Blog

Updated Sep 6, 2024

Step 1: Determine Your Aviation Goals

The first step in becoming a pilot is deciding what type of pilot you want to be. Your aviation goals will determine the type of license or rating you pursue, as well as the time and investment involved. Here are a few common paths:

• Private Pilot: The most common starting point for general aviation enthusiasts. As a private pilot, you can fly for personal enjoyment, travel, or recreational purposes but cannot be paid for your services.
• Commercial Pilot: If you want to earn money as a pilot, such as flying for an airline, cargo company, or offering flight instruction, you'll need to obtain a commercial pilot certificate.
• Sport Pilot: A quicker, less expensive option for those looking to fly small, simple aircraft for fun.
• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP): This is the highest level of certification for pilots, required if you want to become an airline captain or work in a multi-crew environment. Once you have a clear goal in mind, you can start working toward the appropriate pilot certificate.

Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements

Regardless of which path you choose, there are some basic requirements to begin flight training:

• Age: You must be at least 16 years old to fly solo as a student pilot and 17 years old to obtain a private pilot certificate. For a commercial pilot certificate, you must be at least 18 years old, and 23 years old for an ATP certificate.
• English Proficiency: The FAA requires that all pilots be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
• Medical Certification: Before beginning flight training, you’ll need to obtain a medical certificate from an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). There are three classes of medical certificates: 1st class (for airline transport pilots), 2nd class (for commercial pilots), and 3rd class (for private pilots).

Step 3: Choose a Flight School

Once you meet the basic requirements, the next step is choosing a flight school. There are two types of flight schools:

• Part 61 Schools: These schools offer a more flexible training schedule and curriculum. If you need to balance flight training with a job or other responsibilities, this may be a better option.
• Part 141 Schools: These schools follow a structured, FAA-approved curriculum, often offering an accelerated timeline for training. If you want a more formal and regimented learning experience, Part 141 schools may be a good fit. Be sure to visit potential flight schools, talk to instructors, and tour the facilities before making your choice.

Step 4: Begin Ground School

Ground school is where you’ll learn the theoretical knowledge necessary to become a pilot, such as:

• Aerodynamics
• Navigation
• Weather and Meteorology
• Aircraft Systems
• FAA Regulations You can complete ground school through traditional in-person classes, online courses, or self-study programs. Many flight schools offer integrated ground and flight training programs. At the end of your ground school, you'll be ready to take the FAA Knowledge Test (written exam), which is a prerequisite for your flight training and practical test.

Step 5: Start Flight Training

Flight training is the most exciting part of becoming a pilot. You’ll learn to operate an aircraft, perform maneuvers, navigate, and handle emergencies. The number of flight hours required depends on the type of certification:

• Private Pilot: A minimum of 40 hours of flight time is required, including 20 hours of flight instruction and 10 hours of solo flight.
• Commercial Pilot: Requires at least 250 hours of flight time. Sport Pilot: Requires only 20 hours of flight time, including 15 hours of flight instruction and 5 hours of solo flight.
• Flight training includes a combination of dual instruction (with your flight instructor) and solo flights, where you’ll practice the skills you’ve learned on your own.

Step 6: Pass the FAA Knowledge Test

Before you can take your checkride (practical test), you’ll need to pass the FAA Knowledge Test. This written exam covers topics from your ground school training, such as regulations, airspace, weather, and aircraft performance. You’ll need to score at least 70% to pass.

There are many study resources available, including test prep books, online practice tests, and apps to help you prepare. Passing the written exam is a big step toward earning your pilot’s license.

Step 7: Prepare for and Pass the Checkride

The final step in earning your pilot certificate is passing the checkride. The checkride consists of two parts:

• Oral Examination: During this part of the checkride, the FAA examiner will ask you questions related to your knowledge of regulations, navigation, weather, and flight planning. They may also ask questions about aircraft systems and emergency procedures.
• Practical Flight Test: You’ll demonstrate your flying skills by performing a series of maneuvers, such as takeoffs, landings, steep turns, stalls, and navigation. The examiner will assess your ability to safely and competently operate an aircraft. Once you successfully pass both portions of the checkride, you’ll be issued your pilot certificate!

Step 8: Continue Building Experience and Ratings

After earning your initial pilot certificate, you can continue advancing your skills and career by pursuing additional ratings and certifications. Some common ratings and add-ons include:

• Instrument Rating: Allows you to fly in a wider range of weather conditions by relying solely on instruments.
• Multi-Engine Rating: Certifies you to fly aircraft with more than one engine.
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): If you want to teach others to fly, you’ll need this certification.
• Commercial Pilot License: Required if you want to fly for hire.
• The aviation world is vast, and once you’ve earned your pilot’s certificate, there are many avenues to explore, whether you want to fly for pleasure, business, or as a career.

Becoming a pilot is an incredibly rewarding accomplishment that opens up a world of opportunities. From your first solo flight to passing your checkride, each step of the journey is exciting and challenging. Whether you dream of flying for fun or pursuing a professional career in aviation, following these steps will help you achieve your goals.

If you’re looking to start your flight training journey, Skyfarer Academy offers personalized flight instruction, online resources, and expert guidance tailored to your aviation goals. Book a free consultation with our flight instructors today to learn how we can help you take the first steps toward becoming a pilot!