The summer months are always an excellent opportunity to get out of the house and try something new. One exciting skill many are eager to try is flying their own aircraft. When looking to fly, it’s a good idea to learn what you need to know to get your pilot license, so here’s a step-by-step guide telling you where to start.

The Basic Requirements

While some of the individual requirements may vary by state or county, there are a few general rules to follow when getting your pilot license. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and hold a pilot certificate. You must also have a third-class medical certificate, receive proper accreditation from an authorized flight instructor, and pass a series of tests on aeronautical and practical knowledge.

You can get a student pilot certificate by completing an online application to help you start the process. You will earn most other credentials throughout the learning process.

Pilot License Training

Something you need to know to get your pilot license is that it’s a long process with many facets of learning. The first crucial step is finding an accredited flight instructor who will guide you along your journey. Typically, most student pilot certificate holders go through a lengthy ground school to learn the important basics before they even set foot in an aircraft.

Once candidates finish ground school, they move on to flight school, which teaches practical information on flying an aircraft. Aside from how to fly, students also learn preflight and emergency precautions and courses in navigation and aircraft operations. This is usually a three-month course; students top it off with a series of exams.

License Tests

After meeting the general requirements and passing all forms of flight school, candidates must pass a series of written and practical exams, like getting a driver’s license. The knowledge test is a 60-question multiple-choice exam on which students must receive a 70 percent or better to pass. After passing the knowledge exam, students take the practical test with an instructor, which includes both an oral and flight portion testing their instincts and hands-on abilities with the aircraft.