The Two Main Pilot Licenses for Manned Aircraft

If you want to fly a plane, you need either a Sport Pilot License or a Private Pilot License, depending on what you plan to fly and where. The Sport Pilot License is simpler and faster to earn — it lets you fly certain light aircraft solo and carry one passenger, but you cannot fly for money and you are limited to daylight and good weather. The Private Pilot License takes longer but gives you more freedom: you can fly more aircraft types, carry more passengers, and fly at night and in worse weather, though you still cannot charge passengers.

Both licenses are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a U.S. government agency. You do not need either license to own a plane, but you do need one to operate it legally. The FAA sets the rules for training, testing, and medical clearance.

Key Takeaways

  • A Sport Pilot License lets you fly light aircraft in good weather during the day and carry one passenger, but training takes roughly 60 hours and costs $8,000 to $15,000.
  • A Private Pilot License takes 60 to 100 hours of training and costs $10,000 to $20,000, but allows night flying, worse weather, and more aircraft types.
  • Both require a medical certificate from an FAA-approved doctor, a written test, an oral exam, and a practical flying test with an examiner.
  • Drone pilots need a separate Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA, which requires passing a written test but no flight hours.
  • You must be at least 17 years old for a manned aircraft license and at least 16 for a drone certificate.

Sport Pilot License: The Faster Route

The Sport Pilot License is the quickest way to fly if you want to stay in light aircraft and do not need to fly at night or in poor visibility. You need a minimum of 60 flight hours, though most people need 70 to 100 hours before they are ready to pass the test. You must also pass a written exam, an oral exam with an FAA examiner, and a practical flying test called a checkride.

Before you start training, you need a medical certificate from a doctor on the FAA's approved list. The FAA has a searchable database of approved medical examiners on its website. You will answer health questions and have a basic physical exam. Most people pass, but certain conditions — uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or psychiatric medication — can delay or prevent certification.

The written test covers aircraft systems, weather, navigation, and regulations. You study from FAA study materials and take the test at a testing center. The oral exam and checkride happen on the same day with an FAA examiner called a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). The examiner asks you questions about what you have learned and watches you fly the aircraft.

Private Pilot License: More Flexibility and Aircraft

A Private Pilot License takes longer to earn than a Sport Pilot License but opens up more options. You need a minimum of 60 flight hours, though 100 to 150 hours is more typical. You can fly more types of aircraft, fly at night, fly in clouds with instruments, and carry more passengers. You still cannot charge people to fly them, but you can split costs with passengers.

The training path is similar: you need a medical certificate, pass a written test, pass an oral exam, and pass a checkride. The written test is longer and covers more complex topics like instrument flying and advanced weather. The oral exam and checkride also take longer — usually three to four hours instead of two to three.

If you want to fly for money later, you would need a Commercial Pilot License on top of your Private Pilot License. That requires another 250 total flight hours and additional training, but it is a separate step you take only if you decide to pursue it.

The Medical Certificate Requirement

Every pilot of a manned aircraft needs a medical certificate before flying solo. The FAA issues three classes of medical certificates, and the one you need depends on what license you are pursuing. Sport Pilot requires the least stringent medical exam. Private Pilot requires a more thorough one.

You get a medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), a doctor trained by the FAA. The FAA website has a searchable list of AMEs in your area. The exam includes a health history questionnaire, a physical exam, vision and hearing tests, and sometimes blood work or an EKG depending on your age and health history. The certificate is valid for different lengths of time depending on your age and the class of certificate.

If you have a medical condition you are unsure about, you can ask the FAA for a Special Issuance before you see an AME. This is a formal review that tells you whether the FAA will issue a certificate despite your condition. It takes longer but prevents you from paying for an exam only to be denied.

Drone Pilot Certification (Part 107)

If you want to fly a drone commercially or for certain other purposes, you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This is different from a manned aircraft license and much simpler to earn. You do not need any flight hours — you only need to pass a written test. The test covers drone regulations, weather, airspace, and safety.

You must be at least 16 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You take the test at an FAA-approved testing center, similar to where you take the written test for a manned aircraft license. The test costs about $175. Once you pass, your certificate is valid for two years, then you renew by taking the test again.

A Part 107 certificate lets you fly drones for money — for real estate photos, inspections, mapping, and other commercial work. You cannot fly drones recreationally without a certificate if you are flying for any kind of compensation, even if someone just reimburses you for gas.

Training Routes and Finding an Instructor

Most people train at a local flight school or with an independent instructor. Flight schools offer structured programs, group ground school classes, and multiple aircraft to train in. Independent instructors are often cheaper and more flexible with scheduling. Either way, your instructor must hold a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate from the FAA.

You can find flight schools through the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) website or by calling local airports. Ask about the school's pass rate on checkrides, the cost per hour of training, and what is included in the price. Some schools bundle ground school, flight time, and examiner fees; others charge separately.

Ground school — the classroom part — can happen in person or online. Many flight schools offer online ground school so you can study at your own pace, then do the flying part at the airport. This is often cheaper than in-person classes.

Timeline and Cost Breakdown

A Sport Pilot License typically takes three to six months if you train two or three times a week. A Private Pilot License usually takes six months to a year at the same pace. The timeline depends on weather, your schedule, and how quickly you progress.

Sport Pilot training costs between $8,000 and $15,000 total, depending on your location and the aircraft you train in. Private Pilot training costs $10,000 to $20,000. These estimates include flight time, instructor fees, ground school, and the checkride fee. They do not include the medical exam (usually $100 to $300) or study materials.

Drone certification is much cheaper — just the test fee of about $175, plus any study materials you buy. You can study for free using FAA resources online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a plane without a license if I am on private property?

No. The FAA requires a license to operate any aircraft in U.S. airspace, whether you own the land or not. The only exception is if you are flying under the direct supervision of a licensed instructor during training.

What if I fail the written test or checkride?

You can retake the written test as many times as you need — there is no limit. For the checkride, you can retake it after a waiting period. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. Your instructor will help you study the areas where you struggled.

Do I need a license to fly a hot air balloon or helicopter?

Yes. Hot air balloons and helicopters require their own pilot licenses from the FAA. A balloon license is often easier than a fixed-wing airplane license because balloons are slower and simpler. A helicopter license requires more training than an airplane license.

How long does a pilot license stay valid?

A pilot license itself does not expire, but you must renew your medical certificate every two to five years depending on your age and the class of certificate. You also need to fly a certain number of hours every two years to stay current, and you can take a flight review with an instructor to reset that clock.

Can I get a pilot license if I wear glasses or have hearing loss?

Yes, in most cases. The FAA allows corrective lenses and hearing aids. You will need to disclose these on your medical exam, but they rarely prevent certification. The AME will let you know if there are any restrictions.