Getting a Pilot's License can be an exciting route to freedom and adventure!
If you're looking for a spectacular hobby, that will knock your friends off their feet, you should look into how to get a pilot license.
After all it's the safest means of transportation in the world and it's really fun!
When considering how to get a pilot license, you should start by checking if you meet the basic conditions.
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The vital condition is age: you should be at least 16 to get a student pilot license, and 17 for a full pilot's license.
There is no maximum age limit, but there is a very tough medical examination you will need to pass, so, if you're not in good shape, sorry! (However, for a 14-year old, there are still exciting options for operating a glider or a balloon.)
The medical examination can be taken only with a person authorized by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) - and will focus on balance, hearing and vision. If you have a serious medical condition, be honest with your examiner (he is very likely to find it anyway) and discuss the options - in most cases, a solution can be found to allow you to fly anyway.
The flight physical examination costs about $50 and the certificate is valid for three years if you are younger than 40, and for two years if you are older.
Now, the license you will be training for in the first stage is that for a private pilot.
Technically, it's not even called a license, it's a certificate.
In order to get it, you need to complete the training with an authorized flight instructor, including at least 40 hours of flight training (at least 20 of them with an authorized instructor and at least 10 hours of solo flight training).
Prepare yourself for a lengthy process - most people need somewhat more than 40 hours of training. If this is just a hobby, meaning that you won't be able to devote yourself to this activity full time, then it will probably take several months to complete the course. If you train full time, it will take between two weeks and one month.
By the way, you also need to speak, write and understand English if you want to get a pilot's license - since this is the international aviation language. If you're reading this, you're probably fine. You will also have to take a written knowledge exam.
