When it comes to flight school and learning how to fly, you have options. You can get a pilot's license, but first, you have to start with a student pilot certificate, which allows you to fly with an instructor. Certain basic requirements are in place, such as you must be 16 years old and be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English. This is because English has been deemed the official universal language of aviation. This is much like a permit when you are learning to drive a car. Once you get your student certificate, you can begin taking flying lessons to obtain the license you want. The most common license obtained is the private pilot license.

The Parameters of the Private Pilot License

To get the private pilot license, you have to log at least 35 hours of flight time in a variety of situations. You must have a valid driver's license and pass any written tests. When you attend flight school training, you will receive instruction that provides you with enough information in order to pass the written tests to obtain your private pilot's license. When you obtain this license, you will be able to fly alone or with other people, and the type of plane you can fly is a single-engine plane. For more advanced planes, you may need additional instrument certification. You are not allowed to receive compensation for flying with a private pilot's license.

When You Want to Be Paid to Fly

If you are interested in being compensated as a pilot, you must obtain your commercial pilot's license. This is a more strenuous license to obtain, as you must log in at least 250 hours of flying time, be 18 years old, and pass a much more extensive written test. In addition, you must be able to pass a 2nd Class Medical Certificate and have a Certified Flight Instructor endorse that you have the skills needed to be a commercial pilot. You may need additional certifications based on inclement weather, multiple-engine planes, and more advanced equipment. The process will take some time as you figure out the specifics of what you will need to fly commercially.

When you make the decision to get your pilot's license, it's time to find a flight training school that can meet your needs. Whether you want a private pilot's license or you are ready to make a career as a pilot, you get started by obtaining your student certificate to begin instruction.