Become A Pilot - Federal Aviation Administration

Skip to main content USA Banner

Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

1. Home
2. Pilots
3. Become a Pilot

In This Section

• Overview
• Become a Pilot
• International Flight
• Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed (LADD)
  • Overview
• Medical Certification
  • Overview
  • How to obtain a Medical Certificate
  • Request Copy of Medical Certificate
  • Over-the-Counter Medications
  • Requesting Medical Records
  • Regional Flight Surgeon Contact Information
• Pilot Certificates & Records
  • Overview
  • Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 (PRIA)
• Pilot Safety
• Pilot's Bill of Rights
• Training
  • Overview
  • Air Carrier Contract Training
  • Air Carrier Training
  • Part 142 Training Centers
  • Airman Education Programs

Become a Pilot

What is the first step to becoming a pilot?

Decide what you want to fly. FAA's rules for getting a pilot's license (certificate) differ depending on the type of aircraft you fly. You can choose among airplanes, gyroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons, or airships. If you are interested in flying ultralight vehicles, you don't need a pilot's license.

You should also think about what type of flying you want to do. There are several different types of pilot's licenses, from student pilot all the way up to airline transport pilot. The information below describes the eligibility, training, experience, and testing requirements for Student Pilots, Recreational Pilots and Private Pilots.

• Certification
  • Deaf Pilot Frequently Asked Questions
  • Limits on the Recreational Pilot Certificate
  • Medical Certification
    • Medical Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
  • Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Certificates
  • Student Pilot's Certificate Requirements
  • Sport Pilot
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Handbooks and Manuals
• Testing
  • Pilot Testing
  • Recreational Pilot And Private Pilot Knowledge Tests
  • Recreational Pilot And Private Pilot Practical Tests
• Training
  • Pilot Training
  • Student Pilot Training and Limits

If you didn't find what you need above, please contact your nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office.

Last updated: Tuesday, July 9, 2024