What Training is Needed to Become a Pilot?
There are several levels and classifications of pilot certificates. As pilots gain flying experience in terms of hours and types of aircraft flown, they can then pursue additional training and ratings. These additional ratings and endorsements allow pilots to fly under instruments in a wide range of weather conditions, carry passengers or cargo for hire, fly high-performance and complex airplanes, become a Certified Flight Instructors and obtain Airline Transport Pilot Certificates allowing them to operate as airline captains.
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Private Pilot License
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The Private Pilot License (PPL) requires ground instruction and a minimum of 40 hours of flight training from a qualified Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). The student pilot will need to pass a computerized knowledge test, as well as a practical (check ride) and oral test on specific ground and flight instruction.
Airplane Transitions
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In order to fly high-performance airplanes (engines with more than 200 horsepower) or a complex airplane (an airplane with retractable landing gear, flaps and/or a controllable-pitch propeller), a pilot is required to get a checkout from a CFI.
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Multi-Engine Rating
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There is no additional ground or flight instruction hours required for the mutli-engine rating, but a practical test is required.
Commercial Pilot
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The commercial pilot certificate allows a pilot to act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft that carries persons or property for hire. The commercial certificate requires between 190 to 250 hours of PIC time and 50 hours of cross-country time. Additionally, a pilot must pass a knowledge and practical test.
Certified Flight Instructor
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To become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), a pilot must receive additional training in various aspects of teaching. There are no specific number of flight hours required, but a pilot is required to pass two knowledge exams and a practical test.
Airline Transport Pilot
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An Airline Transport Pilot certificate (APT) allows a pilot to operate as airline captain. A pilot must be at least 23 years of age, accumulate a total of 1,500 flight hours, including 250 hours of PIC time, 500 hours of cross-country, 100 hours of night flight and 75 hours of instrument experience. Additionally, there is an extensive knowledge and practical test.
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