Private, Sport, or Ultralight?

There are three basic pathways to becoming a pilot here in the U.S.: You can become a full-blown private pilot, you can get there a bit faster and cheaper by becoming a sport pilot, or you can fly on your own as an ultralight pilot.

It all really depends on two things: what you want to fly, and how many people — if any — you want to take with you.

Private Pilot

Becoming a private pilot requires the most training (and a medical exam), but it also gives you the most privileges and fewest limitations. A typical private pilot will fly two- or four-seat airplanes, they can fly at night, and, with additional training and ratings, can fly on instruments in bad weather, fly multiengine airplanes, etc.

Private Pilot — our step-by-step guide

Sport Pilot

Getting your sport pilot certificate is simpler, faster, and less expensive than a private certificate, and is perfect for someone who wants to fly smaller, lighter aircraft on their own or with one other person. No medical exam is required, and the minimum training time is half of what's required for the private.

Sport Pilot — our step-by-step guide

Ultralights

If the idea of flying low and slow, on your own, maybe using a grass runway mowed into a field on the family farm, and not necessarily going anywhere in particular appeals to you, then the world of ultralights is worth a look. They're not fast and they don't carry much, but they are definitely fun. While there’s no legal requirement for instruction, training should be considered absolutely mandatory for safe and happy flying.

Ultralight Pilot — our step-by-step guide

By the Numbers

Here's a quick comparison of the requirements, restrictions and privileges in each category.

² Larger, higher-powered aircraft may require additional endorsements or type ratings. Seat, passenger, and weight restrictions apply to private pilots flying under BasicMed
³ Excludes floats and safety devices
⁴ Requires a Third-Class Medical or BasicMed, plus additional training and endorsements
⁵ Additional training and an appropriate instrument rating required
⁶ Multi-engine certificate required
⁷ A third-class medical or BasicMed is required to exercise night privileges
⁸ Previous FAA medical certificates cannot be denied, revoked, or suspended