Have you ever wanted to take to the skies and handle a plane like a pro? Dr. Mark McBath discusses the 7 simple steps you'll need to take, including qualifications and education, to get your own private pilot's license.

1. Steps to
7 Get Your
Private Pilot’s License
Simple

2. NUMBER
ONE
The Requirements
Just as there are requirements for driving,
there are things you must do before you can
get your license. You must be at least 16
years old to get your student pilot’s certificate
and at least 17 to get your actual license. !
!
You’ll also need to prove you’re in excellent
medical health by getting certified by an FAA-
designated medical examiner. !
!
Finally, you’ll need to have a firm grasp on the
English language — it is the language of
choice by all airports and control towers
around the world!

3. NUMBER
TWO
Enrolling in a School
Aviation airports are a good place to start your
search for a school. Even if they don’t have a school
themselves, they’ll be able to recommend one for
you. The costs for hourly training and plane rentals
adds up quickly, so be prepared to spend around
$5,000-$8,000 during the course of your training.

4. NUMBER
THREE
Find the Right Teacher
Finding the right teacher is more
important than you might think. The
two of you are going to spend a lot of
time together as you get a handle on
flying regulations, plane operations,
weather reports, and much more.
Spend some time asking your teacher
questions about his or her
background and experience to make
sure that you get a good fit.

5. NUMBER
FOUR
Practical Training
Now it’s time to get up in the air! As part of your training, you’ll need to complete
30-40 hours with your instructor getting a handle on the controls. This hands-on
approach is critical to helping you master your skills before your test. Most
students end up actually spending double that time to instill confidence, so be
prepared to put in the effort.

6. NUMBER
FIVE
Flying Solo
When your instructor finally gives
you the OK, you’ll be all set to start
flying solo. This is an important
part of your training because you
won’t always have your instructor
there to babysit you while you fly.
You’ll also be able to hone your
skills by playing realistic flight
simulators while you’re away from
a plane.

7. NUMBER
SIX
The Written Test
Your written exam consists of 60 multiple
questions over the span of two and a half hours.
It’s a lengthy test that’s designed to see how
much you remember from all your training. If you
pass it, you’ll have two years to pass the final
step in the process — the flight test!

8. NUMBER
SEVEN
The “Flight Check”
Your final step — the flight test or “flight check” — is
where you’ll prove to a FAA examiner that you’re
ready for your pilot’s license. You will need a
recommendation from your flight instructor before
you can reach this step. Be prepared to answer a
series of questions before showing the examiner
your handling skills in the air. If you succeed, you’ll
receive a temporary pilot’s license, which will be
replaced by a permanent one in the mail!