Steps to Getting a License

No matter what your ultimate goal in aviation is (recreational flying or a more advanced training program), all pilots must start by getting a private pilot’s license. A private pilot may carry passengers but may not be paid for doing so.  A private pilot may share the operating cost equally among themselves and their passengers.

Once you have earned a private license, you can work toward other certificates: a commercial certificate allows you to be paid for your flying, a flight instructor certificate enables you to teach others, and an airline transport certificate permits you to fly an airliner. You can also add various ratings that allow you to do things like pilot multi-engine airplanes, navigate using instruments in bad weather, and fly different aircraft like seaplanes, gliders, helicopters, and balloons.

But before you can do anything, you have to obtain your basic private license.

Basic Requirements:

• Medical Examination
  You must pass a basic medical exam, certifying that you meet the medical standards for safely operating an aircraft.

 

• Language
  All applicants for the private license have to be able to read, speak, and understand English.

 

• Age
  The FAA says you must be at least 16 years old to fly solo with a student pilot certificate and 17 years old to get a pilot’s license. There is no upper age limit, provided you are healthy enough to pass the basic medical exam.

 

• Time
  A private license requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, as well as extra time for study on the ground in preparation for an FAA written test. The length of your training depends in part on whether you want to study full- or part-time.Intensive full-time programs can be completed in as few as two weeks to a month, while a part-time student typically takes between four and six months of flying several times a week.

 

• Money
  It is a good idea to consider whether you have the funds to start toward and reach your goal within a reasonable time period. Keep in mind that you do not need to pay for all of your flight training up front. We let you pay as you go.  Your flight instructor will discuss the price for all flights and flying time before you start your first lesson.

To learn more about becoming a private pilot, visit the FAA Website.