FAR 61.99 — Recreational Pilot Experience
FAR 61.99 sets the 30-hour flight time requirement for recreational pilot applicants, including dual instruction, cross-country, and solo time.
In Plain English
FAR 61.99 lists the minimum flight time you need before applying for a recreational pilot certificate. You must log at least 30 hours total flight time, broken down as follows:
- 15 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor on the areas of operation in § 61.98, which must include:
- 2 hours en route to an airport more than 25 nautical miles from your normal training airport, with at least three takeoffs and three landings at that airport (unless you qualify for the § 61.100 exception).
- 3 hours of flight training with an instructor in the aircraft for the rating sought, completed within the 2 calendar months before the practical test.
- 3 hours of solo flying in the aircraft for the rating sought, covering the applicable § 61.98 areas of operation.
If you already hold a sport pilot certificate, training received from a sport pilot instructor can count toward these requirements — provided it was in the same category and class, the CFI was authorized, and the training covered areas required for both certificates. Knowing this rule keeps your logbook organized and your checkride application airtight.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.99§ 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
Read the reg? Now prove it
Would you catch these on the written?
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
Live demo · no account needed
1/5
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?
PPL5 sample questions — in the app, the drill engine covers 88 PPL topics and every answer cites its source
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is the minimum total flight time required for a recreational pilot certificate, and how is it broken down?
Per FAR 61.99, an applicant needs at least 30 hours total: 15 hours of dual instruction on § 61.98 areas of operation and 3 hours of solo flight in the aircraft for the rating sought.
Q2What cross-country training is required under FAR 61.99 for a recreational pilot applicant?
FAR 61.99 requires 2 hours of flight training with an instructor en route to an airport more than 25 nautical miles from the normal training airport, including at least three takeoffs and three landings there, unless the § 61.100 exception applies.
Q3Can flight training received as a sport pilot count toward recreational pilot experience requirements?
Yes. Under FAR 61.99(b), a sport pilot may credit training from a sport-pilot-rated CFI if it was in the same category and class, the instructor was authorized, and the training covered areas required for both certificates.
Studying for a checkride?
§61.113 Privileges & Limits
Private pilot compensation, pro-rata sharing, and BasicMed limits
§61.57 Recent Flight Experience
90-day passenger, night, and instrument currency rules
§61.89 Student Pilot Limitations
Solo student limits: no passengers, no compensation, minimum visibility
§61.51 Pilot Logbooks
Logging training, aeronautical experience, and recency for certificates
§61.23 Medical Certificate Duration
First-, second-, and third-class medical requirement and validity periods
Instrument Rating Requirements
IFR eligibility and aeronautical experience
Related Sections in Part 61