How Long Does It Take To Become A Certified Pilot? 2023 Ultimate Guide

Are you dreaming of a career in aviation? Becoming a certified pilot opens up a world of opportunities in the exciting aerospace industry. And let’s not forget the attractive salary, with the average pilot earning around $118,000 per year as of July 2023. But how long does it take to achieve this goal?

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of pilot licenses and the time it takes to obtain them.

Private Pilot

Obtaining the Private Pilot Certificate is the first step in becoming a leader in the Aerospace industry. As a pilot, your primary goal is to become a private pilot where you will learn fundamental skills. The Private Pilot License (PPL) will allow you to fly an airplane day and night as long as there are visual flight conditions.

Eligibility Requirements:

At least 17 years of age
Have a Student Pilot Certificate by
- Passing the student pilot exam and aviation medical exam
- Submitting an application through a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
- Submitting an application to an FAA examiner
Hold a 3rd Class FAA Medical Certificate
Successfully pass an FAA written exam
Read, speak, write, and understand the English language.

Required Flight Hours:

Must complete at least 40 hours of flight time 10 hours of solo flight
3 hours of dual nighttime flying
3 hours of solo cross-country flying

Length of Programs: 2 weeks to 3 months

Helicopter Pilot

Helicopter Pilots have the opportunity to work in various industries including medical and law enforcement industries. Prospective pilots can fly helicopters as a hobby without a post-secondary education.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be at least 18 years of age
Hold a private helicopter pilot license
Hold a 3rd Class FAA Medical Certificate
Complete ground instruction
Read, speak, write, and understand the English language.

Required Flight Hours:

20 hours of dual flight training
10 hours of instrument training
At least 10 hours of solo flight
100 hours as a pilot-in-command

Length of program: In about three months

Commercial Pilot

A commercial pilot is anyone allowed (by the FAA) to charge money for their services. These pilots are paid to be pilots, transport cargo, and passager merely. Without experience, you can become a commercial pilot in just over six months.

Eligibility Requirements:

At least 18 years old
Hold a private pilot certificate
Hold a 2nd-class FAA Medical Certificate
Successfully pass an aeronautics written exam of 100 questions
Successfully pass the training and flight hours for single/multi-engine land class rating requirements.
Successfully pass FAA oral and practical tests administered by an FAA inspector, examiner, or authorized check instructor.
Read, speak, write, and understand the English language.

Required Flight Hours:

250 hours of flight time
100 hours of Pilot-In-Command (PIC)
50 hours of Cross-Country PIC
10 hours of Instrument Training
10 hours of Technically Advanced Airplane (TAA)

Length of Programs: 6 weeks to 9 months

Airline Transport Pilot

To fly as an airline pilot, you must obtain the highest level pilot license issued by the FAA. Before getting an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, you must work your way up the ladder by starting your flying career as a private pilot and then a commercial pilot.

Eligibility Requirements:

At least 23 years old
Hold a private pilot certificate
Hold a 2nd-class FAA Medical Certificate
Successfully pass the training and flight hours for single/multi-engine land class rating requirements.
Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate
Hold an Instrument Rating
Read, speak, write and understand the English language

Required Flight Hours:

At least 1,5000 hours of flight time, which include:
- 100 night flight hours
- 500 hours cross-country
- Instrument rating

Length of Programs: 3 to 5 years

Certified Flight Instructor

As a Certified Flight Instructor, you will gain the necessary qualifications to teach aeronautical knowledge and flight training. With focus and determination, you can become an instructor within six weeks.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years old
Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with Instrument Rating
Hold a 3rd Class FAA Medical Certificate
Successfully pass the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Exam and the FAA Certified Flight Instructor Knowledge Exam
Read, speak, write, and understand the English language

Required Flight Hours: