What License You Need to Fly an Aircraft

The type of license depends on what you want to fly and how you want to use it

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues pilot licenses in the United States, and which one you need depends on the aircraft and whether you're flying for personal reasons or getting paid. If you want to fly a small plane recreationally, you need a private pilot license. If you want to fly for compensation—carrying passengers for hire, instructing others, or flying cargo—you need a commercial pilot license. If you want to fly an airline, you need an airline transport pilot license. There are also separate licenses for flying helicopters, gliders, and balloons. Most people start with a private pilot license.

Before you can get any pilot license, you must first earn a student pilot certificate, which allows you to fly solo under specific conditions. This is not a full license—it's a stepping stone. You get it from an FAA examiner or designated pilot examiner after passing a medical exam and a written test.

Key Takeaways

A private pilot license lets you fly small aircraft for personal use but not for payment of any kind.
A commercial pilot license is required if you want to fly for compensation, including instructing other pilots or carrying passengers for hire.
You must hold a student pilot certificate before you can work toward any full pilot license.
All pilot licenses require passing a written test, a practical flying test called a checkride, and a medical exam from an FAA-approved aviation medical examiner.
The time and cost to earn a license varies, but most private pilot licenses take 60 to 100 hours of flight time and several months to complete.

Private pilot license: flying for yourself

A private pilot license allows you to fly an aircraft by yourself or with passengers, but you cannot be paid to do so. You cannot charge passengers for a flight, accept money for instruction, or fly cargo for hire. You can split costs with passengers—for example, if three friends fly together and split the fuel cost—but you cannot make a profit or receive compensation.

To earn a private pilot license, you need to log at least 40 hours of flight time, though most people need 60 to 100 hours before they are ready for the checkride (the practical flying test). You must pass a written exam called the Knowledge Test, pass the checkride with an examiner, and hold a valid medical certificate. The medical certificate comes from an aviation medical examiner (AME), a doctor trained by the FAA. Most people may have access to for a third-class medical certificate, which is the least restrictive.

The entire process usually takes three to six months if you fly regularly. The cost varies by location and flight school, but expect to spend between $8,000 and $15,000 in total for flight time, instruction, and testing.

Commercial pilot license: flying for payment

A commercial pilot license allows you to be paid to fly. You can carry passengers for hire, instruct other pilots, fly cargo, or perform other aviation work. You must already hold a private pilot license before you can earn a commercial license.

To earn a commercial license, you need at least 250 hours of flight time total (including the hours from your private license), and you must pass the same three-part process: written exam, checkride, and medical certificate. The written exam is more detailed than the private pilot exam. The checkride is also more demanding—the examiner tests your ability to handle more complex situations and fly with greater precision.

A commercial license typically takes an additional two to four months after you earn your private license, depending on how much flying you do. The additional cost is usually $5,000 to $10,000.

Airline transport pilot license: flying for airlines

An airline transport pilot (ATP) license is required to be the captain of an airline. It is the highest level of pilot certification. You must hold a commercial license first, and you must have at least 1,500 hours of flight time. You also must be at least 23 years old.

The ATP license requires passing a written exam and a checkride that is more rigorous than the commercial checkride. Most pilots earn this license after several years of flying as a first officer (co-pilot) for a regional or major airline. The timeline and cost depend on your career path, but the written exam and checkride fees are relatively small compared to the flight time required.

Medical certificates: required for all pilot licenses

Every pilot license requires a current medical certificate from an FAA-approved aviation medical examiner. The medical exam checks your vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, mental health, and medication use. Most people may have access to for a third-class medical certificate, which is valid for 60 months (five years) if you are under 40, or 24 months if you are 40 or older.

Some conditions disqualify you from holding a medical certificate—these include certain heart conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, severe mental health conditions, and some medications. If you have a medical condition you are unsure about, you can ask an AME before you explore, or you can contact the FAA's Office of Aerospace Medicine for guidance. Do not assume you will be disqualified; many conditions are manageable with proper documentation.

If you are denied a medical certificate, you may be able to request a special issuance, which allows the FAA to issue a certificate with restrictions or conditions. This process takes longer and may require additional medical records or testing.

Student pilot certificate: your first step

Before you can fly solo, you must hold a student pilot certificate. You get this from an FAA examiner or a designated pilot examiner after you pass a written test and a medical exam. The written test covers basic aeronautical knowledge—how aircraft work, weather, airspace rules, and safety.

A student pilot certificate is not a full license. It allows you to fly solo in a specific aircraft type under specific conditions, usually in daylight and good weather. You cannot carry passengers. Your flight instructor will sign off on your certificate to allow you to fly solo once they believe you are ready. This usually happens after 15 to 20 hours of dual instruction (flying with an instructor).

Licenses for other aircraft types

If you want to fly something other than a single-engine airplane, you need additional training and ratings. A helicopter license requires separate training and a different checkride, though the written exam is similar. A glider license requires fewer flight hours (20 hours minimum) but specialized training in unpowered flight. A balloon license requires 10 hours of flight time and training specific to balloon operations.

You can also earn ratings that add to your existing license. An instrument rating allows you to fly in clouds and low visibility using instruments alone. A multi-engine rating allows you to fly aircraft with more than one engine. These ratings require additional training and checkrides but do not replace your pilot license—they expand what you are allowed to do with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly without a license if I am just taking a discovery flight?

Yes. A discovery flight is a short introductory flight where a flight instructor takes you up and lets you experience flying. You do not need any license or certificate for this. It is a common way to see if you want to pursue a pilot license.

How long does it take to get a pilot license?

A private pilot license usually takes three to six months if you fly two to four times per week. If you fly less frequently, it may take longer. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, but most people need 60 to 100 hours. The time depends on how quickly you learn and how often you can afford to fly.

What if I have a medical condition—can I still get a pilot license?

Many medical conditions do not disqualify you from a pilot license. The FAA evaluates each condition individually. If you are unsure, contact an aviation medical examiner before you explore. Some conditions may require a special issuance, which takes longer but is possible.

Do I need a license to fly a drone?

Drone rules are separate from pilot license rules. If you fly a drone recreationally, you do not need a pilot license, but you must follow FAA rules for recreational drone use. If you fly drones commercially, you need a Part 107 remote pilot certificate, which is different from a traditional pilot license.

Can I use my private pilot license to fly for a friend if they pay for fuel?

No. You cannot accept any compensation, including payment for fuel or expenses. You can split costs equally with passengers—for example, if four people fly together and each pays one-quarter of the fuel cost—but you cannot profit or be reimbursed more than your share.

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.