The cost of becoming a pilot varies widely depending on the type of certificate you’re pursuing, the training location, and factors such as aircraft rental, instructor fees, and time required. Additionally, most students require more hours than the minimum required to be fully prepared for the practical test.
Below are the average costs for a typical student, which include the knowledge test ($175), checkride fee ($400–$900), medical certificate ($100–$300), renter’s insurance ($300), and ground school or study materials:
Additional Costs
To Manage These Expenses
Flight training has a cost, especially if you’re seeking quality instruction—which is truly priceless when it comes to safety, proficiency, and achieving your goals as a pilot. While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest solution, remember that lower-cost programs may compromise on important aspects like aircraft maintenance, instructor experience, or training resources. Investing in a reputable school with well-maintained aircraft and knowledgeable instructors can make all the difference in your success and safety. Quality training not only prepares you better for the practical test but also instills habits and skills that will benefit you throughout your flying career.
The time it takes depends on your availability, commitment, and the type of license you’re pursuing. Here’s a general timeline:
Click here to learn more about recreational flying and the differences between these licenses.
For the commercial path:
Discover more about the commercial path in detail.
To start flight training, you need to meet a few basic requirements:
Choosing the right flight school or instructor is a critical step in your aviation journey. The decision will significantly impact the quality of your training, your progress, and your overall experience. Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice:
There is no upper age limit for taking flight training. Many people begin training later in life and enjoy successful flying experiences. However, there are minimum age requirements depending on the type of license you aim to obtain:
Regardless of age, you must meet the medical and physical standards required for a particular license level. Many older students/pilots pursue flight training as a hobby, and with good health, you can continue flying for as long as you wish.
No prior experience or knowledge is required to begin flight training. Your flight school or instructor will teach you everything you need to know, starting with the basics. Ground school covers aviation theory, regulations, and navigation, while flight training focuses on hands-on flying skills.
However, it can be beneficial to enroll in an online ground school to support your studies. This can help you build a strong foundation in aviation knowledge, make your time with your instructor more efficient, and reduce training costs. Discover our online ground school for a comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective way to get started on your aviation journey.
No, you don’t need to own an airplane to learn how to fly. Most flight schools provide aircraft for training, which are rented by the hour. Rental costs are typically included in your training fees. However, you usually need to purchase rental insurance, with minimum coverage requirements varying depending on the flight school.
Aircraft ownership is an option if you plan to fly frequently, but it is not a requirement for training. Even after obtaining your pilot license, many flight schools and flying clubs offer aircraft rentals. These organizations usually require a checkout process, which involves a short review of your knowledge and flying proficiency to ensure safety and familiarity with their aircraft.
You can obtain an FAA certificate if you have a felony conviction, unless the conviction is related to drugs or alcohol. In such cases, you are prohibited from applying for a certificate for up to one year after the date of your final conviction.
If you already hold an FAA certificate at the time of a drug- or alcohol-related conviction, the FAA may suspend or revoke your certificate for up to one year, as outlined in 14 CFR §61.15. It’s important to disclose any convictions honestly when applying for or maintaining your certificate, as failure to do so can lead to further penalties.
Know that even if the FAA may grant you flight training if you had a DUI or a criminal record, it may affect certain aspects of the process:
However, if you plan to pursue a professional aviation career, keep in mind that some employers, such as airlines, may conduct rigorous background checks and have strict policies regarding DUIs or criminal records.
To move forward, consult with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) or an aviation attorney if you have concerns, and always disclose your history accurately. Taking steps to demonstrate rehabilitation and responsibility, such as completing substance abuse programs and avoiding further legal issues, can help improve your chances of success in aviation.
For most types of flight training, you will need to pass an FAA medical exam to obtain a medical certificate. However, the requirement depends on the type of pilot certificate you’re pursuing:
Consult 14 CFR §61.23 for more details
While you can begin ground school or even flight lessons before obtaining your medical certificate, it’s highly recommended to complete the exam early in the process. This ensures there are no unexpected medical issues that could delay your training or restrict your future flying privileges.
To obtain your medical certificate you’ll need:
If you have pre-existing conditions, bring relevant documentation to address potential concerns.
Note: Ensure your personal information (e.g., name, address, date of birth) matches your ID or passport exactly to avoid issues during the verification process.
If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether it will impact your eligibility, review the FAA’s medical standards and consult an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Starting with a consultation exam (informally referred to as a “checkup” without submitting official results to the FAA) can help you identify any potential issues before beginning formal flight training. The FAA provides extensive resources and flexibility to support pilots with medical conditions, ensuring safety and accessibility.
It depends on the condition and its impact on your ability to safely operate an aircraft. The FAA allows many medical conditions under controlled circumstances, but some may require further evaluation:
BasicMed comes with limitations and restrictions: you are allowed to operate aircraft with up to 6 seats only and a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 lbs, under certain flight conditions (e.g., VFR or IFR below 18,000 feet and at a speed less than 250 knots). BasicMed is an excellent alternative for many pilots, but it does not replace medical certification for certain activities, such as flying for compensation or hire. If you are eligible and meet the requirements, BasicMed simplifies medical compliance while ensuring safety and accessibility (see 14 CFR part 68 for more details).
No, an FAA pilot certificate does not expire. Once issued, it is valid for life unless it is revoked or suspended. However, to exercise the privileges of your certificate, you must meet specific requirements to stay current and legally fly:
You need at least a Private Pilot Certificate and there are conditions:
Yes, you can fly another type of aircraft, but you’ll need specific training and certification for each category or class of aircraft. Here’s how it works:
Yes, you can transfer an FAA pilot certificate to your home country, but the process varies by nation. Typically, you will need to:
Yes, you can use flight experience from your home country to meet FAA requirements, but it depends on whether your experience aligns with FAA standards. Here’s how it works:
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