About Private Pilot's Licenses

Before becoming a pilot, the first obstacle is obtaining a private pilot's license, or PPL. The steppingstone to a career as a commercial pilot for the big airlines or as commander of a corporate jet, a private pilot's license also allows general aviation enthusiasts to take to the skies on their own. These licenses can be expensive, costing an average of $6,000 to $10,000 for training depending on the flight school, and can take months to achieve.

Function

A private pilot's license, also known as a recreational pilot license, allows pilots to fly only private aircraft. Pilots with only this license cannot fly for pay, only recreation. These licenses are also required for commercial flight training. However, they are not needed for ultralight pilots, like hang glider pilots.

Types

There are different categories of PPLs for the major aircraft categories. Pilots can be issued one or more licenses for any of the following categories: powered airplanes (with limitations for single- or multiengine), powered gliders, rotorcraft (helicopters and gyroplanes), and balloons and airships (blimps, lighter-than-air aircraft). Pilots can also earn various endorsement ratings for their PPLs by meeting additional requirements. Such endorsements include instrument rating, multiengine, piston/turbine, design features (tail wheel, retractable, undercarriage and float-plane), aerobatics (spins, formation flying) and agricultural (crop dusting, stock-mustering). Additional licenses beyond private pilot are needed for commercial flight and to fly larger commercial-sized jet aircraft.

Time Frame

The most recommended time- and cost-effective way to obtain a PPL is to fly two hours per week at a flight school, at least at the start of one's training. Most programs, which differ by school, require at least 40 hours of flight training, including a minimum of 20 hours dual instruction and 10 hours of solo flight. Of the 20 dual instruction hours, three must be dedicated to cross-country flight, meaning to an airport more than 50 miles away from the flight school; three hours must go toward instrument training; three hours must be dedicated to night flying, including 10 night takeoffs and landings; and three hours of instruction must occur within 60 days of the pilot's practical test. Student pilots must also attend a number of hours of ground school training and must pass a written exam in addition to the flight test, or check ride, to obtain the license.

Considerations

To obtain a PPL, the pilot must be no younger than 17 years old. However, flight training can take place before the pilot turns 17. Passing a medical exam is also required.

Warning

The FAA's rules regarding a private pilot's license differ depending on the type of aircraft flown and must be observed. There are also airspace and height restrictions depending on the type of aircraft or license.

Resources

• The FAA's Information on How to Become a PIlot.
• Private PIlot License Costs at Pilot Outlook