A private pilot certificate allows you to carry passengers during day or night conditions. However, you are not allowed to accept payment to fly.

Requirements for a private license are found in FAR AIM 61.103 – 61.109. Students will receive both in-air and on-the-ground instruction from FAA-certified instructors. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours; however, students average between 50 and 60 to gain proficiency. A student will also receive an average of 30 hours of ground training. Students will need to pass a written test and a check ride consisting of an oral and a flight test to get this certificate.

Due to the need for a headset for the rest of a pilot’s career, students must provide their own aviation headset before training.

An instrument pilot rating allows the same privileges as a private pilot; however, an instrument pilot is permitted to fly through the clouds and when the weather would restrict a private pilot from flying.

Requirements for an instrument rating are found in FAR AIM 61.65. Students will receive both in-air and on-the-ground instruction from FAA-certified instructors. The FAA requires 50 total hours of pilot in command cross-country time, and 40 hours of simulated or actual instrument meteorological condition time, 15 hours of which must be with a CFII. A student will also receive an average of 20 hours of ground training with an instructor. Students will need to pass a written test and a check ride consisting of an oral and a flight test to get this certificate.

A commercial pilot certificate allows a pilot to get paid to fly.

Requirements for a commercial certificate are found in FAR AIM 61.123 – 61.129. The FAA requires a pilot to hold a total of 250 hours, including time accrued from previous certifications. The student will also receive an average of 20 hours of ground training with an instructor. Students will need to pass a written test and a check ride consisting of an oral and a flight test to get this certificate.

A certified flight instructor certificate turns a pilot into a teacher. 

Requirements for a CFI certificate are found in FAR AIM 61.183 – 61.187.  The FAA requires a minimum of 3 additional flight hours; however, a pilot must be fully proficient at teaching all aspects of the ACS and all the maneuvers from the commercial certification to be signed off for a check ride. The student will also receive an average of 30 hours of ground training with an instructor. Students will need to pass a written test and a check ride consisting of an oral and a flight test to get this certificate.

A certified flight instructor-instrument certificate enables instructors to teach pilots pursuing an instrument rating.

Requirements for a CFII certificate are found in FAR AIM 61.183. The FAA requires a minimum of 3 additional flight hours; however, a pilot must be fully proficient at teaching all aspects of the ACS and all the maneuvers from the instrument rating to be signed off for a check ride. The student will also receive an average of 10 hours of ground training with an instructor. Students will need to pass a written test and a check ride consisting of an oral and a flight test to get this certificate.