How to get started with flight training

Interested in becoming a pilot in the United States?

To become a pilot in the United States, you must:

• meet the FAA’s eligibility requirements,
• complete flight training with a certified flight school or flight instructor,
• and pass the FAA’s knowledge test (written exam) and practical test (checkride) for each certificate and rating.

Before doing anything else, you should determine if flying is right for you!

You’ll know as soon as you take controls for the first time. We recommend these two steps first:

I want to become a pilot just for fun. What certifications do I need?

All you need is to earn your Private Pilot License (PPL)! We also recommend earning your Instrument Rating (IR) for safety, in case you get caught in the clouds out there!

(Another option is to earn your Sport Pilot, which is for people who cannot get an FAA Medical Certificate. A valid U.S. driver’s license is sufficient to demonstrate medical fitness. However, Wings of Eagles Aviation requires at least Basic Med for Sport Pilot training.)

I want to become a professional pilot. What certifications do I need?

There are many ways to become a professional pilot. Most pilots follow this path, and it’s what we recommend:

Step 1: Private Pilot License (PPL): You’ll gain the freedom to fly.

Step 2: Instrument Rating (IR): You’ll learn to fly in the clouds solely by reference to your instruments.

Step 3: Commercial Pilot License (CPL): You’ll become certified to be paid as a pilot.

Step 4: Flight Instructor (CFI): You’ll learn to instruct Sport, PPL, and CPL students.

Step 5: Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII): You’ll learn to instruct Instrument students.

Step 6: Commercial Multi Add-On (CMEL): Since you already hold a CPL, you’ll upgrade your qualifications to fly multi-engine aircraft commercially.

Step 7: Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI): You’ll learn to instruct in multi-engine aircraft.

What are the FAA eligibility requirements?

• You must be a U.S. citizen or have received TSA approval to take flight lessons.
• You must be able to read, speak, and understand the English language.
• You must obtain at least a 3rd Class Medical Certificate prior to soloing. (However, if you plan to become a professional pilot, we recommend obtaining a 1st Class Medical to verify your eligibility.)
• Training can begin at any age, but there are age requirements for certifications:
  • At 16 years old, you may fly solo but carry no passengers. 
  • At 17 years old, you may take the Private Pilot checkride.
  • At 18 years old, you may take the Commercial Pilot checkride.

Should I go to a Part 141 school or a Part 61 school?

Wings of Eagles Aviation is a Part 141 school that offers both Part 141 and Part 61 flight training, so you can choose which is best for you for each certification or rating.

Schools that are authorized to offer Part 141 flight training have greater FAA oversight and are held to a higher standard than Part 61-only schools. Click here to see our breakdown of Part 141 vs. 61 flight training.

How long will it for take me to become a pilot?

This depends on your dedication to at-home studying and how often you’re able to take flying lessons. Because Wings of Eagles Aviation is authorized to provide Part 141 flight training (as well as Part 61), you can maximize your training with 141’s reduced minimums and get through the process as quickly as possible. We’ve had students go from PPL to CFII in as little as six months.

See the minimum training requirements for each certification and rating here. Please note: All hours listed are the minimum requirement as designated by the FAA.

Do I have to get my CFI, CFII, and MEI?

For most commercial pilots, flight instruction is your first opportunity to get paid as a pilot. So if you’re wanting to make aviation your career, this is one of the best ways to get started. 

Many flight schools require their CFIs to be CFIIs, so if you’re planning to use your Flight Instructor certificate for employment, it is smart to get both. Plus, having both certifications will make you a better candidate for the next stages of your career.

Earning your MEI is a great way to build multi-engine hours if you’re employed at a school with a multi program.

How much will it all cost?

The actual expense of flight training will vary based on individual proficiency, commitment to and frequency of training (both with an instructor and at home), and choice of training aircraft.

• See our aircraft rates here.
  
• Learn how you can use your Veterans Affairs Benefits to pay for flight training.
• Interested in earning your degree while simultaneously becoming a pilot? Wings of Eagles Smyrna (MQY) is the only Flight Training Affiliate with Liberty University in the state of Tennessee. Financing options available!
• We strongly encourage students to apply to as many scholarships as possible.

Additional questions?

Contact us here, or pop by during business hours! We’d love to show you around and answer all your questions.