Steps to7 Get YourPrivate Pilot’s License

Simple

NUMBER  ONE  

The RequirementsJust as there are requirements for driving,

there are things you must do before you can get your license. You must be at least 16

years old to get your student pilot’s certificate and at least 17 to get your actual license. !

!You’ll also need to prove you’re in excellent

medical health by getting certified by an FAA-designated medical examiner. !

!Finally, you’ll need to have a firm grasp on the

English language — it is the language of choice by all airports and control towers

around the world!

NUMBER  TWO  

Enrolling in a School

Aviation airports are a good place to start your search for a school. Even if they don’t have a school

themselves, they’ll be able to recommend one for you. The costs for hourly training and plane rentals adds up quickly, so be prepared to spend around $5,000-$8,000 during the course of your training.

NUMBER  THREE  

Find the Right Teacher

Finding the right teacher is more important than you might think. The

two of you are going to spend a lot of time together as you get a handle on flying regulations, plane operations, weather reports, and much more.

Spend some time asking your teacher questions about his or her

background and experience to make sure that you get a good fit.

NUMBER  FOUR  

Practical TrainingNow it’s time to get up in the air! As part of your training, you’ll need to complete 30-40 hours with your instructor getting a handle on the controls. This hands-on

approach is critical to helping you master your skills before your test. Most students end up actually spending double that time to instill confidence, so be

prepared to put in the effort.

NUMBER  FIVE  

Flying Solo

When your instructor finally gives you the OK, you’ll be all set to start

flying solo. This is an important part of your training because you won’t always have your instructor there to babysit you while you fly. You’ll also be able to hone your skills by playing realistic flight

simulators while you’re away from a plane.

NUMBER  SIX  

The Written Test

Your written exam consists of 60 multiple questions over the span of two and a half hours.

It’s a lengthy test that’s designed to see how much you remember from all your training. If you

pass it, you’ll have two years to pass the final step in the process — the flight test!

NUMBER  SEVEN  

The “Flight Check”

Your final step — the flight test or “flight check” — is where you’ll prove to a FAA examiner that you’re

ready for your pilot’s license. You will need a recommendation from your flight instructor before you can reach this step. Be prepared to answer a series of questions before showing the examiner

your handling skills in the air. If you succeed, you’ll receive a temporary pilot’s license, which will be

replaced by a permanent one in the mail!