how many hours to get a private pilot license
However, most pilots require 60â70 hours of flight time to complete training. The minimum age for a private pilot certificate is 16 for balloons and gliders, and 17 for powered flight (airplanes, helicopters, and gyroplanes). Pilots can begin training at any age and can solo balloons and gliders at age 14, powered aircraft at age 16. 1  1 Issuing authorities.  2 Categories and classes.