How to Become a Pilot in the USA in 5 Simple Steps

If your dream has always been to fly, you should take practical steps to realize it. Operating a plane goes beyond merely flying it. Other than mastering the technical aspects, in the commercial environment, it requires the ability to handle its crew, passengers, and cargo skillfully. If you're interested in learning how to become a pilot in the USA, Sunair Aviation is your best solution.

Types of Pilot Licenses

The FAA is responsible for coming up with all regulations regarding aviation in the USA. Before you can pursue an actual pilot's license, you must obtain a Student Pilot Certificate. To do so, you're required to be at least 16 years old. You must also have excellent English communication skills since it's the universal language of aviation.

While there are various classifications for pilot licenses, these are the most common:

Private Pilot License (PPL): It's by far the most sought-after license and allows you to fly most single-engine aircraft. With a PPL, you can fly alone or with other people, but can't receive payment for such flights. If you want to handle more advanced aircraft, you should do additional instrument rating tests. To obtain this license, you must log at least 35 hours of flight time. You must also have a valid driver's license and pass the written tests as well as the FAA check-ride.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL): This license allows you to receive compensation as a pilot. Other than logging at least 250 hours, you must be 18 years and above, be proficient in English, and pass all tests. Other requirements include a 2nd Class medical certificate and an endorsement from your Certified Flight Instructor. You must have an up to date medical license and pass a check-ride with an FAA instructor. For more advanced aircraft, you must pass a multi-engine check-ride and an instrument rating course for flying in inclement weather.

Airline Transport Pilot License: An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification allows you to fly for major airlines. Other than having a PPL and CPL, you must be at least 23 years old and pass all flight and medical exams. You must also log more than 1500 hours of flying in the US in diverse weather conditions.

Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL): It authorizes you to fly twin-engine aircraft. To add it to your PPL or CPL certification, you must perform specific maneuvers in a twin-engine airplane. It covers topics such as VMC demos, stalls, and slow flight.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): This certification allows you to train aspiring pilots. With it, you can get a job at FAA-certified flight schools, educational institutions, and even start your flight academy. Variations include Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI).

5-Step Guide on How to Become a Pilot in the USA

Your career objective generally outlines the path you'll take. Do you intend to become an airline pilot in the future, or is it just for recreational purposes? Whatever your answer is, you'll need to start with a private pilot license. If you're curious about how to become a pilot in the USA, these are the steps you should take:

1.     Meet Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a PPL, you must be at least 17 years old. You must also be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Other requirements include at least a third-class medical certificate and proficiency in basic math. While most flight training centers offer flexible hours, ensure your training schedule has enough time for maximum concentration.

2.     Get the Necessary Education

A high school diploma or its equivalent is enough qualification to learn how to become a pilot in the USA. If you plan on becoming an airline pilot, you should also pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Although you can pursue a degree in any field, an aviation or aeronautics program is more beneficial to your career. Regardless of your major, you must complete coursework in mathematics, physics, English, and aeronautical engineering.

Aviation clubs are available at nearly every level of education. Joining them will help you learn more about the industry, form valuable networks, and secure a job after graduation.

3.     Join an Accredited Flight School

The FAA classifies flight schools as either Part 61 or Part 141. The former sets regulations for pilot certification, while Part 141 regulates pilot schools. Of these, Part 61 is the least restrictive. It gives your instructor more flexibility regarding how they conduct training.

Under Part 141, the training curriculum must be approved by the FAA, which gives it a more structured outlook. Although more rigid, it also has its benefits. Good students can progress faster under this arrangement and gain a certificate with fewer hours in the plane.

The FAA conducts regular reviews of the Part 141 curriculum. This vigilance ensures they offer consistent and acceptable training practices on how to become a pilot in the USA. It's the best option if you want to become a career pilot. The FAA has a searchable database on its website for looking up competent flight schools such as Sunair Aviation.

4.     Get a Student Pilot Certificate and Aviation Medical Certificate

If you want to fly solo while still training, you need a student pilot certificate. To be eligible, you must be at least 16 years old and be proficient in English. There are various ways of applying for one. One way is through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website.

You can also fill Form 8710-1 and present it to an FAA-recognized representative, such as a certified flight instructor. In the past, a student pilot certificate and medical certificate were the same documents, but that's no longer the case.

The Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) issue the requisite medical certificates. You won't be allowed to fly solo without a 3rd class FAA-recognized certificate. Your student pilot certificate doesn't expire. Instead, it will be superseded by a higher certification when you complete one.

5.     Complete the Necessary Tests

Some flight schools insist on successful completion of the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam before being allowed to fly. Others allow you to handle aircraft as you study for the exam. Whichever option you receive, you must take the test before doing your final private pilot check-ride.

When you start flying, you’ll start with basics such as takeoff, climbs, turns, descents, and landing. Other priorities include mastering communication and emergency procedures. Once you start flying solo, you should concentrate on navigation techniques and maneuvers for cross country flights.

The final exam is the check-ride, which requires some experience and confidence. Qualification for a PPL requires at least 40 hours of flight time. Of these, 20 should be with an instructor, and ten should be solo flights. Other requirements include 3 hours of cross-country flights with an instructor, ten takeoffs and landings, and 3 hours of night flights.

The check-ride, supervised by an FAA examiner, consists of a verbal and flight exam. The ground portion goes first, followed by the flight. If successful, the examiner will help you fill the relevant FAA documents online. They'll also give you a temporary private pilot certificate. You’ll use this document while waiting for the official one to arrive in the mail.

Sunair Aviation Is Your Best School for Flight Training

If you're ready to learn how to become a pilot in the USA, Sunair Aviation has you covered. Our flight academy equips you with the skills and experience necessary for a successful career as a pilot. Our courses help you handle private, commercial, multi-engine, and sea aircraft. Our state-of-the-art Redbird simulator, coupled with skilled and passionate instructors, are guaranteed to give you the best training experience. For more information, please contact us today.