Dreaming of learning to fly in 2025? If you’re thinking of becoming a pilot, you’re in good company. Every year, thousands of people get their pilot licenses, proving that flight isn’t just for airline professionals. While many aspiring aviators hesitate, assuming that flight training is expensive, complicated, or time-consuming, the truth is that with the right approach, it’s achievable for anyone ready to take the leap.
In fact, with clear guidance and proper planning, meeting pilot license requirements is a straightforward process with well-defined steps. That’s why we’ve created this guide at Remitly to walk you through how to get a pilot license in 2025.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the different license types, what to expect in terms of flight school costs, the pilot training timeline, and practical steps to confidently begin your aviation journey.
Types of pilot licenses explained
Curious about which pilot license is right for you? The FAA issues several types of pilot licenses, including student, recreational, sport, private, commercial, and airline transport licenses.
Recreational licenses provide limited privileges for hobby flying (most of which are already included in the easier-to-obtain sport pilot license), and airline transport licenses are the advanced certification required for airline captains after years of experience.
Student licenses are a required step during training on your way to any of the other types of pilot licenses.
We’ll focus our article today on the three types of licenses most sought after by new pilots: sport, private, and commercial pilot licenses.
Here’s the breakdown of these three main categories and what each one allows you to do:
| License type | Minimum flight hours | Privileges |
| Sport pilot | 20 | Fly light-sport aircraft, one passenger, personal use only |
| Private pilot license (PPL) | 40 | Fly small aircraft, carry passengers, personal travel |
| Commercial pilot license (CPL) | 250 | Fly for compensation, carry passengers/cargo professionally |
Sport pilot license
A sport pilot license is ideal if you want to fly small aircraft mainly for fun. It’s designed for lighter, simpler aircraft and has fewer requirements than other licenses.
With this license, you can fly single-engine, light-sport aircraft during the day and carry one passenger. However, you cannot fly at night, in bad weather, or for pay. That makes it a great choice for casual flying and short recreational trips.
Private pilot license
The private pilot license is the most popular option for personal pilots. It offers more flexibility than a sport license, letting you fly small aircraft, carry multiple passengers, and travel internationally and across states for personal use. While you can’t fly for pay or compensation, the license is perfect for serious hobby flying and personal travel.
Commercial pilot license
A commercial pilot license is the right choice if you want to get paid to fly. With this license, you can carry passengers or cargo for hire, work as a flight instructor, or fly for charter companies.
Earning a CPL requires completing a higher number of flight hours and meeting stricter medical standards. Many pilots also get extra ratings to fly larger or more advanced aircraft. This license is the first big step towards a professional career in aviation.
Basic requirements you must meet
Before you can start flight training, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:
Age requirements
To get started, you have to meet the minimum age for your desired license. For a private pilot license, you need to be at least 17 years old.
Commercial pilot license applicants have to be 18 or older. Sport pilot licenses can be earned at 16 if you are only planning on piloting balloons or gliders, or at 17 to be able to pilot small airplanes.
Medical certificate needs
All pilot licenses require a valid FAA medical certificate. The class of certificate depends on the license you want. For a sport pilot license, you can use basic medicals or a US driver’s license.
A private pilot license requires a third-class FAA medical certificate, while a commercial license requires a second-class FAA medical certificate. The medical exam is straightforward and usually includes checks of your cardiovascular and mental health, hearing, and overall physical fitness.
Common health considerations
If you’re worried that vision, hearing, or minor health issues might prevent you from flying, most candidates can meet these requirements using corrective lenses or treatments.
However, certain conditions—such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart attacks, or bipolar disorder—may disqualify you. Your aviation medical examiner can advise on managing and treating many concerns.
English proficiency
All pilots have to show basic English proficiency. It’s the standard language for aviation communication. This ensures clear and safe communication with air traffic controllers and other pilots.
The step-by-step training process
Before we look at the costs and financial planning for getting a pilot license, let’s go through the step-by-step training process:
Ground school training
Ground school teaches the essential knowledge every pilot needs, including navigation, weather patterns, aviation regulation, and aircraft systems. You can complete it online or in person, and it usually lasts one to three months.
Popular programs like King Schools, Sporty’s Pilot Shop, and Gleim Aviation offer structured lessons, study guides, and practice exams to help you learn efficiently.
Flight training requirements
After completing ground school, you’ll log flight hours with a certified instructor. For a private pilot license, this typically requires a minimum of 40 hours, split between dual instructions and solo flight time. Sport pilot licenses require fewer flight hours (20) and commercial pilot licenses require a great deal more (250).
Dual instruction is the time spent flying with your instructor, learning maneuvers, navigation, and emergency procedures under supervision. Solo flight time lets you practice on your own, building confidence and independent decision-making skills. Training usually begins with basic maneuvers and gradually moves to cross-country flights and more advanced skills.
Written and practical exams
After completing ground and flight training, your next step is the written exam. This test covers all topics learned in ground school. Most students need a passing score of at least 70%, which requires focused study and practice.
Preparation strategies include using flashcards, reviewing study guides, and taking online practice tests to reinforce key concepts. Once you pass the written exam, you move on to the practical checkride with a designated pilot examiner.
The checkride has two parts. First, there is an oral portion, where the examiner asks questions about procedures, regulations, and flight planning. There is also a flight portion, where you demonstrate your skills in the air, from takeoffs to emergency procedures and navigation.
To reduce test anxiety and increase your chances of success:
- Simulate checkrides with your instructor to practice under exam conditions
- Review your pre-flight and in-flight checklists regularly
- Visualize yourself performing maneuvers and handling different scenarios
- Break study sessions into short, consistent intervals rather than cramming
- Focus on one skill or topic at a time to build confidence gradually
Real costs and financial planning
Getting your pilot license comes with real costs that you need to plan for, such as:
- Training fees: Flight school tuition and instructor fees
- Equipment: Headsets, navigation tools, flight bags, and charts
- Testing fees: Costs of written exams, practical checkrides, and medical certification.
- Miscellaneous expenses: Fuel surcharges, landing fees, and insurance
Flight training costs vary depending on the type of pilot license, aircraft, and school. We’ll use the private pilot license (PPL) as our reference because it is the most common first full license for new pilots, providing the most relevant example for typical training costs and timelines.
Here’s a quick budget overview of flight school costs for earning a PPL:
| Expense type | Typical cost range |
| Training fees | $6,000 to $12,000 |
| Equipment | $200 to $1,000 |
| Testing fees | $500 to $1,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $200 to $800 |
| Total estimated cost | $8,000 to $15,000 |
Money saving strategies
There are several strategies to save money on these costs, including:
- Flying clubs: Joining a local club can lower hourly aircraft rental fees.
- Accelerated programs: Intensive courses shorten pilot training timelines, which can cut overall costs.
- Financing options: Many schools offer payment plans, loans, scholarships, or other forms of financial help to make managing cash flow easier.
Choosing the right flight school
The school you choose can make learning to fly smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Here are key factors to look at:
- Location: Pick a school that’s close enough for regular lessons, but also think about local weather because it affects how you can learn to fly.
- Aircraft fleet: Look for well-maintained, modern planes that fit your training goals. A varied fleet gives you the chance to practice on different aircraft.
- Instructor quality: Skilled, patient instructors can speed up your progress and boost your confidence. Ask about their experience, certifications, and teaching approach.
- Safety record: A strong safety history shows that the school values good maintenance, clear protocols, and responsible training.
Part 61 vs. part 141 schools
The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) are divided into sections called “Parts.” Parts 61 and 141 specifically govern how flight schools operate and how pilots complete their training. Depending on which set of rules they follow, flight schools are referred to as either Part 61 schools or Part 141 schools.
Part 61 schools offer flexible training schedules and customized pacing. These are ideal if you need to balance lessons with work or school.
Part 141 schools offer structured programs with a set syllabus and more rigorous oversight. They often attract students aiming for a career in aviation. They also allow faster completion of flight hours.
Questions to ask during visits or trial lessons
- What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
- How many aircraft are available, and what are their maintenance schedules?
- Can I sit in a trial lesson before committing?
- How do instructors track student progress?
- Are there opportunities for solo or cross-country flights early in training?
Finding the right instructor match
Your instructor is your guide through the skies. Finding someone whose teaching style, communication, and personality fit well with you can make training more effective. If the match isn’t right, don’t hesitate to switch. Your comfort and confidence are essential for success.
Timeline and what to expect
The path to earning a pilot license involves several key steps, from ground school to solo flights and checkrides. For clarity, we’ll focus on the Private Pilot License (PPL) as an example, since it is the most common first full license for new pilots and provides a practical benchmark for planning your training schedule.
Training duration
Most students earn a private pilot license within 12 months, depending on how often they fly. Weekly lessons usually mean steady progress, and flying often can shorten the timeline.
Factors that can affect your timeline
- Weather: Poor conditions can delay lessons, especially in areas with long winters or frequent storms.
- Scheduling: An instructor or school with ample, flexible availability helps you stay consistent.
- Learning pace: Everyone learns differently. Some students need extra time to master maneuvers or navigation.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
- Nerves during solo flights: Build confidence gradually and practice in smaller, controlled exercises.
- Difficulty with navigation and maneuvers: Use flight simulators, review lessons with instructors, and ask questions proactively.
- Scheduling conflicts: Plan lessons well in advance and maintain a consistent routine whenever possible.
Example month-by-month progression for PPL
- Month 1-2: Ground school and first dual flight lessons, basic maneuvers and pre-flight procedures.
- Month 3-4: Continued dual instructions, start solo flights under instructor supervision.
- Month 5-6: Cross-country flights, emergency procedures, and night flying (if included in the license).
- Month 7-8: Mastering maneuvers, navigation, and flight planning. Prepare for a checkride.
- Month 9-12: Final review, practical exams, and earning your pilot license.
Take your first step into aviation today
You can become a licensed pilot in 2025 with proper planning, dedication, and the right guidance. By understanding different license types, meeting basic requirements, and following a structured training process, you can reach your goal. Remember, every professional pilot started exactly where you are now, taking the first step towards the cockpit.
The best way to begin is by scheduling a discovery flight at a local flight school to experience the thrill of flying first-hand. You can explore FAA resources and search for flight schools near you. Taking this small but decisive action will set you on the path towards your pilot license and open the door to a lifetime of aviation adventures.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a pilot license?
The timeline depends on your training schedule and flight frequency. For example, most students earn a private pilot license within 6-12 months, whereas a sport license may take less time and a commercial license a great deal longer. Intensive and accelerated programs can shorten the expected time, while weather, scheduling, or personal pace may extend it.
Can I get a pilot license if I wear glasses?
Absolutely. Many pilots wear corrective lenses. As long as your vision meets FAA standards with glasses or contact lenses, you can pass the required medical exam and complete your training safely.
What happens if I fail the written exam?
Failing the exam isn’t the end of the road. You can retake it after reviewing your weak areas. Most students pass on a second attempt, with focused study and practice exams.
Is flight training safe for beginners?
Yes, flight schools prioritize safety, and every lesson is conducted under the supervision of certified instructors. Aircraft are rigorously maintained, and safety protocols are strictly followed to ensure beginners have a secure learning environment.
Can I train part-time while working full-time?
Definitely. Many students balance full-time jobs with part-time flight training. Online ground school, flexible lesson scheduling, and weekend flights make it possible to progress steadily without quitting your day job.