The Private Pilot Program is intended for people who may be learning to fly as a hobby, personal business or who are planning to purchase their own aircraft. With your Private Pilot License you are allowed to take family, friends and co-workers on board your aircraft or the aircraft you are renting while acting as Pilot in Command. The only restriction to acting as a Private Pilot is you are not allowed by the FAA to be compensated for your skills. You must carry a Commercial Rating for compensation for hire.

Part 61 requirements:

An additional Rotorcraft category rating for the Helicopter class rating at the Private Pilot Certification Level:

A. Dual: 20 hours of flight training in a helicopter with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation that includes:

 1. 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a helicopter;

 2. 3 hours of night flight training in a helicopter, that includes at least-

a. 1 cross-country flight of over 50 nm. total distance; and

b. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern.

3. 3 hours of flight training in a helicopter within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.

 B. Solo: 10 hours of solo flying in a helicopter on the Private Pilot areas of operation, that  includes:

1. 3 hours of solo cross-country flying;

2. 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nm. total distance with 3 points and one segment of at least 25 nm. between takeoff and landing; and

3. 3 takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport.

Part 141 requirements:

Dual - 20 hours flight training on the areas of operations of Part 141, Appendix B, paragraph 4.(d)(3), that includes at least-

1. 3 hours of cross-country training in a helicopter;

2. 3 hours of night flight training in a helicopter;

a. 1 cross-country flight in a helicopter of over 50 nm. total distance; and

b. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings in a helicopter with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern.

3. 3 hours of flight training in a helicopter in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.