Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Which of the following must be logged by a student pilot before applying for a private pilot certificate?

1. Total flight time

2. Solo glider flight time

3. Time spent studying aerodynamics

4. Commercial pilot flight hours

The correct answer is: Total flight time

To obtain a private pilot certificate, a student pilot is required to log specific flight time, which includes total flight time. This total flight time is crucial as it represents the cumulative hours that the pilot has spent flying aircraft. The regulations establish minimum flight hours that need to be met before a student can apply for the private pilot certificate, ensuring that they have adequate experience and training. In contrast, solo glider flight time is not required for a private pilot certificate that pertains to powered aircraft. Time spent studying aerodynamics does not count toward flight time and is more of a theoretical study aspect. Commercial pilot flight hours are relevant to obtaining a commercial certificate and do not pertain to the private pilot requirements. Thus, logging total flight time correctly aligns with the regulatory requirements for transitioning from student to private pilot status.