Becoming a pilot can take some time to take off. But, if you are determined to learn to fly the runway is clear. There are very defined steps to getting your pilot's license. So, how long does it take to become a pilot?
How long it takes to learn to fly a plane depends on what kind of pilot's license you want (there are several) and the quality of your flight school. Having access to flight hours and certified instruction is a crucial part of passing exams and requirements.
What kinds of pilot licenses are there?
There are several types of pilots:
Student Pilot
Sport Pilot
Recreational Pilot
Private Pilot
Commercial Pilot
Airline Transport Pilot
Each takes a different amount of time and has various requirements to fill. So, we'll break it down by type.
How long does it take to become a pilot?
Starting off right is important for a pilot. Taking shortcuts or attending a subpar flight school can lead you to bad habits and put you and your passengers in danger. Even if you are presently only looking to become a private pilot, getting a complete education will prepare you best. Ideally, becoming a pilot should only take 3 to 4 years, the time it takes to get your Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight. Getting an education is also good for a consistency of training, so it's preferred to wait to start your journey until you are in a certified school, like LETU.
During your pilot training, you will learn ground and flight knowledge. At LETU, you'll also get a deeper understanding of the mechanics and business that you will rely on every time you take off.
Student Pilot Certificate
To become a student pilot, you have to get instruction from a certified instructor and pass the FAA Student Pilot knowledge tests. How long it takes depends on the program, but you will have to meet these requirements:
16+ years old
Third-class FAA Medical Certificate
English fluency
A valid driver's license
Passing the FAA knowledge tests for student pilots
Approval by an FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner or FAA Inspector
Acknowledgment that you cannot take passengers with a student certificate
How long it takes to get your student pilot certificate is not a set number of hours. Your instructor will give you an endorsement that allows you to fly solo when you have mastered these basic maneuvers:
Safe takeoffs
Safe landings
Maintaining positive control of the aircraft
Demonstrate consistently good judgment and safety
Once you have proven your adeptness to an authorized flight instructor, they will give you a logbook endorsement for solo flight. You have to make your first flight within 90 days of the endorsement. It will take about 3 weeks for the FAA to issue your certification once you've met all the requirements.
Your student pilot certificate will only be valid for 2 years.
Sport Pilot Certificate
You have to have a student pilot certificate and log 20 hours of flight time before you can be certified as a sport pilot. This certification allows you to fly an aircraft that is:
Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)
51mph max landing configuration
138mph max straight and level flying
No more than 2 seats
Fixed pitch or ground adjustable propeller
Fixed landing gear
In addition, sport pilots cannot fly:
After dark
In controlled airspace
Outside the US without specific permission from that country
Above 10,000 feet
With passengers
In visibility less than 3 miles
In an LSA that goes more than 100mph without training
Property for pay
Recreational Pilot Certificate
A recreational pilot certificate has more restrictions than a private pilot certificate. You have to be at least 17 years old and have a sport or student certificate. In addition, you'll need to log 30 hours of flight time. 15 of those hours must be training.
Unlike a private pilot certification, a recreational pilot cannot:
Fly further than 50 nautical miles from the airport where their training occurred
Fly in any airspace where communication with air traffic control is required
Fly at night
Have no more than 4 seats in the plane
Earn money from flying
Fly more than 1 passenger
The tradeoff for the restrictions is that you can get in the air quicker than you can with a private pilot certificate.
Private Pilot Certificate
A private pilot certificate requires that you first complete your student pilot certificate. Once you have that, a private pilot license only requires:
Valid driver' license
Minimum of 35 varied flight hours, including night training
Passing FAA knowledge and practical tests
Third class FAA Medical Certificate
A private pilot license allows you to fly passengers and most airplanes. However, you cannot be hired or paid for flights.
Commercial Pilot Certificate
A commercial pilot, as you might guess, requires a much higher standard of knowledge and training. Commercial pilots are able to fly professionally. While pilot schools cost money, the benefits of a Bachelor's in Professional Flight truly shows here. It may take longer to get your license if you have acquired bad habits or poor knowledge.
The standards for a commercial pilot certificate are rigorous. You must:
Be 18+ years old
Have a second-class FAA Medical Certificate
Have a private pilot certificate
Be a fluent English speaker
Pass the training and log hours for single-/multi-engine land class rating requirements
150 to 250 hours of piloting time
Pass an aeronautics written test of 100 questions
Pass FAA oral and flight tests by FAA Inspector, FAA-designated examiner, or authorized check instructor
While you can be paid for flying, this license does not let you fly passengers for hire. You can fly for crop dusting, cargo, aerial photography, or other vocations.
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
This is the certificate most people who imagine being a pilot aim for. Airline Transport Pilots (ATP's) are allowed to fly people in commercial airlines and other aircraft professionally. It will take longer to become an ATP, but the process can be expedited through LETU's training and Professional Flight B.S. program.
ATP Requirements in addition to the commercial pilot certificate:
1500+ hours of flight time, including 100 night flight hours and 500 hours cross-country
23+ years old
Instrument rating
Good moral character
Extensive written test
Find out more about becoming a top-tier professional pilot with the most comprehensive knowledge and an incredible edge in training and getting in the air. Visit LETU.
