Getting a pilot license is the dream of many people, but the reality is that it’s not always easy. If you’re thinking about how to get a pilot license, there are some things you should know before starting down that long road. Here’s what you need to do:
Make sure you meet the age requirements.
The age requirements for a pilot license are different depending on the country you plan to fly in. For example, anyone under 17 years old cannot get a private pilot’s license if they’re in the United States. You also need to be 17 years or older to obtain a commercial pilot license in the US.
The good news is that many countries have similar age requirements of between 16 and 17—so if your goal is to fly professionally in another country soon after getting your license here at home (or vice versa), it shouldn’t be difficult to get there once all your other training has been completed.
Get your flight instructor rating.
To become a flight instructor, you have to pass an FAA-approved training course and get a flight instructor rating. To become a professional pilot, you also need to pass the instrument test and pass your checkride with at least one FAA examiner. This can take months or even years, depending on how much time you’re willing to invest in getting your license.
There are benefits to having a flight instructor rating: You can teach people how to fly, which is probably why most people pursue this path in the first place! In addition, having the proper credentials will help you secure work as an aviation mechanic if that is something that interests you.
Get some hands-on experience in your training.
This is generally the first thing you should do so that you can get a feel for what it’s actually like to fly a plane. You can do this by taking a part-time job in aviation or volunteering at an airport. If you really want to simulate flying, you could also sign up for a flight simulator course or take flying lessons (just remember: these are not substitutes for real flying).
Be honest about your medical condition.
If you are taking medication and have a medical condition, you need to get a medical certificate. It’s your responsibility to be honest with the FAA about any medical conditions that may affect your ability to fly safely.
If you don’t tell them about it, they will find out on their own through their physical exam or medical records review. If they discover that you didn’t disclose information about your condition, they can take away your pilot certificate and fine you heavily until they receive all of the correct documentation from their doctors.
Take your time deciding what is right for you.
It’s important to take your time and make sure that you’ve done all of your research before deciding on the type of pilot license that is right for you. If there is any doubt in your mind, don’t rush into it. You’ll be spending a lot of money on getting your license, so make sure it’s something that will fulfill what you’re looking for once it’s finished.
If you’re not sure, take some time to research. Talk to pilots who are at the same level of training that you are and see what they think. Do some research on your own as well; there are plenty of forums online where pilots congregate and talk about their experiences with different types of licenses and ratings.
Conclusion
Now you know how to get a pilot’s license. It’s not an easy feat, but you can do it with enough diligence, passion, and perseverance! The important thing is to keep moving forward so that one day soon, you will be able to fly your very own aircraft.
