What planes can You fly with a private pilot license?

What Planes Can You Fly with a Private Pilot License?

When you receive your private pilot license (PPL), you open doors to a new world of possibilities. With your PPL, you are certified to fly a range of small aircraft, solo or with passengers. In this article, we will explore what planes you can fly with a private pilot license and some of the options available.

What Are the Key Requirements?

Before diving into the different types of planes you can fly with a PPL, let’s review the key requirements:

Check out the 50 Cheapest Guns Now


• Your PPL must be valid and certified by the national aviation authority (e.g., Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States)
• The aircraft you fly must meet the aircraft certification requirements specified in FAR Part 23 (aeroplanes) or FAR Part 27 (helicopters)
• The plane you choose to fly must be rated for one pilot (-single-engine), and you may not carry passengers in any aircraft except those specifically authorized for recreational flying

Single-Engine Piston (SEP) Aircraft

The majority of PPL holders begin their flying adventures with a single-engine piston (SEP) aircraft, such as:

• Cessna 152
• Cessna 172
• Piper PA-28
• Beechcraft Bonanza
• Diamond DA40

Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) Aircraft

To fly a multi-engine piston (MEP) aircraft, you must hold an instrument rating or have accumulated a minimum number of multi-engine hours:

• Piper PA-30
• Beechcraft Baron
• Cessna 310
• Beechcraft Duke
• Falcon 10/20/30

Turbine-Powered Aircraft (Turbine)

Turbine-powered aircraft require a Type Rating or a Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) rating:

• Cessna 551 Citation Bravo
Check out the 50 Cheapest Guns Now


• Cirrus SR20
• Gulfstream II
• Socata TBM 900
• Beechcraft King Air 200/350/400

Helicopters

For helicopter flights, you must hold an Rotorcraft Rating, which is earned through the Helicopter Category Rating in your PPL:

• Robinson R22
• Robinson R44
• Bell 206
• Eurocopter EC135
• Boeing 347

Airplanes That Require a Tailwheel Aircraft Rating

• Aero Commanders
• Christen Eaglet
• Pitts Special
• Super decathlon
• Taylorcraft BC-65

Airplanes with Complex Aircraft Systems

Complex aircraft require additional training for PPL holders:

• Cessna 303 Crusader
• De Havilland Beaver
• Diamond DA62
• Garmin G1000-equipped planes
• High-performance single-engine planes with retractable landing gear (e.g., Beechcraft Aerostar 600)