1 – Eligibility

1. How old do I need to be to take flying lessons or get a pilot license?
   1. You can start training at any age you’d like, however you need to be at least 16 to fly solo as a student and 17 to get your Private Pilot License.
2. Is there an upper age limit for becoming a pilot?
   1. No, although airlines have a mandatory retirement age of 65.
3. Do I need a college degree to become a pilot or fly for an airline?
   1. Not required but it’s preferred by airlines.
4. Do I need perfect 20/20 vision to become a pilot? Can I learn to fly if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
   1. As long as your vision is correctable with glasses or lenses there are no restrictions.
5. Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to take flight training in the United States?
   1. No, however you need to go thru TSA background check prior to starting training. See https://www.fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home or contact your local flight school.
6. Is my foreign flight time applicable towards an FAA license?
   1. In most cases, yes. Please contact an FAA Flight Standards District Office: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo

2 – Training

1. How do I begin training?
   1. Contact a local flight school to schedule a discovery flight where you get a brief ground and flight lesson and ask any questions directly to the school. If you have a medical condition, consult with an AME (see below).
2. How much does it cost to get a Private Pilot License?
   1. The total cost depends on the aircraft rental (around $200/hr) and instructor (around $70) rates. With equipment, books, exams, it will cost around $15-20k.
3. How many flight hours are required to get a Private Pilot License?
   1. The legal minimum is 40 flight hours, however the average is over 65 hours.
4. How often should I take flying lessons each week to make steady progress?
   1. At least once or twice a week as the flying portion involves muscle memory.
5. Should pick a flight school at a tower-controlled airport or a non-towered airport?
   1. Most non-towered airports see fewer traffic, which means you spend less time taxiing on the ground and waiting for a takeoff clearance.

3 – Medical

1. When should I get a medical examination?
   1. Before starting training, especially if you have a medical condition, to avoid facing issues in the future. A medical certificate is needed to solo.
2. Can I fly if I have a pre-existing medical condition (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart conditions)? Can I take prescription medications and still fly? How does mental health history affect getting an aviation medical certificate?
   1. Depends on the condition. Consult with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME): https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator