Flight School License

For those who, as kids, tried to fly by jumping off the roof, a career or business in flying might be right up your alley. Training to become a pilot, though, is a lengthy and detailed process, and you’ll need a flight school license before you can get your business “off the ground.”

Types of Flight School Licenses

Depending on what your goal is when you start a business in flying, you’ll need a different type of license for it. Flight schools offer a few types of business licenses for would-be pilots:

• Private pilot license
• Commercial pilot license
• Flight instructor license
• Instrument rating
• Multi-engine rating

Decide whether you just want to get your flight school license to enjoy a hobby in flying, or if you want to fly commercial jets or airlines professionally. If you want to go beyond learning to fly and teach others to fly, the flight instructor license will help you achieve this goal.

What to Expect

Getting a flight school license will involve a mix of on-the-ground simulation, in-the-sky training, and a written exam. If you start a business in the flight industry, you may need other licenses, so check with your state’s business licenses, permits & tax division to see what you need.

If, for example, you plan to get your commercial pilot license, there are several requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must complete 190 hours of FAA’s Part 141 course
• You must complete 250 hours of FAA’s Part 61 course

You will spend at least 50 hours in simulated training on the ground until you are confident and ready to take a real plane in the sky. For a commercial flight school license, you will also need a medical course.

You may learn how to operate a single-engine plane, as well as a multi-engine plane, as well as other features that will make you more hireable as a pilot.