Our Programs

Private Instrument Rating Commercial

Common PPL Questions

Dual is considered time in an airplane with your instructor. During your dual training you will learn how to perform stalls, steep turns, and emergency procedures.

A part of your private pilot training requirements where you will be signed off to fly the airplane as the sole pilot on board. At this point of your training you are allowed to fly the airplane by yourself but cannot carry passengers until you pass your checkride

A cross country (as it pertains to flight training) is a flight where the departure and destination airport are 50NM apart or more

The classroom or on the ground portion of flight training. It is where you learn all of the theoretical knowledge needed to safely operate an aircraft, pass written tests, and prepare for oral exams and checkrides

The FAA knowledge test is required to take the private pilot practical test. The private pilot written test, or the PAR, consists of 60 multiple choice questions covering topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather, flight planning, FAA regulations, airspace, and aircraft weight and balance. A passing score is 70% or higher. Hampton Aviators does not proctor the exams in-house. You can find testing locations here.

The final step to earning a new pilot certificate or rating. It is conducted by a designated pilot examiner (DPE) and consists of two main parts: an oral exam and a flight test

Oral: Takes place on the ground and usually lasts one to two hours. During this portion, the examiner asks scenario-based questions to assess knowledge of regulations, weather, navigation, aircraft systems, emergency procedures, and other topics specific to the rating you are pursuing

Flight test: After completing the Oral exam you move on to the flight portion, where youll perform a series of maneuvers and procedures outline in the FAA Airman certification Standards. The examiner evaluates your ability to fly safely, make sound decisions, and maintain control of the aircraft within specified tolerances.

If you do not meet the standards in one or more areas you will receive a notice of disapproval and must retake only the failed portion

The entire checkride typically takes 3-5 hours and is considered a comprehensive evaluation of both your knowledge and practical flying ability

The amount of passengers will vary based on the type of aircraft you are flying and the weight of your passengers and baggage.

VFR or visual flight rules refers to a set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. VMC or visual meterological conditions must be met – 1,000 foot ceilings and 3 statute miles of visibility. The pilot must see and avoid other aircraft and remain clear of clouds.

IFR or instrument flight rules is a set of regulations where aircraft operations by outside visual reference is not possible – such as in cloud or fog. ATC clearance is required and you must file an IFR flight plan. The pilot must hold an instrument rating to fly in these conditions.

The FAA requires under 14 CFR 61.56 a flight review every 24 calendar months to keep your pilot certificate current.

Yes, both!

Yes, Hampton Aviators requires all students to obtain their own renter’s insurance. For more information about renters insurance with Hampton Aviators please click here

If you have hours already from another flight school, your instructor may be able to use those hours toward your private pilot certificate.

You may be able use some of the flight hours obtained in the private pilot stage for instrument and commercial, such as cross-country time or simulated instrument time.

Hampton Aviators uses the Sporty’s private pilot course for our private pilot training. In addition to this, the FAR/AIM, the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, and the Airplane Flying Handbook are great FAA resources.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

Obtaining your Private Pilot license is ideal for individuals looking to fly for personal or recreational purposes. This entry level certification requires no prior experience and typically involves a combination of ground school and minimum of 40 flight hours. Our training covers fundamental flight skills, navigation, weather theory, and aviation regulation, enabling graduates to fly single-engine aircraft and carry passengers – though not for compensation.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: 17 years old
  • Language: must be able to read, write, speak, understand English
  • Citizenship Verification: US citizen or **[[[TSA approval]]]]**
  • Medical Requirements: minimum 3rd Class Medical

Flight training Requirements

  • 20 Hours of flight training with an instructor (Dual training)
  • 10 Hours of solo flight time
  • 3 hours of cross-country flight training
  • 3 hours of night flight training (including a cross-country and 10 night landings)
  • 3 hours of instrument flight training
  • 3 hours of flight training within 60 days of the practical test
  • 5 Hours of solo cross-country time
  • One solo Cross country of at least 150 Nautical miles with full-stop landings at 3 different airports

Ground Training and Test Requirements

  • Complete ground school (Online, Classroom, or Instructor led)
    • Topics include: Aerodynamics, Regulations, Weather, Flight planning, Airspace
  • Pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test with at least a 70% score
  • Pass the FAA Practical exam (checkride)
    • Includes both an Oral and Flight test

Key Points

  • No prior experience required
  • May act as Pilot in Command
  • May carry passengers
  • Can fly during the day and night
  • First step if you chose to pursue additional ratings or certifications
  • No compensation or hire
  • Cannot fly in clouds or poor visibility

Instrument Rating

A small aircraft flying against a gray sky in Grefrath, NRW, Germany.

Common Instrument Rating Questions

Instrument flight rules (IFR) are a set of regulations established by the FAA that govern how pilots operate aircraft when flying solely by reference to instruments, rather than by visual cues outside the cockpit. IFR is used primarily in low visibility conditions such as clouds, fog, heavy rain, or at night, but it can also be filed in clear weather for safety, traffic flow, or airspace access.

No, you do not need an instrument rating to fly at night. As long as the weather conditions meet VFR minimums you do not need an instrument rating.

Fly in clouds and low visibility, shoot instrument approaches, file and fly under IFR, operate more safely in complex airspace

The rating does not expire, but you must remain instrument current to use it legally (6-month rule)

In simple terms, an instrument approach guides a pilot to the runway using navigation instruments, not visual cues. It helps the pilot descend safely from enroute altitudes to a point where they can either see the runway and land or execute a missed approach

You don’t technically need it for all commercial operations, but almost every paid flying job expects or requires it

Yes! Many pilots say its the most valuable rating theyve earned. It improves your precision, safety and options- even in mostly VFR conditions

To stay instrument current you must log 5 instrument approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking every 6 months- or complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)

An instrument rating is an additional certification that a pilot can earn to fly under Instrument Flight Rules. It allows a pilot to operate an aircraft in low-visibility conditions (like clouds, or fog) Where flying solely by reference to instruments is necessary rather than visual cues outside the aircraft

Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Must hold a Private Pilot Certificate

Flight Training Requirements

  • 15 Hours of instrument flight training
  • one IFR cross-country flight
    • Must be at least 250 NM along airways or ATC-Directed routing
    • Must have stops at 3 different airports
    • 3 Different approaches (ILS, VOR, RNAV)

Ground Training and Test Requirements

  • Complete Ground school
    • Topics include: IFR and procedures, weather, navigation systmes, ATC and communications, Approach and landing procedures
  • Pass the FAA instrument Rating Knowledge test (IFR written test)
  • Pass the FAA instrument rating practical exam (Checkride)
    • Includes oral and flight exam

Key Points

  • Fly in a wider range of weather conditions
  • Improves flying precision
  • Cannot fly for compensation or hire

Commercial License

Black and white image of pilots in a small aircraft cockpit, emphasizing teamwork and aviation.

Common Commercial Questions

No, You will also need an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), which requires more hours (typically 1,500)

Building flight hours after earning your Commercial Pilot license is one of the most important (and often challenging) steps toward qualifying for more advanced flying jobs.

Some common ways individuals build flight hours include becoming certified flight instructors, towing banners, flying as skydive pilots, and joining aviation clubs.

No, you do not need perfect 20/20 uncorrected vision to get your commercial pilot license. You are allowed to wear glasses, contact lenses or even have had corrective surgery. As long as your vision meets the required standards.

The required standards for vision are that your distance vision must be correctable to 20/20 in each eye, which may be achieved with glasses or contact lenses. Your near vision must be correctable to 20/40 in each eye.

No, you do not need a college degree to become a commercial pilot. If your end goal is to become an airline pilot, airliners typically prefer candidates with a college degree.

Once you have your commercial license you are allowed to legally be paid for flying. It is a crucial step for anyone pursuing a professional aviation career. The training for your commercial pilot license is more advanced, requiring increased focused and greater precision.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: Must be at least 18 Years old
  • Medical Certificate: Must have a second-class Medical Certificate
  • Must already hold at least a Private Pilot License

Flight Training Requirements

  • 250 Total Flight Hours
    • 100 hours as pilot in command
    • 50 hours of cross-country flight time
    • 20 hours of flight training with an instructor
      • 10 hours instrument
      • 10 hours in complex or technically advanced aircraft
    • 10 hours of solo flight

Ground Training and Test Requirements

  • Complete ground school
    • Includes topics like aerodynamics, regulations, weather, navigation, performance
  • Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test (Commercial written exam)
  • Pass the FAA practical exam (checkride)
    • Includes both Oral and flight exam

Key points

  • Fly for compensation
  • Greater career opportunities
  • Operate aircraft in more complex environments

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