inFrequently Asked Questions about Flight Training

Things You Might Wonder About Learning to Fly

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Caveat Aviator still applies. I'm not a flight instructor.

1. What is involved in learning to fly airplanes?

To get a private pilot certificate (license) in the U.S., you need

At least 40 hours flight time, including
- 20 hours dual (with instructor, including 3 cross country)
- 20 hours solo (including 10 cross country)
- 3 hours at night
- Completion of a few other miscellaneous tasks
A passing score on a multiple-choice computerized test (the "written")
A satisfactory medical exam (required before solo)

2. What are the various airplane pilot licenses and ratings available?

(Updated October 2003)

Certificates (licenses):

Student pilot (needed for solo flight): requires medical exam
Recreational pilot: requires 30 hours, major restrictions (daytime only, within 50 miles of home airport, limit one passenger, uncontrolled airspace only)
Private pilot: 40 hours
Commercial pilot: 250 hours
Airline transport pilot (ATP): 1500 hours

Ratings (added on to a certificate):

Instrument: added to private or higher (used to require 125 hours as well)
Multi-engine: private or higher
Single-engine seaplane: private or higher
Multi-engine seaplane: private or higher
Flight instructor (CFI): commercial or ATP
Instrument instructor (CFII): commercial or ATP
Multi-engine instructor (MEI): commercial or ATP
Type ratings: model-specific, such as Boeing 727

There are also various logbook signoffs required for flying high-performance and complex planes, taildraggers, etc. Hours specified here are the minimums under Part 61.

Note: The requirements listed are not the only ones which exist. This list is intended to give an overview of the ratings and certificates available.