Appendix B to Part 141 - Private Pilot Certification Course
14:3.0.1.2.16.8.3.1.46 : Appendix B
Appendix B to Part 141 - Private Pilot Certification Course
1. Applicability. This appendix prescribes the minimum
curriculum for a private pilot certification course required under
this part, for the following ratings:
(a) Airplane single-engine.
(b) Airplane multiengine.
(c) Rotorcraft helicopter.
(d) Rotorcraft gyroplane.
(e) Powered-lift.
(f) Glider.
(g) Lighter-than-air airship.
(h) Lighter-than-air balloon.
2. Eligibility for enrollment. A person must hold either
a recreational pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate, or
student pilot certificate before enrolling in the solo flight phase
of the private pilot certification course.
3. Aeronautical knowledge training.
(a) Each approved course must include at least the following
ground training on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in
paragraph (b) of this section, appropriate to the aircraft category
and class rating:
(1) 35 hours of training if the course is for an airplane,
rotorcraft, or powered-lift category rating.
(2) 15 hours of training if the course is for a glider category
rating.
(3) 10 hours of training if the course is for a lighter-than-air
category with a balloon class rating.
(4) 35 hours of training if the course is for a lighter-than-air
category with an airship class rating.
(b) Ground training must include the following aeronautical
knowledge areas:
(1) Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations for private pilot
privileges, limitations, and flight operations;
(2) Accident reporting requirements of the National
Transportation Safety Board;
(3) Applicable subjects of the “Aeronautical Information Manual”
and the appropriate FAA advisory circulars;
(4) Aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead
reckoning, and navigation systems;
(5) Radio communication procedures;
(6) Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground
and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of
aeronautical weather reports and forecasts;
(7) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including
collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake
turbulence;
(8) Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb
performance;
(9) Weight and balance computations;
(10) Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft
systems;
(11) If the course of training is for an airplane category or
glider category rating, stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and
spin recovery techniques;
(12) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and
(13) Preflight action that includes -
(i) How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of
intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather
reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements; and
(ii) How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot
be completed or delays are encountered.
4. Flight training. (a) Each approved course must include
at least the following flight training, as provided in this section
and section No. 5 of this appendix, on the approved areas of
operation listed in paragraph (d) of this section, appropriate to
the aircraft category and class rating:
(1) 35 hours of training if the course is for an airplane,
rotorcraft, powered-lift, or airship rating.
(2) 6 hours of training if the course is for a glider
rating.
(3) 8 hours of training if the course is for a balloon
rating.
(b) Each approved course must include at least the following
flight training:
(1) For an airplane single-engine course: 20 hours of
flight training from a certificated flight instructor on the
approved areas of operation in paragraph (d)(1) of this section
that includes at least -
(i) Except as provided in § 61.111 of this chapter, 3 hours of
cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane;
(ii) 3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine
airplane that includes -
(A) One cross-country flight of more than 100-nautical-miles
total distance; and
(B) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an
airport.
(iii) Three hours of flight training in a single engine airplane
on the control and maneuvering of a single engine airplane solely
by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight,
constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery
from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of
navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to
instrument flight; and
(iv) 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane in
preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the
date of the test.
(2) For an airplane multiengine course: 20 hours of
flight training from a certificated flight instructor on the
approved areas of operation in paragraph (d)(2) of this section
that includes at least -
(i) Except as provided in § 61.111 of this chapter, 3 hours of
cross-country flight training in a multiengine airplane;
(ii) 3 hours of night flight training in a multiengine airplane
that includes -
(A) One cross-country flight of more than 100-nautical-miles
total distance; and
(B) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an
airport.
(iii) Three hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane
on the control and maneuvering of a multiengine airplane solely by
reference to instruments, including straight and level flight,
constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery
from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of
navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to
instrument flight; and
(iv) 3 hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane in
preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the
date of the test.
(3) For a rotorcraft helicopter course: 20 hours of
flight training from a certificated flight instructor on the
approved areas of operation in paragraph (d)(3) of this section
that includes at least -
(i) Except as provided in § 61.111 of this chapter, 3 hours of
cross-country flight training in a helicopter.
(ii) 3 hours of night flight training in a helicopter that
includes -
(A) One cross-country flight of more than 50-nautical-miles
total distance; and
(B) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an
airport.
(iii) 3 hours of flight training in a helicopter in preparation
for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of the
test.
(4) For a rotorcraft gyroplane course: 20 hours of flight
training from a certificated flight instructor on the approved
areas of operation in paragraph (d)(4) of this section that
includes at least -
(i) Except as provided in § 61.111 of this chapter, 3 hours of
cross-country flight training in a gyroplane.
(ii) 3 hours of night flight training in a gyroplane that
includes -
(A) One cross-country flight over 50-nautical-miles total
distance; and
(B) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an
airport.
(iii) 3 hours of flight training in a gyroplane in preparation
for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of the
test.
(5) For a powered-lift course: 20 hours of flight
training from a certificated flight instructor on the approved
areas of operation in paragraph (d)(5) of this section that
includes at least -
(i) Except as provided in § 61.111 of this chapter, 3 hours of
cross-country flight training in a powered-lift;
(ii) 3 hours of night flight training in a powered-lift that
includes -
(A) One cross-country flight of more than 100-nautical-miles
total distance; and
(B) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an
airport.
(iii) Three hours of flight training in a powered-lift on the
control and maneuvering of a powered-lift solely by reference to
instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed
climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual
flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation
systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument
flight; and
(iv) 3 hours of flight training in a powered-lift in preparation
for the practical test, within 60 days preceding the date of the
test.
(6) For a glider course: 4 hours of flight training from
a certificated flight instructor on the approved areas of operation
in paragraph (d)(6) of this section that includes at least -
(i) Five training flights in a glider with a certificated flight
instructor on the launch/tow procedures approved for the course and
on the appropriate approved areas of operation listed in paragraph
(d)(6) of this section; and
(ii) Three training flights in a glider with a certificated
flight instructor in preparation for the practical test within 60
days preceding the date of the test.
(7) For a lighter-than-air airship course: 20 hours of
flight training from a commercial pilot with an airship rating on
the approved areas of operation in paragraph (d)(7) of this section
that includes at least -
(i) Except as provided in § 61.111 of this chapter, 3 hours of
cross-country flight training in an airship;
(ii) 3 hours of night flight training in an airship that
includes -
(A) One cross-country flight over 25-nautical-miles total
distance; and
(B) Five takeoffs and five landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an
airport.
(iii) 3 hours of instrument training in an airship; and
(iv) 3 hours of flight training in an airship in preparation for
the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of the
test.
(8) For a lighter-than-air balloon course: 8 hours of
flight training, including at least five training flights, from a
commercial pilot with a balloon rating on the approved areas of
operation in paragraph (d)(8) of this section, that includes -
(i) If the training is being performed in a gas balloon -
(A) Two flights of 1 hour each;
(B) One flight involving a controlled ascent to 3,000 feet above
the launch site; and
(C) Two flights in preparation for the practical test within 60
days preceding the date of the test.
(ii) If the training is being performed in a balloon with an
airborne heater -
(A) Two flights of 30 minutes each;
(B) One flight involving a controlled ascent to 2,000 feet above
the launch site; and
(C) Two flights in preparation for the practical test within 60
days preceding the date of the test.
(c) For use of full flight simulators or flight training
devices:
(1) The course may include training in a full flight simulator
or flight training device, provided it is representative of the
aircraft for which the course is approved, meets the requirements
of this paragraph, and the training is given by an authorized
instructor.
(2) Training in a full flight simulator that meets the
requirements of § 141.41(a) may be credited for a maximum of 20
percent of the total flight training hour requirements of the
approved course, or of this section, whichever is less.
(3) Training in a flight training device that meets the
requirements of § 141.41(a) may be credited for a maximum of 15
percent of the total flight training hour requirements of the
approved course, or of this section, whichever is less.
(4) Training in full flight simulators or flight training
devices described in paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section, if
used in combination, may be credited for a maximum of 20 percent of
the total flight training hour requirements of the approved course,
or of this section, whichever is less. However, credit for training
in a flight training device that meets the requirements of §
141.41(a) cannot exceed the limitation provided for in paragraph
(c)(3) of this section.
(d) Each approved course must include the flight training on the
approved areas of operation listed in this paragraph that are
appropriate to the aircraft category and class rating -
(1) For a single-engine airplane course: (i) Preflight
preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and seaplane base operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Slow flight and stalls;
(ix) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(x) Emergency operations;
(xi) Night operations, and
(xii) Postflight procedures.
(2) For a multiengine airplane course: (i) Preflight
preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and seaplane base operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Slow flight and stalls;
(ix) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(x) Emergency operations;
(xi) Multiengine operations;
(xii) Night operations; and
(xiii) Postflight procedures.
(3) For a rotorcraft helicopter course: (i) Preflight
preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and heliport operations;
(iv) Hovering maneuvers;
(v) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(vi) Performance maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Emergency operations;
(ix) Night operations; and
(x) Postflight procedures.
(4) For a rotorcraft gyroplane course:
(i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Flight at slow airspeeds;
(ix) Emergency operations;
(x) Night operations; and
(xi) Postflight procedures.
(5) For a powered-lift course: (i) Preflight
preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and heliport operations;
(iv) Hovering maneuvers;
(v) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(vi) Performance maneuvers;
(vii) Ground reference maneuvers;
(viii) Navigation;
(ix) Slow flight and stalls;
(x) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(xi) Emergency operations;
(xii) Night operations; and
(xiii) Postflight procedures.
(6) For a glider course: (i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and gliderport operations;
(iv) Launches/tows, as appropriate, and landings;
(v) Performance speeds;
(vi) Soaring techniques;
(vii) Performance maneuvers;
(viii) Navigation;
(ix) Slow flight and stalls;
(x) Emergency operations; and
(xi) Postflight procedures.
(7) For a lighter-than-air airship course: (i) Preflight
preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Emergency operations; and
(ix) Postflight procedures.
(8) For a lighter-than-air balloon course: (i) Preflight
preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport operations;
(iv) Launches and landings;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Navigation;
(vii) Emergency operations; and
(viii) Postflight procedures.
5. Solo flight training. Each approved course must
include at least the following solo flight training:
(a) For an airplane single-engine course: 5 hours of solo
flight training in a single-engine airplane on the approved areas
of operation in paragraph (d)(1) of section No. 4 of this appendix
that includes at least -
(1) One solo 100 nautical miles cross country flight with
landings at a minimum of three points and one segment of the flight
consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical
miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(2) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
with an operating control tower.
(b) For an airplane multiengine course: 5 hours of flight
training in a multiengine airplane performing the duties of a pilot
in command while under the supervision of a certificated flight
instructor. The training must consist of the approved areas of
operation in paragraph (d)(2) of section No. 4 of this appendix,
and include at least -
(1) One 100 nautical miles cross country flight with landings at
a minimum of three points and one segment of the flight consisting
of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between
the takeoff and landing locations; and
(2) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
with an operating control tower.
(c) For a rotorcraft helicopter course: 5 hours of solo
flight training in a helicopter on the approved areas of operation
in paragraph (d)(3) of section No. 4 of this appendix that includes
at least -
(1) One solo 100 nautical miles cross country flight with
landings at a minimum of three points and one segment of the flight
consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 25 nautical
miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(2) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
with an operating control tower.
(d) For a rotorcraft gyroplane course: 5 hours of solo
flight training in gyroplanes on the approved areas of operation in
paragraph (d)(4) of section No. 4 of this appendix that includes at
least -
(1) One solo 100 nautical miles cross country flight with
landings at a minimum of three points and one segment of the flight
consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 25 nautical
miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(2) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
with an operating control tower.
(e) For a powered-lift course: 5 hours of solo flight
training in a powered-lift on the approved areas of operation in
paragraph (d)(5) of section No. 4 of this appendix that includes at
least -
(1) One solo 100 nautical miles cross country flight with
landings at a minimum of three points and one segment of the flight
consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical
miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(2) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport
with an operating control tower.
(f) For a glider course: Two solo flights in a glider on
the approved areas of operation in paragraph (d)(6) of section No.
4 of this appendix, and the launch and tow procedures appropriate
for the approved course.
(g) For a lighter-than-air airship course: 5 hours of
flight training in an airship performing the duties of pilot in
command while under the supervision of a commercial pilot with an
airship rating. The training must consist of the approved areas of
operation in paragraph (d)(7) of section No. 4 of this
appendix.
(h) For a lighter-than-air balloon course: Two solo
flights in a balloon with an airborne heater if the course involves
a balloon with an airborne heater or, if the course involves a gas
balloon, at least two flights in a gas balloon performing the
duties of pilot in command while under the supervision of a
commercial pilot with a balloon rating. The training must consist
of the approved areas of operation in paragraph (d)(8) of section
No. 4 of this appendix, in the kind of balloon for which the course
applies.
6. Stage checks and end-of-course tests.
(a) Each student enrolled in a private pilot course must
satisfactorily accomplish the stage checks and end-of-course tests
in accordance with the school's approved training course,
consisting of the approved areas of operation listed in paragraph
(d) of section No. 4 of this appendix that are appropriate to the
aircraft category and class rating for which the course
applies.
(b) Each student must demonstrate satisfactory proficiency prior
to receiving an endorsement to operate an aircraft in solo
flight.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16347, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 141-9, 62 FR
40908, July 30, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 141-10, 63 FR 20289, Apr.
23, 1998; Amdt. 141-12, 74 FR 42564, Aug. 21, 2009; Docket
FAA-2015-1846, Amdt. 141-18, 81 FR 21460, Apr. 12, 2016]