Pilot License Requirements: The Honest Checklist
Everything required to earn an FAA certificate — eligibility, hours, knowledge test, checkride. No fluff.
The FAA's pilot requirements live in 14 CFR §61.301-313. Here is the practical checklist.
Eligibility (§61.303)
- Age: 17 (16 for glider/balloon)
- English proficiency: Read, speak, write, understand English
- Medical: Valid US driver's license OR a current FAA medical. If your last FAA medical was denied, suspended, or revoked, you cannot use the driver's license medical until that is resolved.
Aeronautical knowledge (§61.309)
You must receive ground instruction or complete a home-study course covering:
- Federal aviation regulations
- Accident reporting (NTSB Part 830)
- Charts, navigation, dead reckoning
- Radio communication procedures
- Weather, weather services, weather reports
- Aircraft performance and weight & balance
- Aeromedical factors, ADM, runway incursion avoidance
Pass the Pilot Airplane knowledge test (computer-based, 40 questions, 70% to pass).
Flight experience (§61.313)
Minimum 20 hours total, including:
- 15 hours of dual instruction in the category/class
- 5 hours of solo
- 2 hours of cross-country dual with landings at a point more than 25 NM from the departure
- 10 takeoffs and landings solo to a full stop
- 2 hours of dual prep for the practical test within 2 calendar months of the test
Endorsements you'll collect
- Pre-solo written and solo endorsement
- Cross-country endorsement (allows solo XC up to 25 NM, and after additional training, beyond)
- Class B/C/D airspace endorsement (one-time per class)
- Knowledge test endorsement
- Practical test endorsement
Checkride (practical test)
Conducted by an FAA examiner (DPE) or ASI. Includes an oral exam and a flight test against the Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Expect ~3-4 hours total.
What it costs
Realistically $5,500-7,500 in DFW at modern rates. That includes ~35 flight hours, ground instruction, books, knowledge test ($175), and DPE fee ($600-800).
What you can do once certified
Day VFR, one passenger, Light Sport, up to 10,000' MSL. With airspace endorsements, you can fly through DFW or Love Field's Class B. With the XC endorsement, you can plan trips anywhere in the country.
Ready to start? See A4's fleet and apply.