Req 5a — Pilot Certificates

If you want to fly, you need a certificate from the FAA. Think of it like a driver’s license — but for the sky. Each certificate has different privileges, requirements, and limitations. Let’s walk through the four certificates you need to know.

Student Pilot Certificate

The student pilot certificate is where every pilot’s journey begins. It is not really a license to fly on your own — it is a permission slip to learn. With a student pilot certificate, you can fly an aircraft under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI).

Key facts:

• Minimum age to apply: 14 years old (for gliders and balloons) or 16 years old (for powered aircraft)
• How to get it: Apply through the FAA’s IACRA system (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) online, with an aviation medical examiner (AME) or your flight instructor
• Privileges: Fly with an instructor; eventually solo (fly alone) after the instructor endorses you
• Limitations: Cannot carry passengers; cannot fly for compensation; must have instructor endorsements for solo flights

Recreational Pilot Certificate

The recreational pilot certificate is a limited version of the private pilot certificate. It was designed for people who want to fly for fun close to home without investing in the full private pilot training.

Key facts:

• Minimum age: 17 years old
• Flight hours required: 30 hours minimum (vs. 40 for private pilot)
• Privileges: Fly a single-engine aircraft with no more than four seats and one passenger
• Limitations: Cannot fly at night; cannot fly more than 50 nautical miles from home airport without additional training; cannot fly in airspace requiring communication with air traffic control; cannot fly in conditions that require instrument flight rules

Remote Pilot Certificate

The remote pilot certificate (also called Part 107 certification) is the FAA certificate for flying drones and unmanned aircraft systems commercially — meaning for business purposes, not just for fun.

Key facts:

• Minimum age: 16 years old
• How to get it: Pass the Part 107 Knowledge Test (a 60-question multiple-choice exam at an FAA testing center) and pass a TSA background check
• Privileges: Fly drones commercially — aerial photography for hire, real estate marketing, inspections, surveying, agriculture, and more
• Limitations: Must keep the drone within visual line of sight; must fly below 400 feet AGL; must fly during daytime (or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting); cannot fly over people without a waiver

Important distinction: Recreational (hobby) drone pilots only need the free TRUST certification you learned about in Requirement 2. But if you want to make money flying drones — even selling a single aerial photo — you need the Part 107 remote pilot certificate.

Private Pilot Certificate

The private pilot certificate is the most common certificate for people who fly for personal and recreational purposes. It gives you the freedom to fly almost anywhere in the country, carry passengers, and fly at night.

Key facts:

• Minimum age: 17 years old
• Flight hours required: 40 hours minimum (national average is about 60–70 hours)
• Exams: Written knowledge test (multiple choice) and a practical test (check ride) with an FAA examiner
• Medical certificate: Requires at least a Third Class medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner
• Privileges: Fly any single-engine airplane you are rated for; carry passengers; fly at night; fly in controlled airspace; fly cross-country to any airport
• Limitations: Cannot fly for compensation or hire; cannot fly in instrument meteorological conditions (clouds, low visibility) without an instrument rating