Becoming a FAA certified pilot is a dream shared by thousands of aviation enthusiasts every year. Whether you want to fly for airlines, operate private jets, become a flight instructor, or simply enjoy recreational flying, earning an FAA pilot certificate is the first major step toward a professional aviation career.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates all civil aviation in the United States and sets the standards for pilot training, licensing, medical certification, and aircraft operations.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover:

How to become a FAA certified pilot
Types of FAA pilot licenses
Step-by-step training process
FAA medical requirements
Written, oral & practical exams
Pilot training costs and fees
Airline pilot career path
Salary expectations
Frequently asked questions

If you’re searching for “how to become a pilot in the USA”, “FAA pilot license cost”, or “FAA commercial pilot requirements”, this article covers everything in detail.

What Is a FAA Certified Pilot?

A FAA certified pilot is a person who has successfully completed the required flight training, passed the FAA knowledge (written) exam, passed the practical checkride, and holds an official pilot certificate issued by the FAA.

The FAA ensures pilots meet strict standards in:

Aeronautical knowledge
Flight proficiency
Safety regulations
Medical fitness

Without FAA certification, you cannot legally operate an aircraft in the United States.

Types of FAA Pilot Licenses

Before starting your aviation journey, it’s important to understand the different types of pilot certificates issued by the FAA.

1. Student Pilot Certificate

This is the first step in flight training. It allows you to fly solo under instructor supervision.

Requirements:

Minimum age: 16 years (14 for glider/balloon)
English proficiency
FAA medical certificate (usually Third Class)

2. Private Pilot License (PPL)

The Private Pilot License (PPL) is the most common entry-level license.

With a PPL, you can:

Fly for personal or recreational purposes
Carry passengers (not for compensation)
Fly cross-country
Add additional ratings

Minimum Requirements:

17 years old
40 flight hours minimum (Part 61)
Pass FAA written exam
Pass checkride

3. Instrument Rating (IR)

An Instrument Rating allows you to fly in low visibility conditions using instruments.

This rating is essential for:

Airline careers
Commercial pilots
Flying in IFR conditions

4. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

A Commercial Pilot License allows you to be paid for flying.

Minimum Requirements:

18 years old
250 total flight hours
Advanced maneuvers proficiency
Commercial checkride

This is the license required to start earning money as a pilot.

5. Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is the highest level of FAA pilot certification.

It is mandatory to serve as a captain for U.S. airlines.

Requirements:

23 years old (21 for restricted ATP)
1,500 flight hours
ATP written exam
ATP checkride

Most major airlines require an ATP.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Become a FAA Certified Pilot

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

To begin flight training in the United States, you must:

Be at least 16 years old
Read, speak, write, and understand English
Obtain a FAA medical certificate

Step 2: Obtain FAA Medical Certificate

Before solo flight, you must pass a medical exam from a FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

There are three classes:

First Class – Airline pilots
Second Class – Commercial pilots
Third Class – Private pilots

Step 3: Choose a Flight School (Part 61 vs Part 141)

You can train under:

Part 61 Flight School – Flexible schedule
Part 141 Flight School – Structured FAA-approved syllabus

Many large academies operate under FAA Part 141 regulations.

Step 4: Complete Ground School

Ground school covers:

Aerodynamics
Weather
Navigation
Airspace regulations
Aircraft systems
FAA rules

After completing ground training, you must pass the FAA Knowledge Test.

Step 5: Flight Training

Flight training includes:

Dual instruction (with instructor)
Solo flight
Cross-country flying
Night flying
Emergency procedures

Minimum hours for PPL: 40 (Most students finish around 60–70 hours).

Step 6: Pass FAA Written Exam

The FAA written test contains multiple-choice questions covering:

Weather theory
Flight planning
Regulations
Aircraft performance

Passing score: 70% minimum

Step 7: Pass Checkride (Oral + Practical Exam)

The checkride is conducted by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

It includes:

Oral examination
Flight test

If successful, you receive your FAA pilot certificate.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a FAA Certified Pilot?

One of the most searched questions is: “How much does FAA pilot training cost?”

Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Private Pilot License Cost

Flight training: $12,000 – $18,000
Written exam: $175
Checkride: $600 – $900
Medical exam: $100 – $200

Total Estimated Cost: $15,000 – $20,000

Instrument Rating Cost

$8,000 – $12,000

Commercial Pilot License Cost

$25,000 – $40,000 (including hour building)

Full Zero to ATP Cost

If starting from zero and going to ATP:

$70,000 – $120,000

Costs vary depending on:

Aircraft rental rates
Instructor fees
Location
School type
Time taken to complete training

FAA Pilot Career Path

Here’s a typical airline pilot career roadmap:

Private Pilot License
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot License
Multi-Engine Rating
Flight Instructor (CFI)
Build 1,500 hours
ATP Certificate
Regional Airline First Officer
Major Airline Captain

Many pilots build flight hours by working as flight instructors.

Pilot Salary in the United States

Pilot salaries vary depending on experience and employer.

Private Pilot

Not paid unless holding commercial certificate.

Commercial Pilot

$60,000 – $100,000 annually

Regional Airline Pilot

$90,000 – $150,000 per year

Major Airline Captain

$250,000 – $400,000+ per year

Airline pilots at major carriers can earn substantial six-figure salaries after gaining experience.

How Long Does It Take to Become a FAA Pilot?

Training time depends on schedule:

Private Pilot: 3–6 months
Commercial Pilot: 12–24 months
ATP: 2–4 years total career path

Full-time students finish faster than part-time trainees.

Benefits of Becoming a FAA Certified Pilot

High earning potential
Global career opportunities
Travel benefits
Professional prestige
Strong job demand
Aviation industry growth

The U.S. aviation industry continues to experience pilot shortages, creating strong hiring demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is becoming a FAA pilot difficult?

It requires dedication, discipline, and study, but thousands successfully complete training each year.

Can international students get FAA certification?

Yes. International students can train in the U.S. but must complete TSA approval and visa requirements.

Is college required to become a pilot?

No. A degree is not required for FAA certification, but major airlines may prefer it.

What is the minimum age to become an airline pilot?

23 years old for full ATP.

Tips for Success in FAA Pilot Training

Study consistently
Fly regularly to avoid skill loss
Choose a reputable flight school
Maintain medical fitness
Network within aviation industry
Stay current with FAA regulations

Final Thoughts: Is Becoming a FAA Certified Pilot Worth It?

Becoming a FAA certified pilot is one of the most rewarding careers in aviation. While the costs can be significant and the training demanding, the long-term career opportunities, salary potential, and personal satisfaction make it an excellent investment.

From earning your Private Pilot License (PPL) to achieving your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, the journey requires commitment — but the sky truly is the limit.

If you are passionate about aviation, now is the perfect time to begin your journey toward becoming a FAA certified pilot in 2026.

How to Become a FAA Certified Pilot: Career Path, Costs, Requirements & Complete Guide (2026)