Recreational Pilot Certification

The Recreational Pilot Certificate is an entry-level license that allows you to fly light, simple aircraft with fewer training hours than a Private Pilot Certificate. At Atlas Aviation in Tampa, we guide you through every step of this certification, making it a great option for those who want to fly locally for fun without the longer training commitment of a Private Pilot License.

Prerequisites

To begin training for the Recreational Pilot Certificate, you must:

  • Be at least 17 years old.

  • Hold at least a 3rd Class FAA Medical Certificate.

  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

Training Hours

FAA minimums for the Recreational Pilot Certificate are:

  • 30 total flight hours

    • 15 hours of dual instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

    • 3 hours of solo flight time

    • 2 hours of cross-country training

👉 Average training time: Most students require 35–40 hours to be fully prepared for the checkride.

Costs

Training costs are generally lower than Private Pilot due to reduced hour requirements:

  • Aircraft rental (Cessna 152 or 172): $XXX/hour wet (fuel included)

  • Instructor time: $XXX/hour

  • Ground school (online or classroom): $XXX

  • Books, materials, and supplies: approx. $250–$300

  • FAA written exam fee: $175

  • FAA checkride (practical exam) fee: $600–$800 (paid to examiner)

👉 Estimated total cost: $8,000 – $10,000, depending on training pace and aircraft choice.

Examinations

Like other pilot certifications, you’ll complete two exams:

  1. FAA Knowledge Test

    • Covers basic aerodynamics, airspace, regulations, and safety.

    • 60 multiple-choice questions, minimum score 70%.

  2. Practical Test (Checkride) with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

    • Oral exam: ~1 hour of discussion on weather, airspace, and flight planning.

    • Flight test: 1–1.5 hours in the aircraft demonstrating maneuvers, navigation, and emergency procedures.

Limitations of the Recreational Pilot Certificate

  • May only fly aircraft with up to 4 seats (but only 1 passenger allowed).

  • Daytime flying only, under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

  • Flight limited to within 50 nautical miles of the departure airport unless given additional training/endorsements.

  • No flying in controlled airspace without additional endorsements.

Benefits of a Recreational Pilot Certificate

  • Lower Training Hours & Costs – Quicker and more affordable than a Private Pilot License.

  • Great for Local Flying – Perfect if you want to enjoy flights around Tampa Bay without long-distance travel.

  • Step Toward Private Pilot – Hours can be credited toward future training if you decide to upgrade later.

  • Simple Entry Point – Less complex training while still earning an FAA-issued pilot certificate.