How to Become a Recreational Pilot? Complete Guide Cost Requirements

A recreational pilot certificate is the least complex and most affordable pilot certificate to earn. You can use a recreational pilot certificate to fly an airplane, helicopter, or glider for personal use. The privileges of a recreational pilot are more limited than those of a private or commercial pilot. As it is the most basic of all aviation licenses, it requires fewer hours of flight training than other types of pilot certifications. 

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Most aspiring recreational pilots take around 40 hours of instruction to become proficient enough for solo flight. During the training, you will learn how to operate aircraft safely, understand basic navigation techniques, as well as take-off and landing procedures. Below are instructions on how become a recreational pilot.

Steps to Get a Recreational Pilot License

To become a recreational pilot, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old (16 for balloon pilots).
• Read, indicate, write, and understand English.
• Pass a TSA background check if you’re 18 or older.
• Obtain a third-class medical certificate.
• Pass the required knowledge test.
• Pass the required practical test.

What is a Recreational Pilot License?

The pilot license is a great way to enjoy the thrill and satisfaction that comes from flying. This certificate authorizes pilots with small aircraft such as airplanes, helicopters, or gliders who want confined areas in which they can practice their skills without worrying about any traffic laws. The requirements for each pilot license are different, so it’s important that you know which type of license you need:

There Are Two Types Of Recreational Pilot Licenses:

• Private pilot license: This license allows you to fly for personal use only. You cannot be paid nor can you transport any goods or services.
• Commercial pilot license: This license allows you to be paid for flying and transporting people or goods.

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How Much Does it Cost to Get a Recreational Pilot License?

The cost of a recreational pilot license varies depending on the type of license and the country in which you live. In the United States, the average cost of a private pilot license is $10,000 while the average cost of a commercial pilot license is $25,000.

In Canada, the cost of a private pilot license is about $15,000 while the cost of a commercial pilot license is about $40,000.

Pass the Required Knowledge Test with a Score

You need to pass the required knowledge test with a score.

• In general, you will need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. You will also need to pass a written exam and a practical exam.
• In some countries, you may also need to have a medical certificate.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Recreational Pilot License?

The time it takes to get a recreational pilot license varies depending on the type of license and the country in which you live. In the United States, it takes an average of 40 hours to get a private pilot license and an average of 60 hours to get a commercial pilot license. In Canada, it takes an average of 50 hours to get a private pilot license and an average of 70 hours to get a commercial pilot license.

What are the Benefits of Having a Recreational Pilot License?

A recreational pilot license lets you fly for personal or business purposes but not for compensation or hire. You can utilize a recreational pilot certificate to fly in many different types of aircraft, including single-engine airplanes, multi-engine airplanes, helicopters, gliders, and balloons.

Benefits of Having a Recreational Pilot License

• You can fly for personal or business purposes.
• You can rent aircraft from flying clubs or fixed-based operator.
• You can fly in controlled airspace.
• You have more flight options when planning a trip.
• You can use your license to get a job as a pilot.

Recreational Pilot Certificate Requirements

In order to exercise the privileges of a Recreational Pilot Certificate, a person must:

• Be at least 16 years of age for balloon or glider category privileges, or 17 years of age for airplane or powered-lift category privileges.
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unqualified to meet one of these requirements due to a medical condition, the FAA may place restrictions on that person’s certificate.
• Receive a logbook endorsement from a certificated flight instructor who has conducted the required training and determined the applicant is proficient in the different pertinent subject areas as required by the applicant.
• Pass the required knowledge test on different subject areas.
• Pass the required practical test on the maneuvers and procedures as appropriate, which is conducted by an examiner, or by a certificated flight instructor who is authorized by the examiner to give the test.
• The knowledge test for a recreational pilot certificate is based on different subject areas. Study guides are available to help you prepare for the test and can be found online or at local aviation libraries.

What Planes Can You Fly with a Recreational Pilot Certificate?

You may fly any aircraft that is authorized by your certificate. You are not limited to flying only small, single-engine airplanes. You may also fly multi-engine airplanes, helicopters, gliders, and balloons.

How Long is a Recreational Pilot Certificate Valid?

The recreational pilot certificate technically does not expire. However, you must maintain currency in order to exercise the privileges of your certificate. To do this, you must have a logbook endorsement from a certificated flight instructor within the past 12 months confirming that you have received training and are proficient in the specific areas required by your flying school. In addition, you must have a current medical certificate if you plan to fly solo.

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How Much is a Recreational Pilot Certificate?

The cost of a recreational pilot certificate varies depending on the type of training you receive and the type of aircraft you fly.

• The average cost of flight training for a recreational pilot certificate is $5,000-$7,000
• The average cost of renting an airplane for flight training is $100-$200 per hour.
• The average cost of taking the practical test is $500. There is no fee for the knowledge test.

Summary

Becoming a recreational pilot requires that you meet basic age and driver’s license requirements, pass an FAA medical exam and have a high school diploma or equivalent certification. You must also take lessons from a certified flight instructor, pass a written exam and practical test known as the check ride, and obtain your Recreational Pilot Certificate from the FAA.

If you want to become a more experienced pilot, you can take additional instruction and test for higher ratings such as Private Pilot, Sport Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot. The sky’s the limit! Good luck on your journey to becoming a recreational pilot! With the right instruction and dedication, you’ll be up in the air before you know it. Enjoy your flights!