How to Become a Pilot in Edmond, Oklahoma 2025

You need to know what pilot training programs are being offered in the city and which among those is the most suitable for you. This is where you should take into account what your aviation goal is. Do you want to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)? Are you seeking to work for an airline? If yes, then an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is for you. Do you aim to attain a college degree at the same time too? Or do you see yourself joining the military, particularly the Air Force?

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Here are your options

• Flight School

Edmond has several flight schools offering various pilot training programs.

• Aviation-related college degree program

However, if you’re interested in obtaining a college degree accompanied with flight training, you should consider aviation-related college degree programs. These programs allow students to combine a college degree with flight training. With this kind of program, you will earn a college degree together with a pilot license such as Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in most cases. This will give you the opportunity to have the best of both worlds.

• Airline cadet pilot program

Meanwhile, if your greatest childhood dream is to become an airline pilot, you should consider airline cadet pilot programs. Airlines often sponsor these programs and students are guaranteed employment upon course completion. In this pilot program, you will obtain an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). You can reach out to us to get an insight into the options currently available.

• Join the military

Finally, if you’re interested in serving your country, you can join the US Air Force. The Government will sponsor your flight training, but you will have to serve for a certain period before you can apply to commercial airlines.

• What is the minimum age to become a pilot in Edmond?

  • You need to be at least 17 years old to start your pilot training for a Private Pilot License (PPL) in Oklahoma. For a Student Pilot Certificate, you can start at 16 years old.

• What do I need to start pilot training in Edmond? 

  • In order to start your pilot training, you must obtain a medical certificate from an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). There are three classes of medical certificates:
    • Class 1: Required for airline transport pilots.
    • Class 2: Required for commercial pilots.
    • Class 3: Required for private pilot

• What are the minimum educational requirements to become a pilot in Edmond?

  • While there is no specific educational requirement mandated by the FAA for a private pilot license, most flight schools require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. For those aiming to become airline pilots, a bachelor’s degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field is often preferred.

• What level of English do I need to become a pilot in Edmond?

  • You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English proficiently. The FAA requires pilots to meet at least ICAO Level 4 English proficiency standards.

• What is the maximum age for airline pilots in Edmond? 

  • There is no maximum age limit to obtain a pilot certificate in the U.S. However, airline pilots must retire by age 65

In general, there are several pilot training stages that students need to complete depending on their goals. The stages of pilot training are as follows:

• Student Pilot License (SPL)

The first pilot license you will need to obtain is a student pilot license. This license allows you to start your flight training.

• Private Pilot License (PPL)

The private pilot license will allow you to fly solo, passengers, or cargo but without monetary compensation. You need at least 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours of flight training with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight.

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

To start earning from flying, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot license. This license allows you to become a paid professional pilot. You need at least 250 hours of flight time.

• Instrument Rating (IR)

Being instrument-rated means that you can fly the aircraft in any weather condition (for example, low or zero visibility) using just the instruments. Flight schools offer Instrument Rating along with their commercial pilot training, but this can also be obtained separately. You need at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command.

• Multi-Engine Rating (MER)

The multi-engine rating will allow you to fly multi-engine aircraft. Flight schools offer Multi-Engine Rating along with their private pilot training and commercial pilot training, but this can also be obtained separately.

•   Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

ATPL is the highest level of Aircraft Pilot Certificate that allows you to act as a pilot in command on scheduled air carriers. You need at least 1,500 hours of total flight time.

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After doing your research on the type of license you would like to obtain, the next step is to choose which flight school is the most suitable for your budget and goals.

Types of Flight Schools:

There are two main types of flight schools in the U.S.: Part 61 and Part 141. Part 61 schools offer more flexibility and are often preferred by students who need a more adaptable schedule. Part 141 schools follow a more structured curriculum and are often chosen by students who want a faster path to their pilot license.

Factors to Consider:

When choosing a flight school, consider factors such as location, cost, fleet of aircraft, instructor qualifications, and the school’s reputation. It’s also important to visit the school, meet the instructors, and possibly take an introductory flight lesson to get a feel for the environment.

So, how much does pilot training cost? 

It is important to note that becoming a pilot requires a certain budget. Your flight training cost depends on the country you do your training, the flight school you pick, and a number of other factors. In Oklahoma, the cost for obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL) can range from $8,000 to $12,000, while a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) can cost between $25,000 and $35,000

Many aspiring pilots have a defined career path they would like to pursue, while others don’t. Below is a list of options for what you can potentially do with a pilot license.

• Airline Pilot: Work for large airlines or smaller regional ones. Major airlines in Oklahoma include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines
• Corporate or Business Aviation Pilot: Fly private jets for corporations or wealthy individuals.
• Cargo Pilot: Transport goods and cargo for companies like FedEx or UPS.
• Charter / Air Taxi Pilot: Provide on-demand flight services for passengers.
• Flight Instructor: Teach aspiring pilots and help them earn their licenses.
• Medical/Air Ambulance Pilot: Transport patients and medical supplies.
• Agricultural Pilot: Perform aerial application of pesticides and fertilizers.
• Military Pilot: Serve in the U.S. Air Force, Navy, or Army

A frequently asked question is: how much does an Airline Captain in Oklahoma make? The short answer is around $183,301 per year plus benefits, but this can vary widely depending on the airline and the pilot’s experience.

*This/these number/numbers is/are based on available data and research conducted in the year 2024. There is no guarantee that the number/s provided is/are accurate. Please read our Disclaimer.

Tip 1. Decide on your pilot goals

Firstly, ask yourself – what are your long-term aspirations in aviation? Do you want to become a pilot in your free time (Private Pilot License)? Or do you want to fly in General Aviation (Commercial Pilot License)? Do you want to become an airline pilot through an airline pilot cadet program? Additionally, which airlines are currently hiring? What type of aircraft will be utilized by airlines in the next few years? Which flight schools do the airlines usually hire from? Best to ask flight schools if they have partnerships with airlines. These are critical questions you should list and get answers to when asking yourself “how will I become a Pilot”.

Tip 2. Determine how much you can afford to spend

Secondly, different flight schools have different costs (due to location, number of students, aircraft type and several other factors), find out the reasons for the price difference. Moreover, do these programs have financial assistance/loan programs? Might a part-time program work for you?

Tip 3. Determine how much free time you have

Each flight training school has its own training schedules with some offering flexibility while others want the cadets to train full time and on campus. Note that delaying flight training usually increases your training costs.

Tip 4. Find out what type of aircraft the flight school uses and information about its aircraft maintenance center

This is important from a training point of view, but even more importantly, from a safety aspect. Furthermore, you should also take into consideration the equipment preference of airlines. Aircraft age does not always relate to safety, this is dependent on the aircraft maintenance – ask the flight school in detail about their aircraft maintenance department and safety features of the aircraft.

Tip 5. Visit your shortlist of flight schools

Finally, when possible, speak to the instructors and flight school management teams to learn about the training, safety policies, history, and graduates of the flight school.

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