Pilot License Facts: The Average Pilot Completes Flight School with 55-60 Hours of Flying Time
The average pilot will need between 55 and 60 hours of training to graduate flight school and obtain a private pilot certificate. Depending on how much spare time you have, becoming a certified pilot can take anywhere from a few weeks to two years. Ultimately, it’s up to you as to how quickly you complete your flight training. Pilot License Facts are important to understanding the decision you are making in learning to fly.
There are Four Class Ratings for Private Pilot Certificates
Different types of private licenses are issued for the major categories of aircraft. The classes listed on the certificate define which aircraft categories you are qualified to operate as a private pilot. The structure of aircraft categories and further subdivision into classes are as follows:
- Single-engine land airplane
- Single-engine sea airplane
- Multi-engine land airplane
- Multi-engine sea airplane
The Aviation Industry is Attracting Young Pilots
While some reports are saying that the pilot population is quickly aging, and that there is a demand for aviators of all types, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association released a data that says otherwise. While the biggest single category of pilots is still those ages 50-64 counting 179,277 pilots, the second largest segment is close behind, those ages 20-35 years old number 173,396 pilots. The 35-50 demographic is the smallest portion, perhaps as they are busy raising families and paying for mortgages or child care.
The U.S. is the Best Place to Learn to Fly
With over 220,000 active aircraft, including turbojets, amateur-built aircraft, balloons and other general aviation planes, the United States has the largest and most diverse aviation community in the world. Plus, our country has many of the most highly-regarded government agencies, like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation, working in unison to promote the best technologies, regulations and education initiatives to promote pilot safety.
The Accident Rate is Declining in General Aviation
The data in the latest GA Accident Scorecard suggests that the number of general-aviation accidents fell from 1,505 in 2008 to 1,193 in 2017, and fatal accidents declined from 269 in 2008 to 185 last year. The total accident rate fell from 5.83 in 2008 to 4.92 in 2016, and the fatal-accident rate dropped from 1.04 to 0.80.
This is in part due to the fact that the FAA recently (June, 2018) updated key elements of the airman certification system to include an enhanced focus on risk management. In collaboration with aviation training community experts, the FAA replaced the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for the Private Pilot certificate in the airplane category and the Instrument Rating (also in the airplane category) with the corresponding Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
There is an Increase in Certified Private Pilots
Becoming a private pilot is more popular than ever. Over the past three years, the number of private pilot licenses issued has increased and is currently at the highest point since 2015. As flying becomes safer and more pilot training companies are diversifying their service offerings, more students can enroll in flight school to fulfill their dreams of becoming pilots.
Only 6% of the World’s Population Have Ever Been on an Airplane (let alone flown one)
There’s no doubt that attending flight school is a privilege not many get to experience. Though the aviation sector is growing rapidly, according to AIr & Space Magazine, only 6% of the world’s population has ever flown on an airplane. Many people, especially from the underdeveloped regions, have never even been in an aircraft, let alone have the opportunity to pilot their own plane. So consider yourself lucky to be able to participate in such an amazing activity!
Pilots Don’t Consider Flying to be a “Job”
While this may not be a statistical fact, pilots still have a well known outlook that flying equals life. Especially if you continue training beyond a simple private pilot license and decide to make a career out of flying. Of course, it’s more than just a job — the grand majority of pilots have a deep passion for flying and don’t even think of it as work. They wake up excited to go to their job every day.
Even When Certified, You Never Stop Learning
Once you’re a certified pilot, you never stop learning. For example, the FAA requires anyone who flies in command of an aircraft to receive a “biennial flight review” (14 CFR 61.56) at least every other year, conducted by a certified flight instructor. It’s a fact that the best pilots out there are continually refining and improving their skills in the cockpit.
Do you want to obtain your pilot license?
Get in touch with the flight instructors at Inflight Pilot Training today!
We are a premier pilot training company serving the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. With a reputable training program and an extensive roster of highly skilled, certified flight instructors, it’s our goal to help you achieve the rating or certification you want. We can help you reach your goals – get in touch with our team of flight instructors to find out more.
For additional information on Inflight training programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.
