Is learning to fly difficult?

Learning to fly is less about being "difficult" and more about mastering a new set of skills. Physically, it’s about as challenging as learning to drive a stick shift car. The real trick lies in doing many things well, all at the same time.  

Driving a car is a pretty good analogy. When you first started, you had to concentrate on everything—staying in your lane, keeping an eye on traffic, using your turn signals, maybe even shifting gears if you were learning on a manual, and navigating to your destination. Over time, those actions became second nature. You don’t think about them anymore; you just do them.  

Flying is very similar. At first, you’ll be focusing on keeping the plane level, managing your speed, navigating, and communicating with air traffic control. It feels like a lot at once! But with practice, these tasks become almost subconscious, just like driving.  

The beauty of learning to fly is that, just like driving, it becomes second nature with time and repetition. What might seem overwhelming at first becomes something you do effortlessly—and it’s incredibly rewarding when it all clicks.

How long does it take to get a pilot's license?

This is a hard question to answer because it really depends on YOU. Let’s focus on just the first rating, the private pilot certificate, and break it down.  

To earn your private pilot certificate, the FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours. This includes:  

- 20 hours of flight training with an instructor  

- 10 hours of solo flight training  

- The remaining hours can include additional practice and specific requirements, such as cross-country flights and night flying.  

In addition to flight hours, you’ll need to:  

- Complete ground training (or a home study course).  

- Pass the FAA written exam (similar to a driver's license written test).  

- Pass the FAA practical exam (like a driving test but more involved).  

Now, let’s talk about cost. Flight training costs around $250 per hour (solo flight is less). If you finish in the minimum 40 hours, the total cost—including study materials and exam fees—would be around $12,000. However, most people don’t finish in 40 hours.   Adults often have busy schedules and fly less frequently, which means they need extra practice to regain skills between lessons. For most adults, it takes closer to 80 hours to earn their certificate, and that brings the cost to around $20,000. 

If flying is a big focus for you, and you:  

- Fly frequently (several times a week).  

- Show up completely prepared for every lesson.  

- Fully complete your ground school before starting.  

Then, you have a good chance of completing your training as close to the 40-hour minimum as possible.  The key is consistency and preparation. The more often you fly and the more prepared you are, the faster you’ll progress. 

PS - all the other ratings work the same way.  Multiply the required number of hours by $250 and then add a healthy margin.  And, again, it’s all up to you and how quickly you progress.

What are the steps to becoming a pilot?

This is a great question, and while there are a few obvious requirements, there are also some less obvious but equally important steps. 

 The Obvious Requirements  

1. Get a Medical Certificate:  

   Before you start flying, you’ll need to get an FAA medical certificate to confirm that you meet the health requirements to fly. For most private pilots, this means a Third-Class Medical, which you can obtain from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner.  

2. Choose the Right Flight School and Instructor:  

   Picking a flight school is a big decision. You have two main options:  

   - Part 141 Programs: These follow a very structured FAA-approved curriculum and often work well if you thrive with clear milestones and a regimented schedule.  

   - Part 61 Programs: These are more flexible, letting you learn at your own pace, which can be helpful if you have a busy schedule or prefer a less rigid approach. I’m completely biased - I’d only do a Part 61 program so that I can go at my own pace.    

   Equally important is choosing the right instructor. This is someone you’ll spend a lot of time with, so make sure their teaching style works for you. Schedule a discovery flight or consultation to see if you connect. If you’re not learning well with an instructor, don’t be afraid to look for someone else. The right fit makes all the difference.  

3. Complete your flight training hours as specified in the Airman Certification Standards. 

   The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time for a Private Pilot Certificate. This includes time with an instructor and solo flying. However, most people need closer to 60–80 hours to become proficient enough to pass the tests.  

4. Pass the Tests:  

   This includes three parts:  

   - Knowledge Test: A written exam that covers aviation rules, procedures, and theory.  

   - Oral Test: Conducted as part of your checkride, where the examiner will ask questions to ensure you understand the principles of flight and decision-making.  

   - Flight Test: The hands-on portion of the checkride, where you demonstrate your flying skills.  

 The Less Obvious (But Crucial) Steps  

1. Research and Understand the Standards:  

   Before you start, take the time to learn everything you can about the specific rating you want and what’s required to pass the checkride. Be as familiar with the Airman Certification Standards as the examiner.  Knowing what to expect from day one helps you stay focused and avoid surprises.  

2. Prepare Before You Start Flying:  

   If you want to move quickly and make the most of your time in the air, preparation is key:  

   - Complete Ground School before you get into the plane for the first time.  

   - Take the Knowledge Test First: Aim to ace this exam with a score above 90%. That’s not an FAA requirement, but it’s a good benchmark to show you’ve really mastered the material.  

The process of becoming a pilot is straightforward on paper, but it’s important to approach it with the right mindset. If flying is a priority for you, prepare thoroughly, choose the right school and instructor, and practice consistently. The better prepared you are, the smoother—and more enjoyable—your journey will be.

Do I need prior aviation experience to start training?

Nope, no prior aviation experience is necessary to start flight training. I’m ready to guide you step by step, from your very first flight to becoming a confident and competent pilot. I’ve worked with plenty of students who didn’t know the difference between an aileron and an altimeter on day one, and they’ve gone on to earn multiple ratings.  

With that said, having some background knowledge or practice can definitely help. Flying combines a lot of new information, skills, and decision-making, so anything you do beforehand can make the process smoother. For example:  

- Flight Simulators: Whether it’s a full-motion simulator at a flight school or even a high-quality home setup, simulators are a fantastic way to learn aviation basics and practice procedures.  

- Research and Study: Learning about the principles of flight, basic navigation, or air traffic control procedures ahead of time can give you a head start.  The FAA has lots of 

While none of this is required, a little extra preparation can go a long way. But don’t worry if you’re starting from zero—that’s what flight training is for!

What are the different types of pilot licenses, and which one is right for me?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers several types of pilot certificates:

- Student Pilot Certificate: Allows solo flight under instructor supervision; a stepping stone to other licenses.

- Recreational Pilot Certificate: Permits flying light, single-engine aircraft within specific limitations, such as daytime flights and restricted distance from the departure airport.

- Private Pilot License (PPL): Enables the holder to fly most single-engine aircraft and carry passengers without compensation; ideal for personal and leisure flying.

- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Allows the pilot to be compensated for flying; required for careers like charter or corporate piloting.

- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): The highest certification, necessary for airline captains and pilots operating large transport aircraft.

Choosing the right license depends on your aviation goals, whether for personal enjoyment or a professional career.