Types of pilot licenses you can get

What your flights could look like after flight school 

You steer the course when it comes to the type of pilot you’ll be. From flying as a hobby to being captain of a big airline, the pilot license you choose all depends on your flying preferences. 

Types of pilot licenses   

Looking to fly for fun? Want to get paid for flying? Knowing your goals as a pilot is important when choosing your license. Whether you want to fly for leisure or for a big airline, there are many pilot licenses to choose from. Figuring this out can help you better understand the right school for you and which path to take.

Private pilot license

A private pilot license (PPL), or private pilot certificate, lets the pilot fly non-commercial planes.^{footnote 1} This is the one that lets you fly for fun. You can leisurely fly with up to five passengers. You’ll have to complete at least 40 hours of flight time and 20 hours with an instructor. There are also exams you must pass. Keep in mind that you can’t fly for compensation with a PPL and you must follow strict regulations.

Recreational pilot license

A recreational pilot license (RPL) limits you to certain aircrafts, number of passengers, flight distance, and more. It requires less training than a PPL, and you can fly for fun within 50 nautical miles of your home. You need to complete at least 30 hours of flight time instead of 40 hours.^{footnote 2} If you want to fly leisurely in your local area, this less intensive route could be a good fit.  

Commercial pilot license

A commercial pilot license (CPL) lets you fly for compensation, like aerial photography and sightseeing tours. You must have a private pilot license to be eligible for a CPL. You’ll have to complete 65 hours of flight time with 100 hours in a powered aircraft, 50 hours in airplanes, and 100 hours as pilot-in-command.^{footnote 3}

Airline transport pilot license

An airline transport pilot license (ATPL) makes you eligible to fly as captain or first officer on commercial airlines. You have to complete at least 1,500 hours of flight time. You also have to take a five-day course covering aviation topics.^{footnote 4}

Student pilot license

A student pilot license is for beginners. You’ll have an instructor guide you through the training period, and they’ll determine your readiness to fly solo. Student pilots also need a Federal Aviation Administration Medical Certificate to fly solo.

This preps you to eventually get a Private Pilot License. You can apply online through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA).^{footnote 5}

The cost of pilot licenses

Once you’ve landed on a license, it’s time to make a plan to pay for flight school. The type of pilot license you pursue determines how much you’ll have to pay. Here are some average costs^{footnote 6} of different pilot licenses:

• Private Pilot: $15,000 to $20,000
• Recreational Pilot: $10,300
• Commercial Pilot: $55,000 to $100,000
• Airline Transport Pilot: $5,000
• Student Pilot: $0 plus $75 to $200 for the medical certificate

Remember—free money comes first, so always start with scholarships. You can apply for financial aid for aviation school with the FAFSA^®. You should be filing every year you’re in school to get the most aid possible.

If you need more money, you can apply to get a Smart Option Student Loan^® for flight school. This money could cover aviation school costs from housing to travel, and even your training material, equipment, and test fees.^{footnote 7} Not all flight schools are eligible for this loan, so be sure to reach out to your flight program for more information.

Buckle Up

Now that you’ve got an idea of what type of pilot you want to be, you’ll want to choose a flight school that meets your needs and goals. And soon you’ll be ready to ascend! Where will your first destination be?