How long does it take to learn to fly?
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The length of time it takes to earn a pilot’s certificate varies widely (anywhere from a few weeks to a year), and depends, in large part, of how frequently you opt to train. Sporty’s recommends a frequency of 2-3 lessons per week for the best efficiency. A major milestone in your training is your first solo. This is when you fly the plane without your instructor. Most students reach this point after 15-20 hours of flight instruction.
From there, you will train for the Sport, Recreational or Private Pilot Certificate. Federal Aviation Regulations require a minimum of 20 hours of training for the Sport Pilot Certificate, although many students need more time. The requirement is 30 hours for the Recreational Pilot Certificate, and most students complete this certificate in 30-40 hours. For the Private, the minimum is 40 hours – 20 with an instructor and 20 solo – but most students take 60-80 hours. Note that these figures represent only flight time, and do not include time spent on ground school or personal study.
The biggest factor in determining how long training will take is how often you fly. If you fly only once a week, you will spend half of each lesson “relearning” concepts that you have forgotten. This approach will take longer, so it’s best to try to fly at least twice a week. In that case, you could earn your certificate in only a few months.
Read our entire Getting Started series for more answers.
- Silent Threat: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risks for Pilots - November 18, 2024
- Starting flight training later in life: some tips for success - May 31, 2024
- Tough flight instructors are worth it… most of the time - May 25, 2024
