Regulation Text
§ 61.99 Aeronautical experience.
(a) A person who applies for a recreational pilot certificate must receive and log at least 30 hours of flight time that includes at least—
(1) 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation listed in § 61.98 that consists of at least:
(i) Except as provided in § 61.100, 2 hours of flight training en route to an airport that is located more than 25 nautical miles from the airport where the applicant normally trains, which includes at least three takeoffs and three landings at the airport located more than 25 nautical miles from the airport where the applicant normally trains; and
(ii) Three hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in the aircraft for the rating sought in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
(2) Three hours of solo flying in the aircraft for the rating sought, on the areas of operation listed in § 61.98 that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(b) The holder of a sport pilot certificate may credit flight training received from a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating toward the aeronautical experience requirements of this section if the following conditions are met:
(1) The flight training was accomplished in the same category and class of aircraft for which the rating is sought;
(2) The flight instructor with a sport pilot rating was authorized to provide the flight training; and
(3) The flight training included training on areas of operation that are required for both a sport pilot certificate and a recreational pilot certificate.
[Docket FAA-2016-6142, Amdt. 61-142, 83 FR 30277, June 27, 2018
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.99 Aeronautical Experience (Recreational Pilot)
Minimum Hours
Section 61.99 requires a minimum of 30 flight hours: at least 15 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor and at least 3 hours of solo flight. Compare to private pilot: 40 hours total with 20 instructor and 10 solo. The 10 fewer hours come at a significant cost in privileges.
Regulatory Cross-References
- 14 CFR § 61.109 — private pilot aeronautical experience for comparison
- 14 CFR § 61.51 — logbook requirements; all flight time must be properly logged
- AC 61-65K, Appendix 1 — endorsements required before solo flight
Part 141 Note
Under a Part 141 approved recreational pilot course, the minimum may be reduced. Students should consult their school's approved training course outline for applicable minimums.
Source: 14 CFR § 61.99 — eCFR.gov
Amendment History
AOA Notes
These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.
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CFI Commentary
Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.