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USA Banner
Become a Pilot
What is the first step to becoming a pilot?
Decide what you want to fly. FAA's rules for getting a pilot's license (certificate) differ depending on the type of aircraft you fly. You can choose among airplanes, gyroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons, or airships. If you are interested in flying ultralight vehicles, you don't need a pilot's license.
You should also think about what type of flying you want to do. There are several different types of pilot's licenses, from student pilot all the way up to airline transport pilot. The information below describes the eligibility, training, experience, and testing requirements for Student Pilots, Recreational Pilots and Private Pilots.
Certification
Deaf Pilot Frequently Asked Questions
Limits on the Recreational Pilot Certificate
Medical Certification
Medical Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Certificates
Student Pilot's Certificate Requirements
Sport Pilot
Frequently Asked Questions
Handbooks and Manuals
Testing
Pilot Testing
Recreational Pilot And Private Pilot Knowledge Tests
Recreational Pilot And Private Pilot Practical Tests
Training
Pilot Training
Student Pilot Training and Limits
If you didn't find what you need above, please contact your nearest
FAA Flight Standards District Office
. |
| Markdown | Please enable JavaScript to use this site.
[Skip to main content](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become#main)
# USA Banner

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[United States Department of Transportation](https://www.transportation.gov/)
[](https://www.faa.gov/ "Home")
## Secondary navigation
- [About](https://www.faa.gov/about/)
- [Jobs](https://www.faa.gov/jobs/)
- [News](https://www.faa.gov/newsroom)
## Main navigation (Desktop)
- [Aircraft](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft)
## Subnav: Aircraft 1
- [Aircraft Certification](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/)
- [Aviation Safety Draft Documents Open for Comment](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/)
- [Vintage & Experimental Aircraft Program](https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/vintage_experimental/)
## Subnav: Aircraft 2
- [Aircraft Safety](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/)
- [General Aviation & Recreational Aircraft](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/)
- [Repair Stations](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/repair/)
- [Air Carrier & Air Agency Certification](https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airline_certification/)
- [Air Traffic](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic)
## Subnav: Air Traffic 1
- [Air Traffic By The Numbers](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/by_the_numbers/)
- [Air Traffic Environmental Review](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/environmental_issues/)
- [Community Engagement](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/community_engagement/)
- [Flight Information](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/)
- [International Aviation](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/international_aviation/)
- [National Airspace System](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/nas/)
## Subnav: Air Traffic 2
- [NextGen](https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/)
- [Obstruction Evaluation](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/obstruction_evaluation/)
- [Air Traffic Plans and Publications](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/)
- [Separation Standards](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/separation_standards/)
- [Technology](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/)
- [Weather](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/weather/)
- [Airports](https://www.faa.gov/airports)
## Subnav: Airports 1
- [Airport Cooperative Research Program](https://www.faa.gov/airports/acrp/)
- [Airport Improvement Program](https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/)
- [Airport Compliance](https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_compliance/)
- [Airport Rescue Grants](https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_rescue_grants/)
- [Airport Safety](https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/)
- [Airport Certification](https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/part139_cert)
- [CARES Act Grants](https://www.faa.gov/airports/cares_act/)
- [Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program](https://www.faa.gov/airports/crrsaa/)
## Subnav: Airports 2
- [Engineering, Design, & Construction](https://www.faa.gov/airports/engineering/)
- [Environmental Programs](https://www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/)
- [News & Information](https://www.faa.gov/airports/news_information/)
- [Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program](https://www.faa.gov/airports/pfc/)
- [Planning & Capacity](https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/)
- [Resources](https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/)
- [Regions](https://www.faa.gov/airports/regions/)
- [Runway Safety](https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/)
- [Airport Safety Information Video Series](https://www.faa.gov/airports/safety-video-series)
- [Pilots & Airmen](https://www.faa.gov/pilots)
## Subnav: Airmen 1
- [Find an Aviation Medical Examiner](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/)
- [Become a Pilot](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/)
- [International Flight](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/intl/)
- [Pilot Certificates & Records](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/lic_cert/)
- [Medical Certification](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification)
- [FAA Safety Team](https://www.faa.gov/faasteam)
## Subnav: Airmen 2
- [Mechanics](https://www.faa.gov/mechanics)
- [Repairmen](https://www.faa.gov/repairmen)
- [Designees](https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/designees_delegations)
- [Airmen Certification](https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/)
- [Training & Testing](https://www.faa.gov/training_testing)
- [From the Flight Deck](https://www.faa.gov/flight_deck)
- [Data & Research](https://www.faa.gov/data_research)
## Subnav: Data & Research 1
- [Accident & Incident Data](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/)
- [Aviation Forecasts](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/aviation/)
- [Aviation Data & Statistics](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/aviation_data_statistics/)
- [Commercial Space Data](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/commercial_space_data/)
- [Economic Impact](https://www.faa.gov/economic-impact)
## Subnav: Data & Research 2
- [Funding & Grant Data](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/funding_grant/)
- [Passengers & Cargo](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/passengers_cargo/)
- [Research](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/research/)
- [Safety](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/safety/)
- [Technical Library](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/library)
- [Regulations](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies)
## Subnav: Regulations 1
- [Advisory Circulars](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/)
- [Airworthiness Directives](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/)
- [FAA Regulations](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/faa_regulations/)
- [Forms](https://www.faa.gov/forms)
- [Handbooks & Manuals](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/)
- [Orders & Notices](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/)
## Subnav: Regulations 2
- [Pilot Records Database](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/pilot_records_database/)
- [Policy & Guidance](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/policy_guidance/)
- [Rulemaking](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/)
- [Temporary Flight Restrictions](https://tfr.faa.gov/)
- [Notices to Airmen (NOTAM)](https://pilotweb.nas.faa.gov/PilotWeb/)
- [Space](https://www.faa.gov/space)
## Subnav: Space 1
- [About the Office of Commercial Space Transportation](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast)
- [Careers](https://www.faa.gov/space/careers)
- [Licenses, Permits & Approvals](https://www.faa.gov/space/licenses)
- [Resources & Additional Information](https://www.faa.gov/space/resources_and_Information)
- [Legislation & Policies, Regulations & Guidance](https://www.faa.gov/space/legislation_regulation_guidance/)
- [Environmental](https://www.faa.gov/space/environmental)
- [Spaceports](https://www.faa.gov/space/office_spaceports)
## Subnav: Space 2
- [Airspace Integration](https://www.faa.gov/space/airspace_integration/)
- [Stakeholder Engagement](https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_engagement/)
- [Compliance, Enforcement & Mishap](https://www.faa.gov/space/compliance_enforcement_mishap)
- [Commercial Human Space Flight](https://www.faa.gov/space/human_spaceflight)
- [Drones](https://www.faa.gov/uas)
## Subnav: Drones 1
- [Advanced Air Mobility](https://www.faa.gov/air-taxis)
- [Advanced Operations](https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/)
- [Certificated Remote Pilots including Commercial Operators](https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.faa.gov/uas/contact_us/)
- [Critical Infrastructure & Public Venues](https://www.faa.gov/uas/critical_infrastructure/)
- [Drone Events](https://www.faa.gov/uas/events)
- [Educational Users](https://www.faa.gov/uas/educational_users/)
- [UAS en Espanol](https://www.faa.gov/uas/espanol/para_empezar/)
## Subnav: Drones 2
- [Getting Started](https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/)
- [Public Safety and Government](https://www.faa.gov/uas/public_safety_gov/)
- [Programs, Partnerships & Opportunities](https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/)
- [Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations](https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers)
- [Resources & Other Topics](https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/)
- [Research & Development](https://www.faa.gov/uas/research_development/)
Menu Main navigation (Desktop)
## Main navigation (Mobile)
- [Aircraft](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft)
## Subnav: Aircraft 1
- [Aircraft Certification](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/)
- [Aviation Safety Draft Documents Open for Comment](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/)
- [Vintage & Experimental Aircraft Program](https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/vintage_experimental/)
## Subnav: Aircraft 2
- [Aircraft Safety](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/)
- [General Aviation & Recreational Aircraft](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/)
- [Repair Stations](https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/repair/)
- [Air Carrier & Air Agency Certification](https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airline_certification/)
- [Air Traffic](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic)
## Subnav: Air Traffic 1
- [Air Traffic By The Numbers](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/by_the_numbers/)
- [Air Traffic Environmental Review](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/environmental_issues/)
- [Community Engagement](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/community_engagement/)
- [Flight Information](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/)
- [International Aviation](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/international_aviation/)
- [National Airspace System](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/nas/)
## Subnav: Air Traffic 2
- [NextGen](https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/)
- [Obstruction Evaluation](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/obstruction_evaluation/)
- [Air Traffic Plans and Publications](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/)
- [Separation Standards](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/separation_standards/)
- [Technology](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/)
- [Weather](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/weather/)
- [Airports](https://www.faa.gov/airports)
## Subnav: Airports 1
- [Airport Cooperative Research Program](https://www.faa.gov/airports/acrp/)
- [Airport Improvement Program](https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/)
- [Airport Compliance](https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_compliance/)
- [Airport Rescue Grants](https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_rescue_grants/)
- [Airport Safety](https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/)
- [Airport Certification](https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/part139_cert)
- [CARES Act Grants](https://www.faa.gov/airports/cares_act/)
- [Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program](https://www.faa.gov/airports/crrsaa/)
## Subnav: Airports 2
- [Engineering, Design, & Construction](https://www.faa.gov/airports/engineering/)
- [Environmental Programs](https://www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/)
- [News & Information](https://www.faa.gov/airports/news_information/)
- [Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program](https://www.faa.gov/airports/pfc/)
- [Planning & Capacity](https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/)
- [Resources](https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/)
- [Regions](https://www.faa.gov/airports/regions/)
- [Runway Safety](https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/)
- [Airport Safety Information Video Series](https://www.faa.gov/airports/safety-video-series)
- [Pilots & Airmen](https://www.faa.gov/pilots)
## Subnav: Airmen 1
- [Find an Aviation Medical Examiner](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/)
- [Become a Pilot](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/)
- [International Flight](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/intl/)
- [Pilot Certificates & Records](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/lic_cert/)
- [Medical Certification](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification)
- [FAA Safety Team](https://www.faa.gov/faasteam)
## Subnav: Airmen 2
- [Mechanics](https://www.faa.gov/mechanics)
- [Repairmen](https://www.faa.gov/repairmen)
- [Designees](https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/designees_delegations)
- [Airmen Certification](https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/)
- [Training & Testing](https://www.faa.gov/training_testing)
- [From the Flight Deck](https://www.faa.gov/flight_deck)
- [Data & Research](https://www.faa.gov/data_research)
## Subnav: Data & Research 1
- [Accident & Incident Data](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/)
- [Aviation Forecasts](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/aviation/)
- [Aviation Data & Statistics](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/aviation_data_statistics/)
- [Commercial Space Data](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/commercial_space_data/)
- [Economic Impact](https://www.faa.gov/economic-impact)
## Subnav: Data & Research 2
- [Funding & Grant Data](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/funding_grant/)
- [Passengers & Cargo](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/passengers_cargo/)
- [Research](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/research/)
- [Safety](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/safety/)
- [Technical Library](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/library)
- [Regulations](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies)
## Subnav: Regulations 1
- [Advisory Circulars](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/)
- [Airworthiness Directives](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/)
- [FAA Regulations](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/faa_regulations/)
- [Forms](https://www.faa.gov/forms)
- [Handbooks & Manuals](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/)
- [Orders & Notices](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/)
## Subnav: Regulations 2
- [Pilot Records Database](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/pilot_records_database/)
- [Policy & Guidance](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/policy_guidance/)
- [Rulemaking](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/)
- [Temporary Flight Restrictions](https://tfr.faa.gov/)
- [Notices to Airmen (NOTAM)](https://pilotweb.nas.faa.gov/PilotWeb/)
- [Space](https://www.faa.gov/space)
## Subnav: Space 1
- [About the Office of Commercial Space Transportation](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast)
- [Careers](https://www.faa.gov/space/careers)
- [Licenses, Permits & Approvals](https://www.faa.gov/space/licenses)
- [Resources & Additional Information](https://www.faa.gov/space/resources_and_Information)
- [Legislation & Policies, Regulations & Guidance](https://www.faa.gov/space/legislation_regulation_guidance/)
- [Environmental](https://www.faa.gov/space/environmental)
- [Spaceports](https://www.faa.gov/space/office_spaceports)
## Subnav: Space 2
- [Airspace Integration](https://www.faa.gov/space/airspace_integration/)
- [Stakeholder Engagement](https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_engagement/)
- [Compliance, Enforcement & Mishap](https://www.faa.gov/space/compliance_enforcement_mishap)
- [Commercial Human Space Flight](https://www.faa.gov/space/human_spaceflight)
- [Drones](https://www.faa.gov/uas)
## Subnav: Drones 1
- [Advanced Air Mobility](https://www.faa.gov/air-taxis)
- [Advanced Operations](https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/)
- [Certificated Remote Pilots including Commercial Operators](https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.faa.gov/uas/contact_us/)
- [Critical Infrastructure & Public Venues](https://www.faa.gov/uas/critical_infrastructure/)
- [Drone Events](https://www.faa.gov/uas/events)
- [Educational Users](https://www.faa.gov/uas/educational_users/)
- [UAS en Espanol](https://www.faa.gov/uas/espanol/para_empezar/)
## Subnav: Drones 2
- [Getting Started](https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/)
- [Public Safety and Government](https://www.faa.gov/uas/public_safety_gov/)
- [Programs, Partnerships & Opportunities](https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/)
- [Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations](https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers)
- [Resources & Other Topics](https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/)
- [Research & Development](https://www.faa.gov/uas/research_development/)
Menu Main navigation (Mobile)
1. [Home](https://www.faa.gov/)
2. [Pilots](https://www.faa.gov/pilots)
3. [Become a Pilot](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become)
# In This Section
- [Overview](https://www.faa.gov/pilots)
- [Become a Pilot](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become)
- [International Flight](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/intl)
- [Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed (LADD)](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/ladd)
- [Overview](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/ladd)
- [Medical Certification](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification)
- [Overview](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification)
- [How to obtain a Medical Certificate](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification/get)
- [Request Copy of Medical Certificate](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification/request_copy)
- [Over-the-Counter Medications](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification/medications)
- [Requesting Medical Records](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification/requesting_medical_records)
- [Regional Flight Surgeon Contact Information](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification/rfs)
- [Pilot Certificates & Records](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/lic_cert)
- [Overview](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/lic_cert)
- [Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 (PRIA)](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/lic_cert/pria)
- [Pilot Safety](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety)
- [Pilot's Bill of Rights](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/rights)
- [Training](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training)
- [Overview](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training)
- [Air Carrier Contract Training](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/air_carrier_contract)
- [Air Carrier Training](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/air_carrier)
- [Part 142 Training Centers](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/part_142)
- [Airman Education Programs](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/airman_education)
# Become a Pilot
## What is the first step to becoming a pilot?
Decide what you want to fly. FAA's rules for getting a pilot's license (certificate) differ depending on the type of aircraft you fly. You can choose among airplanes, gyroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons, or airships. If you are interested in flying ultralight vehicles, you don't need a pilot's license.
You should also think about what type of flying you want to do. There are several different types of pilot's licenses, from student pilot all the way up to airline transport pilot. The information below describes the eligibility, training, experience, and testing requirements for Student Pilots, Recreational Pilots and Private Pilots.
- Certification
- [Deaf Pilot Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.faa.gov/faq?combine=&field_faq_category_target_id=11571)
- [Limits on the Recreational Pilot Certificate](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/limit_rec)
- [Medical Certification](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification)
- [Medical Certificate Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.faa.gov/faq?combine=&field_faq_category_target_id=11581)
- [Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Certificates](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/rec_private)
- [Student Pilot's Certificate Requirements](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/student_cert)
- [Sport Pilot](https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/sport_pilot)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/faq)
- [Handbooks and Manuals](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals)
- Testing
- [Pilot Testing](https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing)
- [Recreational Pilot And Private Pilot Knowledge Tests](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/knowledge)
- [Recreational Pilot And Private Pilot Practical Tests](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/practical)
- Training
- [Pilot Training](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training)
- [Student Pilot Training and Limits](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/student_training)
If you didn't find what you need above, please contact your nearest [FAA Flight Standards District Office](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo).
Last updated: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
## U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591
866.835.5322 (866-TELL-FAA)
[Contact Us](https://www.faa.gov/contact)
## Get Important Info/Data
- [Accident & Incident Data](https://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/)
- [Airport Data & Information Portal (ADIP)](https://adip.faa.gov/agis/public/#/public/)
- [Charting & Data](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/)
- [Flight Delay Information](https://nasstatus.faa.gov/)
- [Supplemental Type Certificates](https://drs.faa.gov/browse)
- [Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS)](https://drs.faa.gov/browse)
## Review Documents
- [Aircraft Handbooks & Manuals](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/)
- [Airport Diagrams](https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/diagrams/)
- [Aviation Handbooks & Manuals](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/)
- [Examiner & Inspector](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/examiners_inspectors/)
- [FAA Guidance](https://www.faa.gov/guidance/)
- [Performance Reports & Plans](https://www.faa.gov/about/plans_reports/#performance)
## Moving FAA Forward
- [Brand New Air Traffic Control System](https://www.faa.gov/new-atcs)
- [Advanced Air Mobility](https://www.faa.gov/air-taxis)
- [Air Traffic Controller Hiring](https://www.faa.gov/atc-hiring)
## Visit Other FAA Sites
- [Airmen Inquiry](https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/airmeninquiry/)
- [Airmen Online Services](https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/amsrvs/Logon.asp)
- [N-Number Lookup](https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NNumberInquiry)
- [FAA Safety Team](https://www.faa.gov/faasteam)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.faa.gov/faq)
## Policies, Rights & Legal
- [About DOT](https://www.transportation.gov/about)
- [Budget and Performance](https://www.transportation.gov/budget/dot-budget-and-performance)
- [Civil Rights](https://www.civilrights.dot.gov/)
- [FOIA](https://www.faa.gov/foia/)
- [Information Quality](https://www.transportation.gov/dot-information-dissemination-quality-guidelines)
- [No FEAR Act](https://www.civilrights.dot.gov/civil-rights-awareness-enforcement/employment-related/affirmative-employment/no-fear-act)
- [Office of Inspector General](https://www.oig.dot.gov/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.faa.gov/privacy/)
- [USA.gov](https://www.usa.gov/)
- [Web Policies and Notices](https://www.faa.gov/web_policies/)
- [Web Standards](https://www.transportation.gov/web-standards)
- [DOT Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/FAA)
- [DOT Twitter](https://twitter.com/faanews)
- [DOT Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/faa/)
- [DOT LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/faa)
- [FAA YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/FAAnews)
- [Cleared for Takeoff Blog](https://www.faa.gov/blog/cleared_for_takeoff) |
| Readable Markdown | [Skip to main content](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become#main)
## USA Banner
[](https://www.faa.gov/ "Home")
## Become a Pilot
## What is the first step to becoming a pilot?
Decide what you want to fly. FAA's rules for getting a pilot's license (certificate) differ depending on the type of aircraft you fly. You can choose among airplanes, gyroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons, or airships. If you are interested in flying ultralight vehicles, you don't need a pilot's license.
You should also think about what type of flying you want to do. There are several different types of pilot's licenses, from student pilot all the way up to airline transport pilot. The information below describes the eligibility, training, experience, and testing requirements for Student Pilots, Recreational Pilots and Private Pilots.
- Certification
- [Deaf Pilot Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.faa.gov/faq?combine=&field_faq_category_target_id=11571)
- [Limits on the Recreational Pilot Certificate](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/limit_rec)
- [Medical Certification](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification)
- [Medical Certificate Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.faa.gov/faq?combine=&field_faq_category_target_id=11581)
- [Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Certificates](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/rec_private)
- [Student Pilot's Certificate Requirements](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/student_cert)
- [Sport Pilot](https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/sport_pilot)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/faq)
- [Handbooks and Manuals](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals)
- Testing
- [Pilot Testing](https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing)
- [Recreational Pilot And Private Pilot Knowledge Tests](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/knowledge)
- [Recreational Pilot And Private Pilot Practical Tests](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/practical)
- Training
- [Pilot Training](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training)
- [Student Pilot Training and Limits](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/student_training)
If you didn't find what you need above, please contact your nearest [FAA Flight Standards District Office](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo). |
| Shard | 178 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 15346945836986187178 |
| Unparsed URL | gov,faa!www,/pilots/become s443 |