The Pilot's License Is Your Starting Point

To fly an airplane legally in the United States, you need a pilot's license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The specific license depends on what you want to fly and how you want to use it. A private pilot's license lets you fly for personal reasons but not for payment. A commercial pilot's license lets you fly for compensation. If you want to fly an airline, you need an airline transport pilot (ATP) license, which is the highest level.

The path to any pilot's license involves ground school, flight training with an instructor, solo flight hours, and written and practical exams. The timeline and cost vary depending on which license you pursue and how often you train. Most people take several months to a year to earn a private pilot's license.

Key Takeaways

  • A private pilot's license allows you to fly aircraft for personal use but not for payment, and requires a minimum of 60 flight hours plus ground training.
  • A commercial pilot's license lets you fly for compensation and requires more flight hours and advanced skills than a private license.
  • An airline transport pilot (ATP) license is required to be a captain at an airline and is the most advanced pilot certification.
  • All pilot licenses require passing a written knowledge test, a practical flying exam called a checkride, and a medical certificate from an FAA-approved doctor.
  • You must be at least 17 years old for a private pilot's license and at least 18 for a commercial or ATP license.

Private Pilot's License: Flying for Yourself

A private pilot's license is the most common first step. It allows you to fly single-engine or multi-engine aircraft for personal travel, but you cannot be paid to fly. You also cannot carry passengers for compensation, though you can split costs with friends on a trip.

To earn a private pilot's license, you need at least 60 flight hours, though most people log 70 to 100 hours before they pass the checkride. You must complete ground school covering topics like weather, navigation, aircraft systems, and regulations. You then take a written exam called the Knowledge Test, which covers these subjects. After that, you fly a practical exam (the checkride) with an FAA examiner, which includes an oral portion and a flight portion.

You also need a medical certificate from an FAA-approved aviation medical examiner. This confirms you are physically and mentally fit to fly. Most people receive a third-class medical certificate for private flying. The medical certificate is valid for different lengths of time depending on your age and the class of certificate.

Commercial Pilot's License: Flying for Payment

A commercial pilot's license allows you to be paid to fly. You might fly charter flights, conduct aerial photography, or work as a flight instructor. You cannot fly for an airline with a commercial license—that requires an ATP license—but you can fly almost any other paying job.

To earn a commercial license, you must already hold a private pilot's license. You then need at least 250 total flight hours, with specific minimums in different categories (cross-country flying, night flying, and instrument flying). You complete additional ground training and pass another written Knowledge Test. The checkride is more demanding than the private checkride and tests advanced flying skills.

You still need a medical certificate, and the same third-class certificate used for private flying works for commercial flying. However, some commercial jobs (like flying for a scheduled airline) may require a higher-class medical certificate.

Airline Transport Pilot License: Flying for the Airlines

An airline transport pilot (ATP) license is the highest pilot certification and is required to be a captain (pilot in command) at an airline. First officers at airlines need either a commercial license or an ATP license, depending on the airline, but captains must have an ATP.

To earn an ATP license, you must hold a commercial pilot's license and have at least 1,500 total flight hours. You also need specific minimums in instrument flying, cross-country flying, and other categories. The written Knowledge Test and checkride are the most rigorous of all pilot certifications. You must pass an oral exam covering advanced topics and demonstrate informed-level flying skills.

An ATP license requires a first-class medical certificate, which is more stringent than the third-class certificate. Airlines also conduct their own medical and psychological evaluations during the hiring process.

Medical Certificates and Other Requirements

Every pilot must hold a current medical certificate to fly. The FAA issues three classes. A third-class certificate is used for private and commercial flying and is valid for 24 months if you are under 40 years old, or 12 months if you are 40 or older. A first-class certificate is required for ATP licenses and is valid for 12 months. A second-class certificate is rarely used today.

To get a medical certificate, you visit an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), who is a doctor approved by the FAA. The AME reviews your medical history, conducts a physical exam, and checks your vision and hearing. Some medical conditions disqualify you from holding a certificate, including certain heart conditions, mental health diagnoses, and neurological disorders. If you have a condition that might be disqualifying, you can request a special evaluation from the FAA before you see an AME.

You also need a valid photo ID and a Social Security number to take any pilot exam. Some flight schools require a high school diploma or equivalent, though the FAA does not. You must be at least 17 years old to earn a private pilot's license, and at least 18 to earn a commercial or ATP license.

Ratings and Endorsements Beyond the Basic License

Once you hold a pilot's license, you can add ratings and endorsements that expand what you are allowed to fly. An instrument rating allows you to fly in clouds and low visibility using only instruments. A multi-engine rating allows you to fly aircraft with more than one engine. These ratings require additional training and checkrides.

An endorsement is a simpler certification that allows you to fly a specific type of aircraft or perform a specific task. For example, you might get an endorsement to fly a high-performance airplane or to tow a glider. Endorsements are signed off by an instructor and do not require a checkride.

If you want to fly large commercial aircraft at an airline, you also need a type rating for that specific aircraft model. Type ratings are complex and expensive because they require simulator training and checkrides specific to that aircraft.

The Cost and Timeline of Getting a Pilot's License

The cost of earning a private pilot's license ranges widely depending on where you train and how often you fly. Flight time typically costs between $150 and $300 per hour, and you need 60 to 100 hours. Ground school, study materials, and the written and practical exams add several thousand dollars more. Most people spend $10,000 to $20,000 to earn a private pilot's license, though costs vary by region and flight school.

A commercial license costs more because it requires more flight hours and advanced training. An ATP license is the most expensive because of the 1,500-hour requirement and the complexity of the training. Many pilots earn their commercial and ATP licenses while working as flight instructors, which allows them to build hours while earning income.

The timeline depends on how often you train. If you train full-time, you might earn a private pilot's license in two to three months. If you train part-time on weekends, it typically takes six months to a year. Commercial and ATP licenses take longer because of the higher hour requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a plane with just a driver's license?

No. A driver's license has no connection to flying. You must hold a pilot's license issued by the FAA to fly any aircraft. The only exception is if you are flying an ultralight vehicle under 254 pounds with no passengers, which does not require a license in the United States, though you still need to follow FAA rules.

Do I need a medical certificate to fly a small plane?

Yes. Every pilot, regardless of the aircraft size, must hold a current medical certificate to fly. The only exception is if you are flying under the Sport Pilot rules, which allow you to fly certain light aircraft with a valid driver's license instead of a medical certificate, but this is a very limited category.

How long does a pilot's license stay valid?

A pilot's license itself does not expire, but you must maintain a current medical certificate and meet recency requirements. You must fly at least three takeoffs and landings in the past 90 days to carry passengers. If you stop flying for more than 24 months, you may need additional training before you can fly again.

Can I get a pilot's license if I wear glasses?

Yes. Vision correction is allowed. You must have corrected vision of at least 20/40 in each eye and 20/30 in both eyes together. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must have a backup pair available in the cockpit. Some refractive surgeries like LASIK are also allowed if they meet FAA standards.

What is the difference between a private and commercial pilot's license?

A private pilot's license allows you to fly for personal reasons but not for payment. A commercial pilot's license allows you to be paid to fly. A commercial license requires more flight hours, more advanced training, and a more difficult checkride. You must hold a private license before you can earn a commercial license.