What Type of Pilot License You Need to Fly

The License Type Depends on What You Want to Fly and How You'll Use It

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues three main pilot licenses, and which one you need depends on whether you're flying for personal trips, getting paid to fly, or carrying passengers commercially. A private pilot license lets you fly small aircraft for personal use but not for money. A commercial pilot license allows you to be paid to fly, though it requires more training and flight hours. A airline transport pilot (ATP) license is required to be a captain at an airline and is the highest level of pilot certification.

Before you can get any of these licenses, you must first earn a student pilot certificate, which the FAA issues after you pass a medical exam and a written test. This certificate lets you fly solo—meaning alone in the aircraft—while you're still training. Most people spend 60 to 100 hours flying before they're ready to test for a private pilot license, though the FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours.

Key Takeaways

A private pilot license is the most common choice for people who want to fly small aircraft for personal trips and is not required if you only want to fly as a passenger.
You must hold a student pilot certificate before you can fly solo, which requires passing a medical exam and a written knowledge test.
A commercial pilot license requires more flight hours and training than a private license and is necessary if you want to be paid to fly.
An airline transport pilot license is required to be a captain at an airline and builds on the commercial license with additional requirements.
All pilot licenses require passing a written exam, an oral exam with an FAA examiner, and a practical flying test called a checkride.

Private Pilot License: Flying for Personal Use

A private pilot license is what most people get if they want to fly small aircraft on their own. With this license, you can fly anywhere in the United States and internationally, carry passengers, and use the aircraft for personal trips. You cannot use it to be paid for flying—that requires a commercial license—but you can split the cost of fuel and operating expenses with your passengers.

To get a private pilot license, you need a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, though most people need 60 to 100 hours before they're ready to test. You must pass three exams: a written knowledge test (called the FAA written or "written exam"), an oral exam with an FAA examiner (called the "oral"), and a practical flying test (called the "checkride"). The checkride includes both flying maneuvers and real-world scenarios like takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures.

The written exam covers topics like aircraft systems, weather, navigation, and regulations. You can study using FAA test prep books, online courses, or with a flight instructor. Most people spend several weeks studying before taking the written test. The oral exam and checkride happen on the same day with an FAA examiner called a designated pilot examiner (DPE), and they typically last three to four hours total.

Commercial Pilot License: Flying for Payment

A commercial pilot license allows you to be paid to fly. This might mean flying charter flights, towing banners, dusting crops, or other work where someone pays you to operate the aircraft. You cannot use a commercial license to fly for an airline—that requires an ATP license—but it opens up many paid flying jobs.

To get a commercial license, you must already hold a private pilot license. The FAA requires a minimum of 250 total flight hours, though most commercial pilots have 300 to 400 hours by the time they test. You need at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command time (meaning you were the pilot responsible for the flight) and 50 hours of cross-country flying. Like the private license, you must pass a written exam, an oral exam, and a checkride with a DPE.

The commercial written exam is more detailed than the private exam and covers advanced topics like aircraft performance, weight and balance, and advanced weather. The oral and checkride are also more rigorous—examiners test your ability to handle complex situations and make good decisions under pressure. Most people spend six months to a year training for a commercial license after they already have their private license.

Airline Transport Pilot License: Flying as an Airline Captain

An airline transport pilot (ATP) license is the highest level of pilot certification and is required to be a captain (pilot-in-command) at a commercial airline. First officers at airlines hold a commercial license, but to move up to captain, you must have an ATP license. This license also allows you to instruct other pilots in certain situations.

To get an ATP license, you must already hold a commercial license and have a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. You also need specific experience: at least 500 hours of cross-country flying, 100 hours of night flying, and 75 hours of instrument flying (flying using only instruments, not visual reference to the ground). The written exam, oral exam, and checkride are the most demanding of all pilot licenses and test your ability to manage complex aircraft and crews.

Most pilots who pursue an ATP license do so through a structured training program at a flight school or through an airline's training program. The timeline from private license to ATP typically takes several years because you must accumulate the required flight hours, which takes time and money.

Medical Certificate Requirements for All Pilot Licenses

Before you can get any pilot license, you must pass a medical exam and receive a medical certificate from the FAA. The FAA issues three classes of medical certificates: first class (required for ATP), second class (required for commercial), and third class (required for private). The exam checks your vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and mental health, and screens for conditions that could affect your ability to fly safely.

The medical exam is performed by an aviation medical examiner (AME), a doctor trained by the FAA to conduct these exams. You can find an AME through the FAA website. The exam costs between $100 and $200 and takes about 30 minutes. If you have any medical conditions, the AME may request additional information from your regular doctor before issuing your certificate.

Medical certificates expire after a set period: a first-class certificate lasts six months, a second-class certificate lasts one year, and a third-class certificate lasts five years (or until age 40 if you're under 40). You must renew your medical certificate before it expires if you want to continue flying.

Written Exam, Oral Exam, and Checkride: What to Expect

All three pilot licenses require passing the same three-part test sequence, though the difficulty increases with each license level. The written exam is a multiple-choice test you take at a testing center. For a private license, the written has 60 questions and you have two hours and 30 minutes to complete it. You need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass. You can retake the written exam if you don't pass, and there's no limit on how many times you can try.

The oral exam (also called the "oral") is a conversation with a DPE that tests your knowledge of aircraft systems, weather, regulations, and decision-making. The DPE will ask you questions and may show you charts or scenarios to see how you think through problems. The oral typically lasts one to two hours for a private license and longer for commercial and ATP licenses. There's no passing or failing the oral separately—it's combined with the checkride into one overall pass or fail.

The checkride is the practical flying test where you actually fly the aircraft with a DPE. You'll perform maneuvers like steep turns, stalls, and emergency procedures, and you'll demonstrate takeoffs and landings. The DPE is looking for smooth, safe flying and good decision-making. If you don't pass the checkride, you can retake it after additional training, usually within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a pilot license just to fly as a passenger?

No. Only the person operating the aircraft needs a pilot license. Passengers do not need any license or certification to fly in a small aircraft or commercial airline.

How much does it cost to get a pilot license?

The cost varies widely depending on where you train and how many flight hours you need. A private pilot license typically costs $8,000 to $15,000 when you include flight time, instructor fees, and exam costs. A commercial license adds another $5,000 to $10,000 on top of that.

Can I get a pilot license if I wear glasses?

Yes. The FAA allows pilots to wear corrective lenses as long as your vision with correction is 20/40 or better in each eye. You must have your glasses or contacts with you whenever you fly, and your medical certificate will note that correction is required.

How long does it take to get a private pilot license?

Most people take three to six months to get a private pilot license if they fly regularly (two to three times per week). If you fly less frequently, it may take longer because you need to maintain proficiency between flights. The minimum flight time is 40 hours, but most people need 60 to 100 hours.

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

A private pilot license allows you to fly for personal use but not for payment. A commercial license allows you to be paid to fly. A commercial license requires more flight hours (250 minimum versus 40 minimum) and more rigorous testing, and it builds on the private license—you must have a private license before you can get a commercial license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.