What Are the Seven Steps to Becoming a Licensed Pilot?

What Are the Seven Steps to Becoming a Licensed Pilot?
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 03, 2025

Many people dream of becoming a pilot. It takes time and hard work, but reaching that goal feels rewarding. Pilots enjoy unique careers that take them places most people only see from the ground. The process can feel overwhelming at first, but when you break it down into steps, it becomes much easier to manage. Whether you're aiming to fly for fun or make it your full-time job, knowing the exact path to certification is essential. Resources like the CPaT flight school guide offer a great place to begin, helping you understand each stage of training. The right guidance early on will make your experience more efficient and rewarding. Starting your journey with clear information will save time and reduce stress.

The first thing every future pilot must do is meet the basic eligibility requirements. You must be at least 16 years old to start flight training and 17 to earn a private pilot certificate. English language skills are required since it is the international standard in aviation. You also need to pass a medical exam from an authorized aviation medical examiner. This ensures you are healthy enough to safely fly. Next, you will want to choose a flight school that fits your learning style and goals. Picking the right school helps build a strong foundation and ensures proper support along the way. From there, you can begin formal flight training under the supervision of a certified instructor.

Step One: Apply for a Student Pilot Certificate

Before flying solo, every student needs to apply for a student pilot certificate. This certificate is issued by the FAA and allows you to practice under instruction and fly alone when approved by your instructor. You can apply for it through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system, also known as IACRA. Your flight instructor will help walk you through this process. This step is important because it shows that you meet the legal requirements to begin flying. Without this certificate, you cannot take control of the aircraft on your own. While it may seem like paperwork, it's a key part of your training path. Getting it done early avoids delays later in your flight school journey.

Step Two: Complete Ground School Training

Ground school teaches the theory and knowledge behind flight. You will learn topics like aerodynamics, weather patterns, FAA rules, and navigation. Ground school can be taken in-person or online, depending on your schedule and learning preference. This step is necessary before you can take the FAA written exam. Many students complete ground school at the same time as flight lessons. It helps reinforce what you're learning in the air. Ground school makes sure you're not just flying safely but also understanding what's happening behind the controls. This knowledge will be tested both on paper and in the cockpit.

Step Three: Start Flight Training With an Instructor

This is where flying becomes real. Under the supervision of a certified pilot instructor, you'll learn how to control the aircraft. You'll practice basic maneuvers, takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures. Flight lessons are usually conducted in small planes like Cessna 172s. These flights teach you what it feels like to fly in different conditions. You'll also learn to communicate with air traffic control. Every hour spent in the air builds the skills you need for solo flights. As your confidence grows, so will your independence in the cockpit.

Step Four: Pass the FAA Written Exam

After completing ground school, you'll be ready to take the FAA written exam. This multiple-choice test covers everything you learned in your ground school studies. It must be passed before you can take the final flight check. The test has 60 questions and a passing score is 70 percent. Most students take the exam at a certified testing center. You'll receive your results immediately after completion. Your instructor will help you review key areas before the test to make sure you're ready. Once passed, this test moves you one step closer to earning your license.

Step Five: Log Solo Flight Hours and Prepare for Checkride

Your instructor will let you fly solo once you've shown enough skill and knowledge. This milestone is exciting and shows that you're ready for more responsibility. You'll be required to log a certain number of solo hours to qualify for your checkride. These solo flights include cross-country trips and practicing takeoffs and landings. Each flight builds experience and sharpens your skills. You'll continue flying with your instructor to work on advanced maneuvers. When you've met all the hour and training requirements, your instructor will recommend you for the checkride. This final exam includes both an oral test and a flight test with an FAA examiner.

Following the seven steps to becoming a licensed pilot helps take the guesswork out of the process. Each stage brings you closer to the goal of earning your wings. From applying for your student certificate to passing your final checkride, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Staying focused, learning from each lesson, and asking for help when needed will keep you on track. By using trusted resources and choosing a solid flight school, your chances of success increase greatly. Pilots come from all walks of life, but they all follow the same steps to reach their dream. This guide gives you the structure needed to plan ahead and stay confident. With the right mindset and steady effort, you'll soon find yourself in the left seat of an aircraft, ready to take on the skies.