3 answers
Talia
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
2
Questions
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How long does it take to train as a pilot?
I am in the 11th grade, I'm 16 years old and plan on going to pilot school after I graduate highschool.
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3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Talia,
Embarking on a Pilot's Journey
Embarking on the journey to become a pilot is a thrilling and fulfilling career decision that demands commitment, time, and financial resources. The roadmap to becoming a pilot can differ based on the kind of pilot license you're aiming for and the route you decide to follow. Here's a simplified guide to the standard training process for budding pilots:
1. Private Pilot License (PPL):
The initial step towards becoming a pilot is securing a Private Pilot License (PPL). This license enables you to fly for leisure and serves as the groundwork for additional training.
To earn a PPL, you need to log a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, which includes at least 20 hours of flight instruction and 10 hours of solo flight time.
The duration to earn your PPL can fluctuate based on elements like weather conditions, lesson frequency, and personal learning speed. On average, learners earn their PPL within 3 to 6 months.
2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
If your ambition is to build a profession as a professional pilot, you'll need to secure a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) after obtaining your PPL.
The CPL training expands on the skills acquired during the PPL training and concentrates on advanced flight maneuvers, navigation methods, and emergency protocols.
CPL training generally necessitates an additional 190 to 250 hours of flight time, encompassing both dual and solo flights, as well as ground school instruction.
The CPL training duration can fluctuate but usually takes around 6 to 12 months to finish.
3. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL):
For those with aspirations to become airline pilots, the subsequent step after securing a CPL is to acquire an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
ATPL training includes advanced flight training, incorporating multi-engine aircraft operations, crew resource management, and airline-specific procedures.
The total flight time required for an ATPL can vary from 1,500 to 1,500 hours, subject to the aviation regulations of the respective country.
Completing ATPL training can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years or more, depending on the individual’s speed and training program.
Final Thoughts: In summary, the duration to train as a pilot can fluctuate based on the type of license you're aiming for and personal factors like commitment, resource availability, and learning speed. On average, from beginning with a PPL to earning an ATPL, it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years or more. It's crucial to explore different flight schools and training programs to find one that aligns with your objectives and schedule.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - The FAA is the governing body for aviation in the United States and offers comprehensive information on pilot licensing prerequisites and training standards.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - ICAO establishes international benchmarks for aviation safety and security, including guidelines for pilot training programs.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) - AOPA is a prominent organization that provides resources and support for pilots of all experience levels, including information on pilot training routes.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Embarking on a Pilot's Journey
Embarking on the journey to become a pilot is a thrilling and fulfilling career decision that demands commitment, time, and financial resources. The roadmap to becoming a pilot can differ based on the kind of pilot license you're aiming for and the route you decide to follow. Here's a simplified guide to the standard training process for budding pilots:
1. Private Pilot License (PPL):
The initial step towards becoming a pilot is securing a Private Pilot License (PPL). This license enables you to fly for leisure and serves as the groundwork for additional training.
To earn a PPL, you need to log a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, which includes at least 20 hours of flight instruction and 10 hours of solo flight time.
The duration to earn your PPL can fluctuate based on elements like weather conditions, lesson frequency, and personal learning speed. On average, learners earn their PPL within 3 to 6 months.
2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
If your ambition is to build a profession as a professional pilot, you'll need to secure a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) after obtaining your PPL.
The CPL training expands on the skills acquired during the PPL training and concentrates on advanced flight maneuvers, navigation methods, and emergency protocols.
CPL training generally necessitates an additional 190 to 250 hours of flight time, encompassing both dual and solo flights, as well as ground school instruction.
The CPL training duration can fluctuate but usually takes around 6 to 12 months to finish.
3. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL):
For those with aspirations to become airline pilots, the subsequent step after securing a CPL is to acquire an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
ATPL training includes advanced flight training, incorporating multi-engine aircraft operations, crew resource management, and airline-specific procedures.
The total flight time required for an ATPL can vary from 1,500 to 1,500 hours, subject to the aviation regulations of the respective country.
Completing ATPL training can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years or more, depending on the individual’s speed and training program.
Final Thoughts: In summary, the duration to train as a pilot can fluctuate based on the type of license you're aiming for and personal factors like commitment, resource availability, and learning speed. On average, from beginning with a PPL to earning an ATPL, it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years or more. It's crucial to explore different flight schools and training programs to find one that aligns with your objectives and schedule.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - The FAA is the governing body for aviation in the United States and offers comprehensive information on pilot licensing prerequisites and training standards.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - ICAO establishes international benchmarks for aviation safety and security, including guidelines for pilot training programs.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) - AOPA is a prominent organization that provides resources and support for pilots of all experience levels, including information on pilot training routes.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Sean Antonucci
Aircraft and Helicopter Mechanic/Retired US Army Special Operations
7
Answers
Chelsea, Alabama
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hi Talia,
The short answer is: as long as you want, money provided.
The long answer is: It can take months or even years for some people, typically because it takes a pretty good amount of money to get trained. Most people would go to a aeronautical college and pursue it that way. Others pay out of pocket, like I did, and build time and skills over time. It's not incredibly difficult, but it is not easy.
To answer your question more directly, you just need to ask yourself: What kind of pilot? Commercial pilots typically have a minimum flight hour requirement to meet before a big company(Delta, American) will hire them, including an ATP(Air Transport Pilot) certification. Transport companies (FEDEX, DHL, UPS) may have other requirements, such as special licensing as refernced above. Helicopter Pilots also have certain training and certificates they must obtain. If becoming a fighter jet pilot is your goal, you'll need to look into what the service branch requirements would be. Each branch (except the Army) has fighter jets, cargo jets, transport planes, and list the minimum requirements. Every branch has helicopters. I only suggest this route because all of your training, flight time, instructor costs are paid for and you learn and do some really cool stuff. Thanks for the question and I hope I helped aid your decision and answered your question.
Seach for Aeronautical Colleges
Apply for funding, grants, and aid
Obtain as many special licenses as possible
Fly, fly, fly, build your flight time up
Apply everywhere thats hiring
The short answer is: as long as you want, money provided.
The long answer is: It can take months or even years for some people, typically because it takes a pretty good amount of money to get trained. Most people would go to a aeronautical college and pursue it that way. Others pay out of pocket, like I did, and build time and skills over time. It's not incredibly difficult, but it is not easy.
To answer your question more directly, you just need to ask yourself: What kind of pilot? Commercial pilots typically have a minimum flight hour requirement to meet before a big company(Delta, American) will hire them, including an ATP(Air Transport Pilot) certification. Transport companies (FEDEX, DHL, UPS) may have other requirements, such as special licensing as refernced above. Helicopter Pilots also have certain training and certificates they must obtain. If becoming a fighter jet pilot is your goal, you'll need to look into what the service branch requirements would be. Each branch (except the Army) has fighter jets, cargo jets, transport planes, and list the minimum requirements. Every branch has helicopters. I only suggest this route because all of your training, flight time, instructor costs are paid for and you learn and do some really cool stuff. Thanks for the question and I hope I helped aid your decision and answered your question.
Sean recommends the following next steps:
Alexzandria Valentine
First Officer
13
Answers
Powder Springs, Georgia
Updated
Alexzandria’s Answer
It all depends on two factors do you have enough time and money. at the flight school I use to instruct at you could get all of your ratings up to a commercial multi-engine license within 9 months to a year, but you would be dedicating all of your time to Flight Training so that's no job, no extra curricular activities, no school just training all the time. you could go to a four-year University where you ate completing Flight Training as well as getting your licenses or you could do a local Flight School where it takes however long it takes if you have more time and money to invest and you can get done faster if you don't have as much time or as much disposable income to do so it's going to take you longer.
As another example I had a student who only did flight training on Sundays because he worked Monday through Saturday and his paycheck during the week was to fund his day-to-day life as well as Flight Training. he took two years to complete his private. whereas most people have half if not all of their ratings within that time frame.
As another example I had a student who only did flight training on Sundays because he worked Monday through Saturday and his paycheck during the week was to fund his day-to-day life as well as Flight Training. he took two years to complete his private. whereas most people have half if not all of their ratings within that time frame.