Becoming a Recreational Pilot
Recreational or general aviation pilots fly a large variety of airplanes from gliders to homebuilts and even jets. Being a recreational pilot just means that you fly for fun, no matter what career path you choose.
Take a FREE Young Eagles Flight
EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Program
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For youth ages 8-17
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FREE introductory flight given by a local EAA chapter or individual EAA member in your area
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Young Eagles are given a pre and post flight review of the interior and exterior of the airplane, safety instructions and an overview of airplane controls and operations
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A 15-20 minute flight
Find a Young Eagles Flight
YoungEaglesDay.org
Register for a Young Eagles flight using EAA's online registration tool.
AeroEducate Calendar of Events ›
Find a Young Eagles rally or other youth events in your area.
Set Yourself Up for Success
You can start preparing to become a pilot now:
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You can start flight training at any age, although you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
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You can solo in a glider at the age of 14 and can receive a glider pilot certificate at the age of 16.
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Start looking for scholarships to offset the cost of flight training.
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Join or get involved in your local EAA chapter.
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Work or intern at your local airport.
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Keep working on AeroEducate badging and new activities to learn more about aviation.
Options for Flight Training
Professional Flight Training
One of the fastest paths to obtain a pilot certificate is through professional flight training. These programs are often intense and require you to follow a strict curriculum. These programs allow you to complete the course and become a pilot on a set schedule at a pre-determined cost.
You can find professional flight training through local certified flight instructors (CFIs) or your local vocational or technical college.
Post-Secondary with Professional Flight Training
If you’re thinking of attending a college or university, start by seeking out and applying for scholarships.
Attending a college or university while working on your pilot certificate can give you top-notch instruction, networking opportunities, life-changing internships, and career placement that you may not otherwise have access to by going through professional flight training alone. Some companies may also seek out or prefer pilots with a degree, as it shows your dedication to learning new things, your well-roundedness, and your perseverance.
Military
Flying in the military is not only a great way to serve your country, it’s also a great way to get your flight training paid for and earn valuable experience.
For more information about military piloting options, visit our Military Pilot Pathway page.
Enjoy Flying
Once you have the appropriate certifications the sky is literally the limit. Start enjoying all that the world of aviation has to offer and continue to gain experience and proficiency as a pilot.
Give Back
If you have the opportunity, inspire youth just like yourself to be involved in flight by giving back to your aviation community with your continued involvement in your local EAA Chapter.
Take a FREE Young Eagles Flight
EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Program
-
For youth ages 8-17
-
FREE introductory flight given by a local EAA chapter or individual EAA member in your area
-
Young Eagles are given a pre and post flight review of the interior and exterior of the airplane, safety instructions and an overview of airplane controls and operations
-
A 15-20 minute flight
Find a Young Eagles Flight
YoungEaglesDay.org
Register for a Young Eagles flight using EAA's online registration tool.
AeroEducate Calendar of Events ›
Find a Young Eagles rally or other youth events in your area.
Set Yourself Up for Success
You can start preparing to become a pilot now:
-
You can start flight training at any age, although you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
-
You can solo in a glider at the age of 14 and can receive a glider pilot certificate at the age of 16.
-
Start looking for scholarships to offset the cost of flight training.
-
Join or get involved in your local EAA chapter.
-
Work or intern at your local airport.
-
Keep working on AeroEducate badging and new activities to learn more about aviation.
Options for Flight Training
Professional Flight Training
One of the fastest paths to obtain a pilot certificate is through professional flight training. These programs are often intense and require you to follow a strict curriculum. These programs allow you to complete the course and become a pilot on a set schedule at a pre-determined cost.
You can find professional flight training through local certified flight instructors (CFIs) or your local vocational or technical college.
Post-Secondary with Professional Flight Training
If you’re thinking of attending a college or university, start by seeking out and applying for scholarships.
Attending a college or university while working on your pilot certificate can give you top-notch instruction, networking opportunities, life-changing internships, and career placement that you may not otherwise have access to by going through professional flight training alone. Some companies may also seek out or prefer pilots with a degree, as it shows your dedication to learning new things, your well-roundedness, and your perseverance.
Military
Flying in the military is not only a great way to serve your country, it’s also a great way to get your flight training paid for and earn valuable experience.
For more information about military piloting options, visit our Military Pilot Pathway page.
Enjoy Flying
Once you have the appropriate certifications the sky is literally the limit. Start enjoying all that the world of aviation has to offer and continue to gain experience and proficiency as a pilot.
Give Back
If you have the opportunity, inspire youth just like yourself to be involved in flight by giving back to your aviation community with your continued involvement in your local EAA Chapter.
