Expert: Jeff Davis - 9/23/2005

Question
I've been taking lessons for close to a year, and my seventeenth birthday is in two weeks. I was wondering how close I am to being able to test for my license. Are there any requirements for minimum solo time? I've only got about two hours PIC right now.
I've soloed, can do okay shorts/softs, and have started on tower communication. I know that I still have to do cross-countries. Is there anything else major, other than the cross countries, that I would still need to do? What exactly is entailed in doing cross-countries?

Answer
The FARs require 20 hours of solo time before you can test for your private.  I have two recommendations: first, have a sit-down talk with your instructor about what further requirements you have to fulfill and where you stand in terms of your abilities and knowledge.  If he isn't willing to walk you through this information, you need to find an instructor that has time to meet your needs.  Second, if you're going to acquire the skills you need, you should try to fly more often; if you've been taking lessons for nearly a year and only have a couple of hours of solo and no x/c time, you're likely to be forgetting what you've learned between lessons.  Try to fly at least once a week, preferably two or more times, and you'll progress a lot better.  Good luck with your license!