How to become a pilot.
Start with a Private Pilot certificate. Here’s the path from your first flight to flying on your own.
Try a flight with an instructor
Book a discovery flight, a short introductory lesson, at a nearby flight school. You’ll meet an instructor, see the airplane and try flying with their help.
Find a flight school →Choose where you’ll train
Ask about the total cost, airplane availability and how often you can fly. Choose an instructor and a schedule you can keep.
Compare flight schools →Get ready for training
Your instructor will explain the student certificate and aviation medical exam you may need before flying alone. You can start lessons with an instructor before earning a student pilot certificate.
Understand the medical →Study on the ground. Learn in the airplane.
Ground school teaches you how flying works. Flight lessons let you put it into practice. Start with the Private Pilot Course and study alongside your flight training.
Explore the Private Pilot Course →Prepare for your tests
First, prepare for the FAA written knowledge test. Then, after the required training and instructor endorsements, take your checkride: a conversation and a flight with an examiner.
Explore checkride preparation →
Your first step: contact a flight school.
Ask for a discovery flight and a training estimate. You don’t need to choose your entire aviation career today.
Find a flight school →