Guide
Guides for future pilots.
Plain answers to the big questions before you choose a school.
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Start here How to become a pilot, step by step. The path from zero to a commercial pilot license in six steps: medical and English, choosing a school, applying, training, the license and what comes after. With minimum ages and what schools ask for.
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How much does pilot training cost? Course fees, living costs and the extras most quotes leave out. Pilot training in 8 countries compared, from our partner schools' current prices.
- Types of pilot licenses, explained. What a CPL, MEIR and frozen ATPL are, integrated versus modular training, and the minimum hours under EASA, FAA, CASA and CAA NZ, in plain language.
- How to convert a foreign pilot license at home. Trained abroad and want to convert your license and fly at home? What the aviation authorities across Asia and the Middle East ask for, place by place, with links to the official sources.
- Pilot aptitude tests, explained. What pilot aptitude tests measure, where you meet them on the way to the cockpit, and how to practice each area for free.
- Pilot medical and English requirements. The Class 1 medical, color vision, glasses and ICAO English Level 4 explained, plus which English tests student visas accept. Check both before you pay.
- How to become a helicopter pilot. How to become a commercial helicopter pilot under EASA, FAA, CASA and CAA NZ: minimum age, flight hours, type ratings, visa and what training costs with our partner school.
- What comes after your CPL. What comes after the commercial pilot license: the multi-crew course, type ratings, instructor ratings and the 1,500 hours for the airline transport license under EASA, FAA, CASA and CAA NZ.
- F-1 vs M-1 visa for flight training, explained. Which US student visa you need for flight training, how long you can stay, how long you can work as an instructor afterwards, and the TSA approval every non-US student needs.
- Integrated vs modular pilot training, explained. Integrated or modular, Part 141 or Part 61, license only or a degree: what each training path means, the minimum hours, and how to choose the one that fits your budget and plans.
- Airline cadet programs and paying for training, explained. Sponsored airline cadet programs, airline-selected programs you pay for yourself, and paying a school directly: who can apply, what a bond is, and what to check before you pay.
- Country Guides Costs, visas, licenses, and what to expect, country by country. AustraliaAustriaIndonesiaNew ZealandRomaniaSloveniaSpainUnited States
Australia
Austria
Indonesia
New Zealand
Romania
Slovenia
Spain
United States