New Students
If you’re just getting started, be sure you’ve visited our New Students page—it includes a simple checklist to prepare for your first training flight and a list of trusted student resources to help you get set up efficiently from day one.
PHASE 1: Pre-Solo Fundamentals
Flight Training Syllabus
While not required, a syllabus can greatly improve training efficiency. If your flight instructor has no preference, Rod Machado’s syllabus offers a clear, well-organized roadmap that keeps training structured, logical, and easy to follow.
Pre-Solo Ground Syllabus
You may use Rod Machado’s or the similar Green Castle ground training syllabus, unless your flight instructor prefers another option. Both cover all required knowledge efficiently—Rod Machado’s uses his published materials, while the Green Castle syllabus follows the same topics using free FAA publications—choose the approach that works best for you.
FAR Part 61 Solo Training Requirements
Regardless of the syllabus used, FAR Part 61 defines the specific ground and flight training requirements that must be completed before a student pilot may solo.
GCAC Pre-Solo Test
Green Castle's pre-solo aeronautical knowledge test is located in our member-only, password protected web pages.
PHASE 2: Solo Experience, Cross-Country, & Advanced Operations
FAR Part 61 Solo Cross-Country Requirements
| FAR 61 Solo XC Requirements |
VFR Cross-Country Training Checklist
| VFR Cross-Country Checklist |
Cross-Country Planning Tools
CLICK HERE for a multitude of helpful cross-country planning tools.
PHASE 3: Checkride Preparation & ACS Standards
Green Castle Private Pilot Checkride Checklist
| GCAC PPL Checkride Checklist |
Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
Links to the current Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6)
FAR Part 61 Private Pilot Certification Tracker
The Private Pilot Certificate training tracker consolidates FAA requirements for earning and using a private pilot certificate into a single-source, easy-to-follow reference. It provides a structured way to track aeronautical experience requirements, outlines required flight proficiency and knowledge areas, and summarizes eligibility, privileges, and limitations.
