More than 600,000 people in the US are licensed to fly planes, and more than half of those fly private aircraft. If flying has always been a dream of yours, what’s stopping you? Start on a course today to find an aviation school near you and you’ll be in the air in no time as you work through the process. 

Check eligibility 

Once you’ve identified an aviation school near you, the next step will be to check your eligibility to earn an aviation license. You have to be 17 years old or older, be able to speak, read and write English, pass a knowledge test, eventually pass a practical test, and get a student pilot’s certificate. Your flight school’s personnel can help you to ensure that you meet all of these criteria before moving forward.

Pass medical exam

Another part of the process to get your pilot’s license is to pass a medical examination. Anyone in the US working toward a license must be examined by a medical examiner designated and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. If you pass the exam, and meet the physical requirements, the examiner will issue a medical certificate so that you can continue your flight training.  

Pass written exam

The process to earn your aviation license includes a few different tests. You will be required to pass a written test that queries theoretical knowledge of flying before you ever get behind the controls of an aircraft. Some flight schools will allow you to start practicing and logging air time while you’re studying as long as you intend to take the test in the very near future. There are course materials provided by the FAA so that you can prepare to take and pass this test. 

Log flight time

One of the most important parts of learning how to fly is logging flight time. A large part of the cost for getting your pilot’s license, is the cost of logging time in the air with a plane and instructor. You’ll need 40 hours of flight time to get your license and at least half of those must be with an instructor on board.