Welcome to the L2F (“Learn to Fly”) Newsletter. We’re here to help you in your journey of becoming a pilot!

We’ve been going through a series on the airspace classifications which are vital for pilots to understand, and this week we will provide explanations for a few more aspects and offer our best estimate of the time it takes to become a pilot, regardless of your specific goals.

Let’s dive in!

Wedding Cake in the Sky? No, it’s “Airspace”!

The FAA classifies airspace according to altitude and types of operations conducted. Alphabetically, from A to G, airspace is ranked from most to least restrictive. For example, sport pilots may only fly in class E and G airspace without an endorsement (F being special use), and Class A airspace is reserved almost exclusively for long-haul flights between towered airports carrying passengers or cargo.

We’ve covered the more busy airspace in prior editions, but here are a few classes you’re likely to encounter as a student pilot:

CLASS D: THE SMALLER STOPS

Surrounding smaller airports, we come across Class D – an airspace where communication is vital but without large jets or busy back-to-back takeoffs and landings. While two-way communication with ATC is essential, it’s much less strict than in Class B or C. When approaching a smaller airport, you're most likely entering Class D airspace. Like Class B and C, sport and recreational pilots may only fly in this area with approval from a flight instructor.

CLASS E: THE WIDE-OPEN SKIES

Traversing the wide-open skies, we arrive at Class E airspace – where light aircraft cruise outside of the restrictions around airports. Think of it as an open countryside, stretching from the ground to 14,500 feet, encompassing areas not designated as A, B, C, or D, including non-towered airports. Class E airspace is less about strict control and more about situational awareness. While communication with ATC might not be mandatory, staying vigilant is necessary. So, whether you're flying over remote landscapes or soaring above your hometown, you're most likely in Class E airspace. Most pilots, including those with only a sport or recreational license, are free to traverse Class-E airspace. It’s an area that, for the most part, is calm and safe.

CLASS G: THE UNRESTRICTED SKIES

Outside the jurisdiction of the other airspace classes is Class G airspace, where only 2 major rules must be followed. Pilots must have at least 1 mile of visibility and stay clear of clouds.

Class G airspace ranges from ground level to 700 or 1200 feet (with exceptions being a ceiling of 14,500 feet in some remote areas.) It’s always best to check the boundaries between classes of airspace in your location. Like Class E airspace, sport and recreational pilots can fly in this airspace, and many student pilots train here.

How Long Does is Really Take to Become a Pilot?

This is a very challenging question, because everyone is different, but we’ll give you a feel for it here, and cover factors that matter. Here are some general estimates for different types of pilot's licenses:

1. Private Pilot License (PPL): This is the most common type of pilot's license and typically takes about 3 to 6 months to complete for those dedicated and consistent. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, but the national average is closer to 60-70 hours. If you’re flying once per week (or less) it’s going to take more time on the calendar and more time in the air to master the skills you need to pass the test.

2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL): After obtaining a private pilot license, individuals can pursue a commercial pilot license. The CPL program often takes an additional 6 months to a year or more. The FAA requires a minimum of 250 total flight hours for the CPL, but most individuals accumulate more hours during training; but again this comes back to how much time you spend in the air, and how often you’re flying to set the pace on calendar time, overall.

3. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): This is the highest level of pilot certification and is required for those who want to fly for commercial airlines. The FAA requires a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours for the ATPL, which includes time logged during private and commercial training. Time required to reach 1,500 hours can be cut down dramatically by finding work as a CPL which will be a driving factor in accumulating hours quickly - if you can make it your full time job, it might only take a year or two!

Factors that can influence the time it takes to obtain a pilot's license include the frequency of flight training (more frequent training sessions often lead to quicker progress), weather conditions (bad weather can delay training flights), and individual aptitude and dedication.

The type of flight school and its resources can influence the training process too. As we described in a previous article, a Part 141 school vs a Part 91 school may offer a more regimented schedule for students to progress through the flight requirements more rapidly. Larger flight schools, with more aircraft and instructors, may provide more scheduling flexibility and opportunities for flying; but also offer a far less personal approach to learning to fly.

Of course these are general estimates and individual experiences will vary; but you can control your experience through being consistent in your flying, diligent in your study, and open and honest with your instructor who should be your biggest advocate for moving safely & efficiently through your training and toward your goals!

The L2F Newsletter is crafted by seasoned pilots and experienced instructors, all with one common goal: to empower your dream of soaring high.

We're not just sharing information; we're sharing wisdom, insights, and the kind of guidance you can only get from those who are already living the dream you aspire to.

Buckle up, because with L2F, you're never alone on your flight training adventure!

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