Private Pilot Requirements
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has certain requirements to become a pilot.
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Requirements
- Be at least 17 years of age* (you can start flying solo during training at age 16)
- Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
- Obtain at least a current third-class medical certificate (easier than it sounds)
- Log at least 20 hours of flight training (usually 30-40 hours are needed)
- Log at least 10 hours of solo flight training (as a student pilot, flying alone)
- Log at least 40 total hours of flying (flight training + solo flight practice)
- Complete an online or home-study ground school course (approx. 15 hours)
- Pass the FAA knowledge exam (60 question computerized exam - 70% to pass)
- Pass the practical test (checkride) with a designated pilot examiner
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* Although you must be age 16 to start flying solo, and age 17 to become a certificated private pilot, there is no minimum age to begin flight lessons - if your feet can reach the rudder pedals, you're good to go!
Commercial Pilot Requirements
The FAA has certain requirements to become a commercial pilot.
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Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a private pilot certificate**
- Hold at least a current third-class medical certificate***
- Have at least 250 hours of flight time logged (total of all hours and flight training)
- Have 50 hours of "cross country" flight time logged (50 miles between airports)
- At least 20 hours of flight training towards the commercial pilot requirements
- At least 10 hours of flight training in a complex airplane (retractable gear, etc.)
- Complete an online or home-study ground school course (approx. 9 hours)
- Pass the FAA knowledge exam for commercial pilots
- Pass the practical test (checkride) with a designated pilot examiner
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** You do not need to have your instrument rating (IFR) in order to obtain your commercial certificate, however, it is highly recommended that you obtain your IFR rating as part of the 250 hours requirement along your pathway to becoming a commercial pilot to avoid restrictions on your commercial pilot certificate.
*** You can obtain your commercial pilot certificate with a third-class medical certificate, however, in order to fly for compensation as a commercial pilot you will need to obtain at least a second-class medical certificate.
