How to Be a Pilot

Determine if you are eligible.

Are you healthy, speak English, and at least 16? If yes, then you can fly an aircraft by yourself once you receive the required training from a flight instructor.

Find a flight school and flight instructor.

Find out where your local airports are and what flight schools are there. Shop around for a good price and make sure you are comfortable with your flight instructor.

Start your training and solo an aircraft.

There is no minimum flight time requirement to solo an aircraft, although the average student typically solos between 15-25 flight hours. You can solo once the flight instructor has trained you on specific procedures, has determined that you are proficient and safe to fly by yourself, and you have passed a pre-solo written exam. Typically, your first solo flight will involve 3 take-offs and landings. Once you have soloed you have accomplished a big step toward getting your Private Pilot's License.