How to Become a Pilot in Guatemala in 2025

You need to know what pilot training programs are being offered in the country 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? 

Did we lose you? Don’t panic! If you’re not familiar with the terms or can’t choose which license is right for you, you can send in your questions and our team will be happy to help you out.

Here are your options

• Flight School

There are approximately fourteen (14) flight schools in Guatemala. Should you consider doing your pilot training abroad, it is important that you create a list of your preferred flight school/s so you can compare which is fitting for you. Each school has its own procedures, enrollment requirements, and depending on which pilot training courses you decide to take, the tuition fee also varies. 

• 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 Guatemalan Air Force. The Government will sponsor your flight training but you will have to stay with the military for around 12 years after completion before you can apply to commercial airlines. 

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

  • You must be at least 17 years old.

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

  • In order to start your pilot training, you will need to secure a medical certificate. The best way to do this is to speak with the flight school you would like to enroll in and they will help arrange it for you.

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

  • Potential students must be at least a high school graduate.

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

  • Since the language of aviation internationally is English, it is recommended to have at least a level 4 English standard before receiving your pilot license. If you are looking to improve your English, you can send us a message and we will give you tips on what courses to take.

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

  • The retirement age for airline pilots is 65 years old.

In general, there are six (6) different pilot training stages in which students need to complete depending on what their goal is. 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. To get a Student Pilot License, you must:

(a) Be at least 17 years old;

(b) Have parental permission by notarial act;

(c) Have passed secondary education;

(d) Have a current Class 2 medical evaluation.

• Private Pilot License (PPL)

The private pilot license will allow you to fly solo, passengers, or cargo but without monetary compensation. To get a Private Pilot License, you must:

General Requirements:

(a) Be at least 17 years old;

(b) Have parental permission by notarial act;

(c) Have passed at least secondary education;

(d) Have a valid Class 2 Medical Evaluation.

Flight Experience:

(a) For a single-engine aircraft category rating. A person who applies for a Private pilot license with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must be noted at least 40 hours of flight time. The DGAC will determine if the instruction received in a Synthetic flight trainer, authorized by the DGAC, is acceptable as part of the flight time 40 hours. Credit for such experience will be limited to a maximum of 5 hours.

Flight time must include at least 27 hours of flight training with an instructor authorized and 13 hours of flight training time only over the listed areas of operation in section 2.3.1.4 of this regulation and the training must include at least:

(a.1) 20 hours of double local command;

(a.2) 4 hours of cross-country flight training (route) dual command in an airplane single engine;

(a.3) 3 hours of training in a single-engine aircraft on controlling and maneuvering for instrument reference only (IFR);

(a.4) 3 hours of dual command flight training in a single-engine aircraft in preparation for the practical exam within 60 days preceding the date of the practical test;

(a.5) 13 hours of flight time alone in a single-engine aircraft consisting of at least less:

(i) 5 hours of cross-country flight time alone. 8 hours of flight time only local;

(ii) A solo cross-country flight of at least a total distance of 150 nautical miles with landings to stop at least at two different points and a flight segment consists of a straight line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between take-off points and landing;

(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to total stop that each landing involves a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport when the control tower is operating.

(b) For a multi-engine airplane category rating . A person who applies for a Private pilot license with an airplane category and Multi-engine class rating must record at least 40 hours of flight time. The DGAC will determine if the instruction received in a synthetic flight trainer, authorized by the DGAC, is acceptable as part 40 hour flight time. Credit for such experience will be limited to a maximum of 5 hours. Flight time must include at least 27 hours of flight training of an authorized instructor and 13 hours of flight training time only and training must include at least:

(b.1) 20 hours of double local command;

(b.2) 4 hours of cross-country flight training (route) in a multi-engine aircraft;

(b.3) 3 hours of training in a multi-engine aircraft on controlling and maneuvering only by reference to instruments (IFR);

(b.4) 3 hours of flight training on an airplane in preparation for the practical exam within 60 days of the practical test date;

(b.5) 13 hours of flight time alone in a multi-engine aircraft consisting of at least:

(i) 5 hours of cross-country flight time alone. 8 hours of local flight time alone;

(ii) A solo cross-country flight of at least a total distance of 150 miles nautical with landings to total stop at least in two different points and a flight segment consists of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between takeoff and landing points;

(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to total stop that each landing involves a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport when the control tower is operating

• 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.

• To get a Commercial Pilot License, you must:

General Requirements:

(a) Be at least 18 years of age;

(b) Have passed at least diversified education;

(c) Class 1 Medical Certification.

Flight Experience:

(a) For a single-engine airplane rating . A person applying for a pilot license commercial with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must score a minimum of 200 hours of total flight time as a pilot. The DGAC will determine if the instruction received in a synthetic flight trainer, authorized by the DGAC, it is acceptable as part of the time flight time of 200 hours. Credit for such experience will be limited to a maximum of 10 hours and training must include at least:

(a.1) 100 hours of flight time as pilot-in-command;

(a.2) 20 hours of cross-country flight including at least one flight;

(a.3) 20 hours of training in the areas of operation that includes at least:

(i) 10 hours of instrument flight training and at least 5 hours must be in a single-engine plane and five can be in a trainer;

(ii) 10 hours of training in a complex aircraft that has a landing gear retractable or fixed, as applicable; constant speed propeller or variable pitch; or is it driven by turbine or turboprop;

(iii) A cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a single-engine airplane in conditions VFR by day and consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(iv) A cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a single-engine airplane in conditions VFR at night, when applicable, and consists of a total straight-line distance of more 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(v) 3 hours in a single-engine aircraft in preparation for the practical test within a period of 60 preceding the date of the test.

(a.4) 10 hours of flight only in a single-engine airplane in the areas of operation which includes at least:

(i) A cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles in total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which must be at a distance in a straight line of at least 180 nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(ii) 5 hours of flight in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings that each landing involves a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport with a control tower operating, when applicable.

(b) For a multi-engine airplane rating . A person applying for a commercial pilot license with an airplane category and multi-engine class rating must record a minimum of 200 hours of total flight time as a pilot. The DGAC will determine if the instruction received in a coach Synthetic flight, authorized by the DGAC, is acceptable as part of the flight time of 200 hours. Credit for such experience will be limited to a maximum of 10 hours. Training for meeting the required hours must consist of at least:

(b.1) 100 hours of flight time as pilot-in-command;

(b.2) 20 hours of cross-country flight including at least one flight;

(b.3) 20 hours of training in the areas of operation listed in section 2.4.1.4 of this regulation that includes at least:

(i) 10 hours of instrument flight training and at least 5 hours must be in a multi-engine plane and five can be in a trainer;

(ii) 10 hours of training in a complex aircraft that has a landing gear retractable or fixed, constant speed propeller or variable pitch; or is it driven by turbine or turboprop; (iii) A cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a multi-engine airplane in conditions VFR by day and consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; (iv) A cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a multi-engine airplane in VFR conditions at night, when applicable, and consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(v) 3 hours in a multi-engine aircraft in preparation for the practical test within a period of 60 preceding the date of the test.

(b.4) 10 hours of flight only in a multi-engine aircraft in the areas of operation which includes at least:

(i) A cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles in total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which must be at a distance in a straight line of at least 180 nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(ii) 5 hours of flight in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings that each landing involves a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport with a control tower operating, when applicable.

Both Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine Rating are add-ons to your pilot license…

• 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.

• 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. To get an Airline-Plane Transport Pilot License, you must:

General Requirements:

(a) Be at least 21 years old;

(b) Class 1 Medical Certification.

Flight Experience:

(a) You will have performed at least 1500 total flight hours as an aircraft pilot. The DGAC will determine if the instruction received by the pilot in a flight simulator, recognized by said authority is acceptable as part of the total flight time of 1500 hours. Credit for This experience will be limited to a maximum of 100 Flight Simulator hours, of which one maximum of 25 may have been acquired from a flight procedure trainer or from basic instrument flight trainer. Within the required hours, the applicant will have completed by plane, at least:

(a.1) 500 hours as pilot-in-command under supervision or 2

50 hours of flight, either as pilot-in-command, or a minimum of 70 hours as pilot-in-command, plus any additional flight time required as pilot-in-command under supervision provided the supervisory method employed is satisfactory for the DGAC;

(a.2) 200 cross-country flight hours, of which a minimum of 100 will be as pilot-in-command, or as co-pilot, in which case he will perform, under the supervision of the pilot-in-command, the duties and its functions, provided that the supervisory method used is satisfactory for the DGAC;

(a.3) 75 hours of instrument flight, of which a maximum of 30 may be in Trainer Synthetic Flight;

(a.4) 100 hours of night flight as pilot in command or as co-pilot.

If you have any questions so far, feel free to use chat messenger to send us a message.

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.

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.

If you decide to do your flight training within the country, there are approximately fourteen (14) options for you. You can get more information about the flight training institute in Guatemala by registering with us on Aviationfly.com. Our flight school directory has a list of all the latest active flight school/s in Guatemala including their brief background, pilot training courses being offered, the school’s fleet details, what they can offer to you, and other information. 

On the other hand, if you decide to do your flight training abroad, there are a number of popular countries to choose from. One important thing to note is that after your training, you will have to convert your license to the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil.

As mentioned above, another alternative is to enroll in an airline pilot program. Once you have successfully passed your pilot training, you will be employed by the airlines that have set up the program.

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 for large airlines or smaller regional ones
• Corporate or business aviation pilot
• Cargo pilot
• Charter / Air taxi pilot
• Flight instructor
• Medical/ Air ambulance pilots
• Agricultural pilot and many more options

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), and 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 of 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.

Do you still have questions? Send us a message!

You can also check out How to become a Pilot in other countries by navigating on our platform or simply just reach out to our team through chat.