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
  • 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 Study Guides section of our Resources page.

  • 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. We have loaner headsets available for you to use at no charge, but most students prefer to have their own.

  • Begin flight training.