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. and 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.
If you’re thinking how to get a pilot license, you need to know what you’re getting yourself into.
The private pilot license is the first step you need to take.
This does not allow you to operate any commercial flights – this means that your passengers cannot pay for the privilege of flying with you. On the other hand, they can still contribute to the operational costs of the plane, fuel costs and so on.
If you want to start a business, you need other certificates: for airline transport, commercial pilot or flight instructor – but you can’t obtain any of these unless you have a private pilot’s license first.
When considering how to get a pilot license, keep in mind that it’s not the cheapest hobby around (not compared to collecting matchboxes, anyway).
Airplane flying used to be the privilege of the richest of all – things have changed, but you’ll still need to invest something.
The costs for the flight training hours usually start at $3,000, but it’s wise to plan your budget at $5,000, since it is normal for most people to take 50-60 flight hours before getting their license.
If you’re wondering how to get a pilot license on a tight budget, probably the only option is the Civil Air Patrol – with a $40 sign-up fee, the price difference is obvious. However, it takes a really long time, and you also have to do other activities around – many people get bored with it before achieving their goal.