Sec. 61.109 Airplane rating: Aeronautical experience.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, an applicant for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category rating must have at least the following aeronautical experience:

(1) At least 20 hours of flight instruction from an authorized instructor, including at least--

(i) 3 hours of cross-country flight.

1. 3 hours of flight at night, including ten takeoffs and ten landings for applicants seeking night flying privileges.

2. 3 hours in airplanes in preparation for the private pilot practical test within 60 calendar days prior to that test.

(2) At least 20 hours of solo flight time, including at least-

(i) 10 hours of flight in airplanes;

(ii) 10 hours of cross-country flight; and

1. Three solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.

(b) Each flight required by paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section must include--

(1) A landing at a point more than 50 nautical miles from the original departure point; and

1. One flight of at least 300 nautical miles with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is at least 100 nautical miles from the original departure point.

2. An applicant who does not meet the night flying requirement of paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section may be issued a private pilot certificate bearing the limitation "night flying prohibited." The limitation may be removed if the holder of the certificate shows that he or she has met the requirements of paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section.

3. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, a maximum of 2.5 hours of instruction in a flight simulator or flight training device representing an airplane from an authorized instructor may be credited toward the total hours required by paragraph (a) of this section.

4. A maximum of 5 hours of instruction in a flight simulator or flight training device representing an airplane may be credited toward the total hours required by paragraph (a) of this section if the instruction is accomplished in a course conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of this chapter.

5. Except where fewer hours are approved by the Administrator, an applicant for a private pilot certificate with an airplane rating who has satisfactorily completed an approved private pilot course conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of this chapter need have only a total of at least 35 hours of pilot flight time in aircraft, flight simulators, or flight training devices.