There is no “right” type of person to become a pilot. Aviators come from all kinds of backgrounds, each with unique reasons for flying. The good news is, you can take lessons at any age—there is no minimum and no maximum.
Some requirements to keep in mind:
You must be at least 16 years old to solo an airplane (or 14 to solo a glider)
You must be 17 years old to earn a license (Sport, Recreational or Private certificate)
For the Recreational and Private certificates, you will need to pass a Third Class Medical exam. This isn’t a big deal (and no, you don’t have to have perfect vision – read why
You must be able to read and speak English
And no, you don’t have to be a math genius or have perfect health. Attitude and determination is more important than age or skill. A commitment to take the training seriously, and stick with it will serve you well. Learning to fly is a long, sometimes arduous journey marked by elation and occasional frustration. The process will be easier, and more enjoyable, if you can maintain a positive, always learning attitude.
Maintaining a positive outlook with a focus on what the aviation community and being a pilot will provide will aid in your success. And there are plenty of ways to involve your support network (family, friends, etc.). Keep them apprised of your progress and even invite them to the airport or recruit to help you study. The more support you have, the better!
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/05183714/172-sales.jpg10241280John Zimmermanhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngJohn Zimmerman2023-05-05 09:00:092023-05-05 09:03:10Who can be a pilot?
Even after choosing the perfect flight school, spend some time to find the right flight instructor who will have the greatest influence in your success. He or she will be a key element in your training and how much enjoyment you get out of flying. While all flight instructors are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and meet minimum standards, your personality and attitude will naturally be a better fit with some instructors than others.
Just like you “interviewed” the flight school, sit down with a prospective instructor and get to know them. Talk about your reasons for learning to fly, your goals and your questions. Ask about the instructor’s background, their previous students and what training curriculum they’ll use. And as always, judge whether your personalities will be a good match. Your gut feel is usually more important than the age or experience of an instructor. In most situations, you’ll forge a lifetime relationship with your instructor.
It’s important to ensure you’ll be able to maintain open and clear communication and that expectations for both you and the instructor are well known and that you will have an active voice in the process.
Also keep in mind that, at most flight schools, you can change flight instructors if the relationship simply isn’t working well. Personal referrals also go a long way. If you have a connection to someone who has trained at a particular school, find out more about the instructor and why that person connected.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/05155448/dual-instruction.png14402560John Zimmermanhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngJohn Zimmerman2023-05-04 08:55:102023-05-04 16:30:51How do I choose a flight instructor?
What should you expect on your first flight lesson? Sporty’s has once again partnered with airshow pilot and flight instructor Spencer Suderman, this time for a new video series to answer questions like that. Each video addresses common flight training questions, including the basics of airplane control and how to make better landings. Suderman shares practical tips throughout, including during an actual lesson with a flight student.
In this episode, the first in the series, Suderman shows what to expect on a first flight lesson, from taxiing the airplane to talking with Air Traffic Control to takeoff. He also demonstrates the four fundamentals of flight – straight and level, climbs, descents, and turns – ad shows why a stall is nothing to be afraid of. You’ll hear actual communications throughout the flight and learn valuable tips from an experienced flight instructor, so you’ll be prepared for that first flight lesson.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/02093652/Spencer-Ep-1.webp7201280Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngBret Koebbe2023-05-02 09:38:032023-05-02 09:38:03The four fundamentals of flight with Spencer Suderman (episode 1)
Welcome to Sporty’s Learn to Fly Month and congratulations on taking the first step on the path to learning to fly!
Spending some time to research your options will help you to become knowledgeable about the process and ensure that you receive the best flight training possible. In this series, we’ll cover some common questions and answers regarding this process to help you get started in the right direction.
Why Learn to Fly?
Learning to fly will unlock a world of possibilities and give you unparalleled freedom to see the world. It is a truly unique experience—one of the last great adventures in our modern life. It is challenging, rewarding and flat out fun!
Some people start flying to make a career out of it, eventually working as a professional pilot. There are numerous jobs in aviation besides just airline pilot. Career opportunities include business aviation pilot, flight instructing, cargo airlines, military flying, law enforcement and many more. Read more about becoming a professional pilot.
Flying is a convenient and cost-effective method of travel and a lot of fun!
For others, flying is a convenient and cost-effective method of personal or business travel. You can set your own schedule, use airports that airlines don’t serve and leave the hassles of security lines behind. For business use, airplanes allow you to do more in one day than you could do in a week traveling by airline. Flexibility, privacy, security and freedom are all great reasons to use a personal airplane for travel.
In the end, though, many pilots fly for pure enjoyment, taking local flights on nice days to soar above familiar locations and new and interesting places. You can take a friend and fly for lunch at another airport, tour local landmarks or attend fly-ins to meet other pilots and get involved in the aviation community. No matter where you’re headed, being up in the air is the greatest thrill of all.
Whether you want to fly for a living or just for fun, general aviation offers a safe, rewarding and efficient way to travel.
Gracen Jules, a New Orleans-based venture firm focused on aviation startups, flight training and aircraft leasing, has launched “Flight Start”, a new program to help new student pilots explore options and opportunities in flight training.
Gracen Jules specializes in aviation startups including FBOs, charter and hangar builds, as well as factory-new aircraft leasing to a large portfolio of flight schools and aviation degree programs through its partner company FlytFinance.
Flight Start focuses on the prospective pilot’s personality and ambition, and offers guidance on assembling an aviation “welcome” plan that is personalized for the new student.
The program, conducted over the phone and through email with Gracen Jules, evaluates a broad range of flight training options and opportunities, including industry affiliation, self-study capability, airport/flight school research, aircraft preference, financial position, scheduling commitments and long-term aviation plans.
Flight Start is available to all new student pilots, regardless of age, education or finances, and an orientation flight is included for all candidates located near New Orleans, where Gracen Jules is based.
More information on the Flight Start program is available at gracenjules.com.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/05155448/dual-instruction.png14402560Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2023-04-29 09:00:062023-04-24 10:23:03Flight Start Helps Student Pilots Choose Their Path
Learning to fly is fun, challenging, and rewarding.
May is Learn to Fly Month at Sporty’s, a 31-day celebration of flight training designed to help new pilots achieve their aviation goals. In addition to savings on popular pilot gear, Sporty’s will launch a new YouTube video series, host a number of interactive webinars, post over two dozen articles, and even pay some FAA knowledge tests.
Sporty’s has once again partnered with airshow pilot and flight instructor, Spencer Suderman, to create a new video series that will be available free on YouTube. Each video addresses common questions, including what to expect on a first flight lesson and how to make better landings.
In addition to these new videos, Sporty’s Media Network will publish a wide variety of articles here at Flight Training Central as well as Air Facts, iPad Pilot News, and Flight Sim Update. Pilots can also learn from four live webinars, hosted by industry experts like FAPA Chief Advisor Tim Genc and longtime pilot examiner Jason Blair. Sporty’s Pilot’s Discretion podcast will feature two episodes focused on learning to fly in May, with honest advice from veteran flight instructors.
Limited time Learn to Fly Month specials will be available on a variety of products, including Sporty’s Pilot Training+. This all-inclusive membership unlocks Sporty’s complete library of award-winning video courses, so pilots can learn anywhere they have a phone, tablet, or laptop. Pilots will also be able to save on flight bags, kneeboards, and essential books. And pilots can brush up on their pattern work with Sporty’s Takeoffs and Landings Course, available free throughout the month beginning Monday, May 1.
Sporty’s also plans to help student pilots directly, by paying for 20 FAA knowledge tests. To enter, pilots simply share a picture with their written test results on social media and use the #LearnToFlyMonth hashtag to upload a photo.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/30092639/RV-12-in-flight.jpg600900Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2023-04-28 08:55:402023-04-24 10:37:23Learn to Fly Month at Sporty’s begins Monday, May 1
Who can be a pilot?
/in Getting Started/by John ZimmermanSome requirements to keep in mind:
And no, you don’t have to be a math genius or have perfect health. Attitude and determination is more important than age or skill. A commitment to take the training seriously, and stick with it will serve you well. Learning to fly is a long, sometimes arduous journey marked by elation and occasional frustration. The process will be easier, and more enjoyable, if you can maintain a positive, always learning attitude.
Maintaining a positive outlook with a focus on what the aviation community and being a pilot will provide will aid in your success. And there are plenty of ways to involve your support network (family, friends, etc.). Keep them apprised of your progress and even invite them to the airport or recruit to help you study. The more support you have, the better!
Read our entire Getting Started series for more answers.
How do I choose a flight instructor?
/in Getting Started/by John ZimmermanJust like you “interviewed” the flight school, sit down with a prospective instructor and get to know them. Talk about your reasons for learning to fly, your goals and your questions. Ask about the instructor’s background, their previous students and what training curriculum they’ll use. And as always, judge whether your personalities will be a good match. Your gut feel is usually more important than the age or experience of an instructor. In most situations, you’ll forge a lifetime relationship with your instructor.
It’s important to ensure you’ll be able to maintain open and clear communication and that expectations for both you and the instructor are well known and that you will have an active voice in the process.
Also keep in mind that, at most flight schools, you can change flight instructors if the relationship simply isn’t working well. Personal referrals also go a long way. If you have a connection to someone who has trained at a particular school, find out more about the instructor and why that person connected.
Read our entire Getting Started series for more answers as well as our helpful Learn to Fly checklist.
The four fundamentals of flight with Spencer Suderman (episode 1)
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeWhat should you expect on your first flight lesson? Sporty’s has once again partnered with airshow pilot and flight instructor Spencer Suderman, this time for a new video series to answer questions like that. Each video addresses common flight training questions, including the basics of airplane control and how to make better landings. Suderman shares practical tips throughout, including during an actual lesson with a flight student.
In this episode, the first in the series, Suderman shows what to expect on a first flight lesson, from taxiing the airplane to talking with Air Traffic Control to takeoff. He also demonstrates the four fundamentals of flight – straight and level, climbs, descents, and turns – ad shows why a stall is nothing to be afraid of. You’ll hear actual communications throughout the flight and learn valuable tips from an experienced flight instructor, so you’ll be prepared for that first flight lesson.
Why learn to fly?
/in Getting Started/by John ZimmermanWelcome to Sporty’s Learn to Fly Month and congratulations on taking the first step on the path to learning to fly!
Spending some time to research your options will help you to become knowledgeable about the process and ensure that you receive the best flight training possible. In this series, we’ll cover some common questions and answers regarding this process to help you get started in the right direction.
Why Learn to Fly?
Learning to fly will unlock a world of possibilities and give you unparalleled freedom to see the world. It is a truly unique experience—one of the last great adventures in our modern life. It is challenging, rewarding and flat out fun!
Some people start flying to make a career out of it, eventually working as a professional pilot. There are numerous jobs in aviation besides just airline pilot. Career opportunities include business aviation pilot, flight instructing, cargo airlines, military flying, law enforcement and many more. Read more about becoming a professional pilot.
Flying is a convenient and cost-effective method of travel and a lot of fun!
For others, flying is a convenient and cost-effective method of personal or business travel. You can set your own schedule, use airports that airlines don’t serve and leave the hassles of security lines behind. For business use, airplanes allow you to do more in one day than you could do in a week traveling by airline. Flexibility, privacy, security and freedom are all great reasons to use a personal airplane for travel.
In the end, though, many pilots fly for pure enjoyment, taking local flights on nice days to soar above familiar locations and new and interesting places. You can take a friend and fly for lunch at another airport, tour local landmarks or attend fly-ins to meet other pilots and get involved in the aviation community. No matter where you’re headed, being up in the air is the greatest thrill of all.
Whether you want to fly for a living or just for fun, general aviation offers a safe, rewarding and efficient way to travel.
Read our entire Getting Started series for more answers and be sure to browse our helpful Learn to Fly checklist.
Flight Start Helps Student Pilots Choose Their Path
/in Get Started/by Eric RadtkeGracen Jules, a New Orleans-based venture firm focused on aviation startups, flight training and aircraft leasing, has launched “Flight Start”, a new program to help new student pilots explore options and opportunities in flight training.
Gracen Jules specializes in aviation startups including FBOs, charter and hangar builds, as well as factory-new aircraft leasing to a large portfolio of flight schools and aviation degree programs through its partner company FlytFinance.
Flight Start focuses on the prospective pilot’s personality and ambition, and offers guidance on assembling an aviation “welcome” plan that is personalized for the new student.
The program, conducted over the phone and through email with Gracen Jules, evaluates a broad range of flight training options and opportunities, including industry affiliation, self-study capability, airport/flight school research, aircraft preference, financial position, scheduling commitments and long-term aviation plans.
Flight Start is available to all new student pilots, regardless of age, education or finances, and an orientation flight is included for all candidates located near New Orleans, where Gracen Jules is based.
More information on the Flight Start program is available at gracenjules.com.
Learn to Fly Month at Sporty’s begins Monday, May 1
/in News/by Eric RadtkeLearning to fly is fun, challenging, and rewarding.
May is Learn to Fly Month at Sporty’s, a 31-day celebration of flight training designed to help new pilots achieve their aviation goals. In addition to savings on popular pilot gear, Sporty’s will launch a new YouTube video series, host a number of interactive webinars, post over two dozen articles, and even pay some FAA knowledge tests.
Sporty’s has once again partnered with airshow pilot and flight instructor, Spencer Suderman, to create a new video series that will be available free on YouTube. Each video addresses common questions, including what to expect on a first flight lesson and how to make better landings.
In addition to these new videos, Sporty’s Media Network will publish a wide variety of articles here at Flight Training Central as well as Air Facts, iPad Pilot News, and Flight Sim Update. Pilots can also learn from four live webinars, hosted by industry experts like FAPA Chief Advisor Tim Genc and longtime pilot examiner Jason Blair. Sporty’s Pilot’s Discretion podcast will feature two episodes focused on learning to fly in May, with honest advice from veteran flight instructors.
Limited time Learn to Fly Month specials will be available on a variety of products, including Sporty’s Pilot Training+. This all-inclusive membership unlocks Sporty’s complete library of award-winning video courses, so pilots can learn anywhere they have a phone, tablet, or laptop. Pilots will also be able to save on flight bags, kneeboards, and essential books. And pilots can brush up on their pattern work with Sporty’s Takeoffs and Landings Course, available free throughout the month beginning Monday, May 1.
Sporty’s also plans to help student pilots directly, by paying for 20 FAA knowledge tests. To enter, pilots simply share a picture with their written test results on social media and use the #LearnToFlyMonth hashtag to upload a photo.
For a complete list of content and events, visit Sportys.com/LearnToFlyMonth.