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List of Piloting Licenses

Getting a piloting license can vary drastically, depending upon the type of pilot you're interested in becoming. With almost 700,000 active pilots, there is no shortage of people who are interested in flying; however, the number has slowly declined over previous decades. Each type of license has limitations, but the majority of people will have an easy time finding a license that will match their personal preference.

Student License
- Allowing minimal flying capabilities, student licenses are often the starting place for flying. Only allowed to be issued by FAA inspectors, student licenses allow solo flights, however, carrying passengers is prohibited. There are specific requirements, such as being 16 years of age, speaking English, passing aeronautical tests and learning flight procedures.
Sport Pilot License
- Newly created, sport pilot licenses were initiated in 2004 by the Experimental Aviation Association. These licenses allow people to fly aircraft designated as "light sport aircraft." Just as with other licenses, only an FAA examiner can issue sport pilot licenses. An applicant is required to be at least 17 years of age and have a comprehensive understanding of English, at least 15 hours of flight time with an instructor and tests to ensure a comprehension of flying procedures.
Private License
- The most common and active license is the private pilot certificate. Private licenses allow a tremendous amount of freedom, however, prohibit pilots from accepting payment for flying purposes. The added advantages of obtaining a private pilots license is the ability to carry passengers and fly many types of aircraft.
  
  Much like other licenses---private licenses have the same types of requirements. They require you to be at least 17 years of age and have a comprehensive understanding of the English language, multiple tests, and flight time with instructors, both during the day and at night.
Commercial License
- Commercial licenses allow pilots to be paid for their services. Becoming a commercial pilot requires much more training. They must also already hold a private pilots license prior to attempting to achieve a commercial license. The requirements include being18 years of age, having a comprehensive understanding of English, logging over 250 hours in flight time and multiple tests.
  
  Those possessing commercial licenses are not allowed to carry members of the public for hire, such as is the role of airline pilots.
Airline Transport License
- An airline transport license is the highest level of piloting license that can be achieved. This is what your traditional airline pilot will possess. The requirements also have a much more stringent criteria, including 1,500 hours of total flight time, 500 cross-country flying hours, over 100 hours of night flying and 75 hours of instrument flying.
  
  You cannot acquire an airline transport license until you are at least 23 years old. The license requires numerous tests to ensure that the pilot is able to take responsibility for the lives of passengers.

Aviation