Airplane flying

How to become a pilot – a learn to fly checklist

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
1 min read
Airplane flying

Learning to fly is fun, challenging, and rewarding.

The process of learning to fly can seem overwhelming at first. But you can do it, and our team of flight instructors here at Sporty’s can help. That’s why we’ve developed this quick checklist of key steps to help you become a pilot:

  1. Locate flight schools in your area (search our database here)
  2. Take a tour and choose a school that best fits your needs (here’s how)
  3. Talk to your instructor and share your goals (if you’re interested in becoming a professional pilot, read this)
  4. Take a first flight lesson (watch a video preview)
  5. Purchase a home study course to prepare for your lessons and your FAA tests (free demo here)
  6. Decide whether you’ll pursue the Sport, Recreational or Private Certificate (compare them here)
  7. Schedule an FAA medical exam with a local AME (not required for Sport)
  8. Pass your FAA Knowledge Test
  9. Pass your FAA Flight Test and earn your license
  10. Have fun!

Learn more

John Zimmerman