Steps To Getting Your Pilot's License

Believe it or not, anybody can earn their pilot's license, and the myth that it can cost tens of thousands of dollars is a myth. You can earn your pilot's license for as little as $4,000. And best of all, everything is a pay as you go program, so you fly when you want to and when you have the money.

There are two basic types of licenses that the non-commercial pilot has the choice of. You can either get a private pilots license, which lets you fly almost single-piston engine airplane with any amount of passengers, or the sport license, which allows you to fly up to one passenger in a smaller, more regulated and limited airplane. The private pilot's license takes twice as many hours as the sport pilots license, and because you pay by the hour, it costs about half as much.

For both types of licenses, or certificates properly named, you need a medical certificate. If all you want is a sport pilot's certificate, a driver's license will act as your medical certificate. But, however, if you would like a Private Pilot's license, you need a class three medical certificate which will also double as your Student Pilot's license.

You must be at least 16 years of age to solo (fly an airplane by yourself) and 17 years to get your certificate, and must be able to read, speak, and understand the international language of aviation (English).

The first step to achieving your dream of flying, you must find a flight school. AOPA.org offers a great database that will show you local flight schools, or you can just do a quick Google search to find the closest one to you. Most flight schools will offer an introductory flight for around $59. This is the most important flight, as it will help you decide if you will be able to cooperate and learn from the instructor you have. It is suggested that you try out as many different flight schools and instructors as possible.

After you have found the flight instructor that works for you, keep up with it! It is suggested you take at least two lessons per week to keep up the flow of learning, and to not have to repeat what you have already learned simply because you have not been in the air in a while. Flying is an immensely rewarding experience, and even after you will learn forever after you get your certificate.

By: Camron Matschek

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

If you are interested in flying, you can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to learn by downloading a flight simulation product such as. I highly recommend, Pro Flight Simulator pro-flight-simulator.net, as it has a built in flight planner, which can help with real life flying.