How to become a pilot

Becoming a pilot in the US takes most people 6 to 12 months of steady training. Here's the path to a private pilot certificate, step by step, with a deeper guide for each step.

The 8 steps

1. Take a discovery flight. Fly with an instructor once to see if you love it.
2. Choose a flight school and instructor. Part 61 or Part 141, airplane availability and cost.
3. Get your medical and student pilot certificate. Do both early. You need them before you solo.
4. Start lessons and ground school together. Fly two or three times a week and study between flights.
5. Solo. Usually after 10 to 30 hours, once your instructor endorses you.
6. Pass the written test. 60 questions, 2 hours, 70% to pass.
7. Fly cross-countries and night. Build the experience 61.109 requires.
8. Pass the checkride. An oral exam and a flight with an examiner.

How much it costs

Costs depend on your area, the airplane and how often you fly. Estimate yours with the flight training cost calculator, and see what a private pilot license costs.

How to finish faster and cheaper

• Fly often. Long gaps between lessons mean re-learning.
• Brief before every flight. Read the Lesson Prep brief the night before.
• Study on the ground. Ground school at home is far cheaper than learning in the airplane.

See every stage laid out in the Training Roadmap.

Common questions

How long does it take to become a pilot?

Most people take 6 to 12 months to earn a private pilot certificate, flying two or three times a week.

What is the first step to becoming a pilot?

Take a discovery flight with a flight instructor, then choose a school and get your medical certificate.

Can I become a pilot at 16?

You can solo at 16 and earn a private pilot certificate at 17.

Sources, review & change history

Published

Oct 26, 2026

Review status

Written from the FAA sources linked in the text. Not yet re-checked line by line or reviewed by a flight instructor.

Changes

Oct 26, 2026: first published.

Report an error on this page

Study aid only. Your instructor, current 14 CFR and the FAA's handbooks and ACS have the final word.