What are the requirements in the U.S. to get a pilots liscence?

Question

Any websites or information would be great. Thanks

Answer 1

A new classification in aviation - Sports Pilots might be the best way to start. Taken from the the EAA's (Experimental Aircraft Association) website:

"If you are an aviation enthusiast seeking your first pilot certificate, the sport pilot certificate provides the easiest and least costly way to fly for fun and recreation.

The minimum required training time for the different light sport aircraft categories are:

Airplane: 20 hours
Powered Parachute: 12 hours
Weight-Shift-Control (Trikes): 20 hours
Glider: 10 hours
Rotorcraft (gyroplane only): 20 hours
Lighter-Than-Air: 20 hours (airship) or 7 hours (balloon)
To earn a sport pilot certificate, one must:

Be at least 16 to become a student sport pilot (14 for glider).
Be at least 17 to test for a sport pilot certificate (16 for gliders).
Be able to read, write, and understand English.
Hold a current and valid U.S. driver’s license as evidence of medical eligibility (provided the FAA didn’t deny, revoke, or suspend your last medical certificate application). Alternatively, you can also use a third class airman’s medical to establish medical fitness.
Pass an FAA sport pilot knowledge test.
Pass a FAA sport pilot practical (flight) test."

After you have completed the requirements for the Sport Pilot license you can continue on to the Private Pilot license which will extend the limitations set for Sport Pilot. The hours logged for the Sport Pilot license count towards your Private Pilot requirements.

I would recommend you visit your closest airport and see if you could get a demo flight from a certified Flight Instructor. Check out AOPA's (Aircraft Owner's and Pilots Association) website

Flying is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had in my life. Be safe.

Answer 2

Sport Pilot is a great option, but it does have limitations. These were, last time I checked it might have changed, no night flying, no flying aircraft not designated "Sport" , not sure if you can take passengers along.
For a full-up Private Pilot's License (PPL) you must have:
A Class III medical given by an FAA-certified doctor. A military Class III or higher will also work.
Successfully completed an FAA-certified ground school and passed the written exam
Successfully earned a student license (must be at least 16). This normally means you "soloed".
Earned AT LEAST 40 hours of time, This used to include 5-10 hours of night flying and two cross-countries. Again, this might be different now.
Be recommended by your instructor.
HIGHLY recommend after you get your PPL, you start working on your instrument rating. Makes you a better, safer pilot.

Answer 3

That depends on the type of aircraft license that you want to obtain. check out the Federal Aviation Administrations website for pilots to check federal regulations for commercial, recreational and sports pilots at the following link

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/

hope this answers your question.

Answer 4

Here is a 360 blog which will be going over all steps to getting and maintaining a private pilots license: http://blog.360.yahoo.com/private_jet_charter

You may also want to check out this site: http://www.aopa.org/

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Take a look at Part 61 of the "FAR's"
You can find it here:http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=5b230ee70dc45f46f10acfe32cca6694&rgn=div5&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.2&idno=14