{"id":11970,"date":"2023-03-27T13:18:13","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T19:18:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virginexperiencegifts.com\/blog\/?p=11970"},"modified":"2023-03-28T07:45:49","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T13:45:49","slug":"steps-to-become-a-pilot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virgingifts.com\/blog\/steps-to-become-a-pilot","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Pilot in 8 Easy Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thinking about becoming a pilot? Learning is easier than you\u2019d think!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine slipping into the pilot\u2019s seat, flipping on the controls, and feeling the plane\u2019s engine come to life beneath your fingertips. Experience a wave of excitement as you expertly guide the plane down the runway and into the sky!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019ve always dreamed of becoming an airline pilot or just want to experience the freedom of flight, obtaining your pilot\u2019s license is extremely exciting and rewarding. However, it can also be expensive, time consuming, and hard to know where to begin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re feeling a little lost, don\u2019t worry! We\u2019ve broken down the process into 8 easy steps. From booking a discovery flight to passing your practical exams, these steps will make your journey a breeze!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10659 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/final-flying-image-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"Flying Image\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\"><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>WHAT ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before getting too far in, we think it\u2019s important to discuss the basic requirements for any pilot. In order to become a student pilot, you must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be at least 16 years old<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possess a valid driver\u2019s license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be able to read, speak, and understand English\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you meet these basic requirements, great! Keep reading to discover how you can become a pilot in 8 steps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>STEP 1: DECIDE WHAT KIND OF PILOT YOU WANT TO BE<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10610 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/woman_flyblog-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"Female pilot\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar to other hobbies and professions, there\u2019s a variety of different pilot certifications you can work towards. Taking some time to write down your goals will help you decide which certificate you\u2019d like to pursue and help determine your timeline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on your goals, timeframe, and budget, some certifications will be easier to achieve than others. See below for a more in-depth breakdown of each certificate and their requirements:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Recreational Pilot Certificate<\/b><b><br>\n<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perfect for: Pilots looking to fly for fun in their local area<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Required flight time: Minimum of 30 hours (15 training hours)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits: Fly a small airplane and up to 1 other passenger\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restrictions: Must be at least 17 years old, daytime flights only, no cross-country flights allowed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Private Pilot Certificate<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perfect for: Pilots looking to fly for fun and explore regions outside their local area<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Required flight time: Minimum of 40 hours, including night training<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits: Fly passengers in variety of different airplanes, day or night\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restrictions: Must be at least 17 years old, cannot be hired or paid for flights, additional certificate ratings may be required to fly at certain times\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Commercial Pilot Certificate<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perfect for: Pilots looking to earn money while flying<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Required flight time: Minimum of 150 to 250 hours<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits: Get paid to fly! With this certificate, you can get hired to tow banners, provide sightseeing flights, crop dust, and more<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restrictions: Must be at least 18 years old, cannot fly passengers on a commercial airline, requires a Second-Class FAA medical certificate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Airline Transport Pilot Certificate<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perfect for: Pilots looking to make a career out of flying<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Required flight time: Minimum of 1500 hours (100 night flight hours and 500 hours cross-country)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits: This is the ultimate pilot certificate! With an ATP, you\u2019ll be eligible to fly for most commercial airlines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restrictions: Must be at least 23 years old, requires a First-Class FAA medical certificate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>STEP 2: OBTAIN A FAA MEDICAL CERTIFICATE<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6924 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/flying-lesson-q3-reviews-2016-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"Excited pilot\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/flying-lesson-q3-reviews-2016-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/flying-lesson-q3-reviews-2016-77x55.jpg 77w, https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/flying-lesson-q3-reviews-2016.jpg 504w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve decided which pilot certificate you\u2019d like to pursue, the next step is to make sure you are physically eligible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order to become any type of pilot, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all students to hold a valid medical certificate. While this step doesn\u2019t necessarily need to come second, we think it\u2019s important to know your flight eligibility before diving into flight lessons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order to get a medical certificate, you must undergo an exam performed by a FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. Based on your health, they\u2019ll either deny your request or approve you for one of three medical certificates:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Class (required for airline transport pilots)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second Class (required for commercial pilots)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Third Class (required for students, private pilots, and sport pilots)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some medical conditions that could disqualify you from getting a medical certificate include epilepsy, coronary heart disease, color blindness, and certain personality disorders. Click here to read the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/faq\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">full list<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have your medical certificate, it\u2019s time to take to the skies!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>STEP 3: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.virgingifts.com\/learn-to-fly-experiences\"><b>BOOK A DISCOVERY FLIGHT<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10760 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/flybf.jpg\" alt=\"Student Pilots\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine spending tons of money, time, and energy into becoming a pilot only to realize that it\u2019s not your thing. Bummer, right? That\u2019s why many flight schools offer <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.virgingifts.com\/learn-to-fly-experiences\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">discovery flights<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During your discovery flight, a certified instructor will take you through a pre-flight inspection before letting you hop in the pilot\u2019s seat! You\u2019ll board a small, modified plane that has controls on both sides of the cockpit. While your instructor handles takeoff and landing, you\u2019ll take over and practice basic maneuvers up in the air.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These introductory flights are the perfect time to ask questions and get a feeling for flying. If you love it, great! If not, no harm done.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>STEP 4: GET YOUR STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10503 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/flycouple-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"Learn to fly\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ok, so you fell in love with flying. Now what? Before you can take to the skies on your own, you must successfully obtain a student pilot certificate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This certificate differs from others in that it does not require a set number of flight hours. Instead, you must complete an application to the Flight Standards District Office and receive an endorsement from a certified flight instructor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll likely have to complete several practice flights before qualifying for an endorsement. Don\u2019t worry, these flights can all count towards your required training hours. In general, you\u2019ll need to master the following skills:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flight preparation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safe takeoffs and landings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining positive control of the plane during climbs, descents, and straight flight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consistently showing good judgement and safety<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have your student pilot certificate, you can officially fly solo and start working toward your goals!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>STEP 5: TAKE TO THE SKIES<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8371 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/10-learn-to-fly-lesson-cool-gifts-for-graduates-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"unique college graduation presents\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/10-learn-to-fly-lesson-cool-gifts-for-graduates-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/10-learn-to-fly-lesson-cool-gifts-for-graduates-77x55.jpg 77w, https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/10-learn-to-fly-lesson-cool-gifts-for-graduates.jpg 504w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your first solo flight will be something you never forget! Experience the true freedom of flight as you take off, soar, and land all on your own. Of course, your instructor will still be watching over you from the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As previously mentioned, most pilot certificates require a different amount of logged flight hours before you can be certified. The best way to get them? By flying, of course!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you happen to own a plane, great! Get out there and start logging hours! However, if you\u2019re like most of us, you\u2019ll need to rent a plane. While most flight schools offer rental packages, the hourly rate can stack up over time. No matter how you rack up hours, be sure to carefully log each one according to FAA standards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During this time, it\u2019s also important to brush up on your ground training and general flight knowledge. You\u2019ll need it to pass your pilot certification tests!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>STEP 6: PASS YOUR PILOT TESTS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10758 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/learntofly.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of the certification, you\u2019ll have to pass several tests before you can secure your ticket to the skies. At the bare minimum, this will include a Pilot Knowledge Test and Pilot Practical Exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The knowledge test is a written test covering everything from airplane instruments to Air Traffic Control and Federal Aviation Regulations. While your flight instructor will introduce you to a lot of these concepts during training, you\u2019ll likely have to do a lot of studying on your own. Any questions that you miss can be reviewed and revisited after the test.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, your practical exam is a hands-on, oral test given by a FAA-certified examiner. You\u2019ll answer a variety of verbal questions before taking them through your preflight procedures. Then, buckle up for a practice flight where you\u2019ll demonstrate different maneuvers and run through hypothetical emergency situations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please note that the Commercial Pilot and Airline Transport Pilot certificates both require additional testing and pilot ratings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you pass all of your tests, congratulations! Your official FAA pilot\u2019s certification will be sent to you in the mail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>STEP 7: BOOST YOUR CERTIFICATE WITH PILOT RATINGS AND ENDORSEMENTS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8389 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/2-plane-tickets-presents-for-high-school-graduates-1-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"gift ideas for graduates\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/2-plane-tickets-presents-for-high-school-graduates-1-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/2-plane-tickets-presents-for-high-school-graduates-1-77x55.jpg 77w, https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/2-plane-tickets-presents-for-high-school-graduates-1.jpg 504w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilot ratings and endorsements are special add-ons that allow you to fly different types of airplanes or during certain weather conditions. While they do require extra training, you\u2019ll gain valuable experience and become a better pilot!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most common pilot ratings and endorsements include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instrument Rating: This rating requires 20 additional hours of training and allows you to fly in the clouds or in poor visibility conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multi-Engine Rating: With this rating, you\u2019ll be able to fly airplanes with more than one engine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complex Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to fly airplanes with retractable landing gear, movable flaps, or a controllable-pitch propeller<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High Performance Endorsement: Fly airplanes with over 200 horsepower. This endorsement is necessary if you\u2019re pursuing a Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot certificate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After boosting your pilot\u2019s certificate with ratings and endorsements, there\u2019s only one thing left to do\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>STEP 8: CELEBRATE!\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11074 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.virgingifts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Biplane-Flying.jpg\" alt=\"Biplane Flight\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve trained, you\u2019ve studied, and it\u2019s finally official: you\u2019re a certified pilot! Celebrate with a bottle of champagne or take a victory lap across the sky. You deserve it!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thinking about becoming a pilot? Learning is easier than you\u2019d think!\u00a0 Imagine slipping into the pilot\u2019s seat, flipping on the controls, and feeling the plane\u2019s engine come to life beneath your fingertips. Experience a wave of excitement as you expertly guide the plane down the runway and into the sky!\u00a0 Whether you\u2019ve always dreamed of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":8371,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[308,65],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11970","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","category-inspiration"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Become a Pilot in 8 Easy Steps - Virgin Gifts Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From booking a discovery flight to passing your practical exams, these 8 steps will make your journey to becoming a pilot a breeze!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Become a Pilot in 8 Easy Steps - 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