There are several different types of pilot license. Each allows individuals to fly different types of aircraft and decide which path best suits their needs.
Private
Many people will choose to become private pilots if they want to fly their own aircraft or a chartered plane themselves. When someone has qualified as a private pilot, they can fly any aircraft within the specifications set out on their license. However, they can’t receive payment for the flights that they make. It is also likely that individuals who hold a private pilot license will incur costs associated with operating an aircraft.
Commercial
If you want to receive payment for flying aircraft, you will need a commercial pilot license. Commercial pilots are licensed to carry passengers. This is often in the form of chartered private flights. They will be able to fly numerous different types of aircraft with advanced technology such as retractable landing gear and a controllable-pitch propeller. The average annual salary for a commercial pilot is $86,000, although this can vary depending on whether or not the pilot is specialized.
Airline Transport Pilot
This is one of the most advanced types of aviation license. Individuals who work for commercial airlines will require an airline transport pilot’s license. They will also need to meet the requirements of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). There will often be strict regulations regarding the age requirements of applicants and the number of flight hours that must be logged before certification can be given. The average annual salary for an airline transport pilot is $93,000. This can vary depending on several factors, such as the pilot’s level of experience and the types of flights. Pilots who fly internationally will often earn more than those who fly domestically.
Steps for Gaining a Private Pilot License (PPL)
No matter what type of pilot you want to be, it is likely that you will need to gain your private pilot’s license before moving forward with your training in other areas. The exact costs involved in gaining a PPL will vary depending on where you are planning on training, the type of aircraft you are learning to fly, and many other factors. For most people, it will cost between $4,000 and $15,000 and will take around two months. The cost and time taken can be variable due to the need to complete a set number of flying hours.
Age Limits for Training as a Private Pilot
In the US, it is possible to begin training as a pilot as soon as you can reach the rudder pedals. This means that, in theory, you could start training to fly from the age of 10. However, you will be unable to take the certification tests until you are 17 years old.
Basic Aviation Knowledge
It is a good idea to have some basic knowledge before beginning your training. There are several online courses that you can take, which will help familiarize you with the controls of an aircraft and other helpful information you will need as a pilot.
Introductory Training Flight
Before applying for a pilot training program, you will need to take an introductory training flight. This will help you to understand what the flight school has to offer and what it might be like to train as a pilot.
FAA Medical Certificate
Before taking the certification tests, you will need to obtain a Class 3 Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) medical certificate. You can get this from an FAA-approved doctor.
FAA Student Pilot Certificate
Although you don’t necessarily need to hold a student pilot license for supervised flying lessons, you will need one before you can begin your solo training. This has to be done through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application website.
Flight Training Lessons
You will need to complete a set number of instructed and solo flying hours. Applicants will need to achieve:
A minimum of 40 hours of instructed and solo flying time, although most flight schools will recommend a minimum of 60 hours At least 10 hours of solo flying time Students need to complete four cross-country flights consisting of at least 100 nautical miles At least five hours of instructed night-flying time
Private Pilot Knowledge Test
You can take the written exam at any time. It is a 60-question multiple-choice test that can be taken at an approved location. Most people will take this test while they are completing their flight training. To pass the test, you must achieve at least 70%.
Private Pilot Practical Exam
The final step on your journey to becoming a private pilot is to take the private pilot practical exam. This is made up of two sections:
Flying Oral knowledge
The test will be overseen by a designated pilot examiner who will decide whether you have gained the skills necessary to obtain your license. The requirements for this are stricter than those for a private pilot, so it is important to understand the steps you will need to take.
Have a Private Pilot License
For most people, training as a commercial pilot will require you to hold your private pilot license already. Students are also required to be at least 18 years old before they begin their training.
Instrument Training
The instruments used on commercial aircraft are often more complex than those used by private pilots. This is why it is essential to have instrument training. Usually, individuals are required to have at least 10 hours of instrument training.
Commercial Pilot Certificate
This is a knowledge test designed to ensure that individuals have all the theoretical knowledge they will need as commercial pilots. The commercial pilot knowledge test is comprised of 100 questions with a three-hour time limit. Applicants will need to score a minimum of 70% to pass.
Multi-Engine Rating
Because commercial pilots are likely to fly a wider variety of aircraft, individuals will be required to train using various engine types.
Meet the Flying Hours Requirements
To apply for a commercial pilot license, students will need to complete a minimum of 250 flying hours.
Steps for Gaining an Airline Transport License
Airline pilots can fly internationally on commercial aircraft with a large numbers of passengers. For many individuals looking to learn to fly, this is the dream. The opportunity to fly all over the world, see famous sights and get paid for doing it. To fly as an airline pilot, you will need to gain your airline transport license.
Have a Commercial Pilot Certificate
Before beginning your airline pilot training, you will need to hold a commercial pilot certificate.
Age Requirements to Gain an Airline Transport License
For most people, they will need to wait until they are 23 before beginning their training as an airline pilot. The exception to this is if individuals are looking to fly with the military. In this case, they may be able to gain their certificate at 20.
Instrument Rating
The technology involved in flying for an airline is very complex. It is vital that they can read and understand a variety of instruments. Individuals should have completed at least 75 hours of instrument training.
ATP Written Test
As with other licenses, there is a written test that individuals are required to pass. This consists of a multiple-choice, computer-based test that is performed at a designated testing center. Individuals are given two hours to answer 200 questions. A score of at least 70% is required to pass.
Meet the Flying Hours Requirements
As part of the requirements for gaining an air transport license, individuals are required to log at least 1,500 flying hours. As you will already hold a commercial pilot license, you can include these hours in your total. The 1,500-hour total should include at least 100 night-flying hours and 500 cross-country flying hours.
Air Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
The final stage of gaining an airline transport certificate is to complete a test flight. This is a flight with an onboard assessor who will look at your skills and abilities. They will also ask you several verbal questions to check your knowledge.
What Skills Do Pilots Need?
Math and Physics Skills
The ability to read and understand the complex controls involved in an aircraft requires basic math and physics skills. Having an understanding of math and physics principles, even at a simple level, can make learning the instruments on an aircraft much more manageable.
Remaining Calm Under Pressure
There are several things that can potentially go wrong when it comes to an aircraft. It is vital for the pilot to remain calm under pressure. Remaining calm allows them to think quickly to resolve issues.
Self-Confidence
As a pilot, you are the only person who can fly and control the particular plane you are in. You are responsible for ensuring that you can take off and land safely. Self-confidence is essential as you will be confident in your own skills and abilities, even if unexpected situations occur.
Leadership Skills
Depending on the type of license you choose to undertake, you could potentially be responsible for a large number of people. This will include members of the cabin crew and other passengers who are relying on you to be able to land the plane safely.
Communication
There are several situations when you will need to be able to communicate well. This could be with air traffic control, ground crews, cabin crew members or passengers. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is vital for a pilot.
How Much Does It Cost to Train as a Pilot?
The cost of training to be a pilot varies. It will often depend on the type of license individuals are training for and how long it takes to complete the flight training. The costs listed below are taken from averages and estimates.
Private pilot – $10,000 Commercial pilot – $30,000. Applicants are required to hold a private pilot license already Airline transport pilot – $5,000. Applicants are required to hold a private and commercial pilot license already
How Long Does It Take to Train as a Pilot?
The exact length of time that it takes to train as a pilot will vary depending on the type of license you are hoping to achieve. It will also depend on whether or not you already hold some form of pilot license.
Private pilot – Between two and seven months on average Commercial pilot – Because of the number of flying hours required, the time it takes to gain a commercial license can vary, but it can be done in as little as two years Airline transport pilot – Most people will find that it takes around two or three years to complete the training and flight hours required to become an airline transport pilot
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to gain your pilot license for recreational reasons or to start a new career, knowing the steps that you need to take will help you get started. Even if you are only looking for a private pilot license initially, gaining that certification can leave the door open for more opportunities in the future.
