average flight time
Avian Flight Center. Private Pilot Requirements. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a minimum of forty flight hours to obtain a private pilot's license. However, in reality the national average flight time as a student pilot is approximately 71 hours. Your actual flight time required, and the resulting cost of training, are dependent on your abilities, frequency of flight lessons, and the weather. Our experience shows that the average student needs about six months and 55 to 65 flight hours to complete training and earn their private pilot certificate.