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Single-engine Cessna parked on an airport apron under a bright sky

Private Pilot Certificate

Become a private pilot.
Go wherever you want.

The modern test bank built to help you ace the FAA Private Pilot knowledge exam. Master regulations, airspace, weather, performance, navigation, and aeromedical factors, with unlimited practice exams, and personalized oral prep.
Coming soon: Request test endorsement directly in your account.

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// A STRUCTURED WAY TO STUDY

Three phases to "Checkride ready"

"ADVENTURE IS WORTHWHILE IN ITSELF" — A. EARHART

Nose and propeller of a light aircraft with a red stripe on the ramp01 · KNOWLEDGE

Smart Study System

Learn with FAA questions covering all required private pilot core knowledge areas. Smart study prep allows you to track your performance, identify weak subjects, and drill them before moving on to the practice exams.

EXPLANATIONS · SUBJECT ANALYTICS

Single-engine Cessna parked on an apron seen from under the wing02 · PRACTISE

Mock Exams & Endorsement

Take unlimited FAA practice exams. After scoring 80% or higher twice consecutively, submit your details for review and request the endorsement to take the official FAA knowledge test.

MOCK EXAMS · TEST ENDORSEMENT

Pilots seated in a light aircraft with the cabin door open in the sun03 · CHECKRIDE PREP

Personalized Oral Prep

After passing the FAA knowledge test, upload your AKT report. CHECKRIDE PREP analyzes your deficiency codes to build personalized study prep focused on areas you need to strengthen for your checkride.

REPORT ANALYSIS · ORAL STUDY PREP

// WHO BUILT THIS

Developed by professionals.

CHECKRIDE PREP was written and reviewed by a team of aviation professionals, military personnel, and academics.

01

Pilots & Certified Ground Instructors

02

Aerospace & Software Engineers

03

A&P Mechanics & Military Aircrew

04

College Educators & Veterans

01 · REAL FREEDOM TO TRAVEL

Go where the roads don't.

  • Skip the terminal. Fly direct into thousands of small airports no airline serves.
  • Weekends, doubled. A four-hour drive becomes an hour of flying and turns travel time back into vacation time.
  • Bring people with you. Carry family and friends, and share the operating cost of the flight.

02 · COMMAND OF THE AIRCRAFT

Be the pilot in command.

  • You fly it. No instructor, no supervision. You plan the flight and you make the calls.
  • Rent almost anywhere. The certificate allows you to request rentals at flight schools and clubs nationwide.
  • Skill for real life. The decision-making and risk management habits you build in the air will naturally elevate your leadership on the ground.

03 · THE FOUNDATION FOR EVERYTHING

Every rating starts here.

  • This is the first certificate. Instrument, commercial, CFI, and ATP all build on this one.
  • Add on as you go. Tailwheel, high-performance, complex, and seaplane are other endorsements you can add at any time.
  • Hours that count. Every hour you log after your checkride counts toward your next advanced rating.

Start now

You Don't Need to Be a Career Pilot to Fly

Most private pilots fly for the freedom, not the paycheck. You can be 17, hold a third-class medical or BasicMed, and train on weekends and become part of the 0.05% of the population who are pilots.

Pass my written

What it actually takes

The requirements, in plain numbers.

Flight training is done at your own pace with an instructor. The knowledge exam is the part you study for on your own and what CHECKRIDE PREP is built for.

Readout · Part 61

MINIMUM FLIGHT TIME

40 hrs

under Part 61 · 35 hrs under Part 141

KNOWLEDGE EXAM

60 Q · 70%

2 hours, computer-based, at a testing center

MINIMUM AGE

17

16 to solo · no upper limit

MEDICAL

3rd class

or BasicMed once certificated

Good to knowYour written exam score is valid for 24 calendar months. Passing it early gets the ground school out of the way, giving you a generous two year window to focus purely on your flight training.
View of a light aircraft instrument panel from the pilot seat

The point of all the studying

Left seat, your flight plan, your call.

*Requirements summarized from 14 CFR Part 61 and the FAA airman knowledge testing standards. Training minimums, medical eligibility, and testing procedures vary — confirm with your instructor and current FAA guidance.

Wet aircraft engine cowling and propeller with a REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT tag

Your first solo starts here.

Regulations, airspace, weather, navigation, performance. Study, drill, and mock the Private Pilot knowledge exam in one place.

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