Questions
Pilot and drone license questions, answered
Short answers to what people search while learning to fly or getting a drone license. Each one gives the answer first, then the details, and every fact links to the official source it comes from.
Getting started
- Do I need a license for a drone under 250 grams?Not to fly just for fun, but even under 250 g you must pass TRUST; you can skip registration. Almost all other flying needs a Part 107 certificate.
- How long does it take to get a private pilot license?No FAA rule sets how many weeks or months it takes. The minimum for an airplane is 40 hours of flight time under Part 61, or 35 at a Part 141 school.
- How old do you have to be to get a pilot license?17 for a private pilot certificate in an airplane, 16 in a glider or balloon. A student pilot certificate starts at 16, or 14 for a glider or balloon.
- What can a student pilot do?Solo needs an endorsement renewed every 90 days; no passengers or pay. Night, cross-country and Class B need more; no night solo for sport pilot students.