Pilot Certifications

There are several certificates you can earn as a pilot. At Indy Aero, we can help you become certified in any area of your interest.

  • Private Pilot
  • Commercial Pilot
  • Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • Instrument Rating
  • Multi-Engine Rating

Private Pilot Certificate

Attaining your Private Pilot Certificate is one of the most fulfilling accomplishments you will do as an individual. You have to earn it. This is your first step in your aviation future, whether for personal pleasure or to pursue an aviation career. You and your Flight Instructor will work closely to achieve your goals.

Your first flight lesson will begin with an introduction to procedures and a flight in a Training airplane of your choice. During your training you will learn all aspects of becoming a pilot including aerodynamics, weather, and aircraft systems. After 15 to 25 hours of concentrated training, you become the master of your aircraft, at which time you will be authorized to solo. Further training will consist of cross-country flying and becoming more proficient with flight maneuvers. Your final training will prepare you for your checkride with the FAA, which includes an oral and flight test.

Requirements for a Private Pilot Certificate

If you can read this web page, you can probably pass the first requirement - being able to read, write and speak English. Private pilots must be at least 17 years of age. You must have at least a 3rd class medical before your first solo, for which you have to be 16 years of age. This will serve as your student pilot certificate. Before getting your license, you must also pass an FAA written exam within the past 24 months. The hourly requirements are as follows:

40 total hours which must include at least

  • 20 dual hours with an instructor
  • 10 solo hours
3 hours of night dual to include:
  • Night dual cross-country over 100 nm
  • 10 takeoffs and landings performed to a full stop
  • 3 hours of simulated or actual instrument flight
  • 3 hours of practical test prep in the previous 60 days
  • 1 solo cross-country at least 150nm long, with landings at 3 separate airports

Commerical Pilot Certificate

The Commercial Pilot Certificate is your passport to becoming a professional pilot. The training develops your skills in utilizing the maximum performance of the aircraft. Training is focused on precision and smoothness of control applications. You will learn advanced maneuvers and systems using high-performance aircraft. The aircraft becomes an extension of you.

Requirements for Commercial Pilot Certificate

Instructional Topics
  • Advanced Maneuvers
  • Complex Aircraft
  • Line Inspections
  • Aircraft Systems
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Maximum Performance
  • Takeoff/Landing
  • Precision Approaches
  • Cross-Country
General Requirements
  • 18 Years of Age
  • Second Class Medical Certificate
  • Jeppesen Ground Instruction Course
  • Successful completion of the FAA Commercial Pilot
  • Knowledge Exam and FAA Practical Exam
250 hours total time including:
  • 100 hours Pilot in Command
  • 50 hours Cross Country
20 hours of flight instruction with:
  • 10 hours of instrument flight instruction
  • 10 hours in a complex aircraft
  • 2 hours Cross-Country day VFR flight
  • 2 hours Cross-Country night VFR flight
  • 3 hours test preparation
  • 10 hours solo flight training with one cross-country flight of 300 nm and 5 hours of night VFR practice

Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI)

Traditionally, the most common way to begin a flight career. The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is one of the most challenging and rewarding certificates to earn. Imagine having the respect and ability that you remember your first CFI had. Teaching new folks how to fly, and helping current pilots to upgrade, will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Use our Frasca Simulator.

Requirements for Flight Instructor Certificate

  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Instrument Rating
  • Aeronautical Knowledge Requirements as Specified by FAR 61.185
Flight Proficiency in the Following Areas:
  • Prepare and Conduct Lesson Plans
  • Evaluation of Student Flight Performance
  • Effective Preflight and Postflight Instruction
  • Flight Instructor Responsibilities and Certifying Procedures
  • Effective Analysis and Correction of Common Student Flight Errors
  • Performance and Analysis of Standard Flight Maneuvers Appropriate to the Rating Sought
  • Additional instructor ratings are available for instrument and multi-engine.

Instrument Rating Certificate

This rating allows you to fly in instrument meteorological conditions with sole reference to aircraft instruments. Training will consist of advanced instrument operations, communications, weather, and emergency procedures. When this training has been completed, you will receive the same rating that all instrument pilots, private or professional, have obtained to operate in our intricate IFR system. With an Instrument Rating you will experience the fascination of flying through the clouds and breaking out with your destination airport directly in front of you.

Requirements for Instrument Rating

For your instrument ticket, you still only need your third class medical that you got with your private certificate. You still have to have passed the written exam within the past 24 months. Hourly requirements for an instrument ratings are as follows:

125 total hours which must include at least
  • 50 hours of cross country time as PIC of which 10 must be in an instrument rated plane
  • 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
  • 15 hours of instrument flight training with an instructor, in the appropriate aircraft category
  • 3 hours of practical test prep within the previous 60 days
  • At least once cross country flight under an IFR flight plan

Multi-Engine Rating

The Multi-Engine Rating is one of the most exciting and rewarding ratings to achieve. This rating teaches you how to operate aircraft with more than one engine safely and efficiently.