, personal travel, or business travel.
- Carry passengers and share the flight expenses equally.
- Fly day or night in visual meteorological conditions (generally at least 3 statue miles of visibility, and well clear of clouds).
You may not:
- Carry passengers for compensation or hire (requires a Commercial Pilot certificate).
- Fly in instrument meteorological conditions (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
- 10 hours of solo flight time, including:
- 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)
Contact us to schedule your orientation. This may be combined with a Discovery Flight, if you have no previous flight experience. All orientations are conducted and billed as regular ground instruction. During the orientation your instructor will:
- Collect your proof of U.S. Citizenship (see below)
- Complete the online application for your FAA Student Pilot Certificate.
- Review all Holladay Aviation policies and procedures.
- Schedule your first flight lesson.
Gather proof of U.S. citizenship: unexpired U.S. Passport, or a U.S. birth certificate. We’ll also need a copy of your driver’s license. We are no longer accepting foreign students.
Purchase a pilot log book. We recommend this one, which you can order online from a variety of vendors or purchase from our friends at Aircraft General Supply, conveniently located near Craig Airport.
Download the ForeFlight app onto your iPad and iPhone. Click here for guidance on selecting a device. If you use an Andriod smartphone and tablet, you will need to download the Garmin Pilot app.
Review the Training Guides section of our website.
Schedule an appointment with a FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for a Third Class medical certificate. You do not need this certificate to begin training, but it is required to complete the training program.
- If your goal is to earn a Commercial Pilot certificate and seek employment as a pilot, you should seek a First Class medical certificate.
Purchase a headset.
Begin flight training.