FAQ

How old do I have to be?

You can learn to fly as soon as you're tall enough to see over the instrument panel and reach the controls, however there are some age limits relating to the various stages and levels of training. They are:

• First solo flight: minimum age 16 yrs
• Private Pilot License: 17 yrs
• Commercial Pilot License: 18 yrs

To participate in the RNZAC Young Eagles program you need to be between the ages of 9 and 17.

You can find more information on our Young Eagles program here.

How long does it take to get a Private Pilot License?

The time it will take you to get a Private Pilot License depends on how often you fly and how fast you learn. Most students achieve this in 12 to 18 months, but it is possible to get this license in six months if you train often enough. The minimum hours you must fly to obtain a Private Pilot License with cross country flight privileges is 50 hours. This must include:

• 15 hours as pilot in command (solo)
• 15 hours with an instructor (dual)
• 5 hours dual instrument flying
• 10 hours cross country navigation, 5 hours of which must be dual.