How to Become a Pilot in Venezuela in 2024

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 is your aviation goal. 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 17 flight schools in Venezuela that offer different pilot training programs that you can choose from. 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 on the options currently available.

• Join the military

Finally, if you’re interested in serving your country, you can join Bolivarian National Air Force of Venezuela. 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 Venezuela?

You need to be at least 17 years old to start your pilot training in Venezuela.

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

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 Venezuela?

Potential students must be at least a high school graduate.

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

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 Venezuela?

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 Certificate, you should be:

(i) at least 17 years old;

(ii) Valid Class II Medical Certificate;

(iii) be enrolled in an Aeronautical Training Center certified by the Aeronautical Authority.

• 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 be:

(i) at least 18 years old;

(ii) holder of Student Pilot License

(iii) possess a Class II Medical Certificate;

(iv) have approved a Private Aircraft Pilot course, theoretical and flight practical in a certified Aeronautical Training Center by the Aeronautical Authority, within twelve (12) months preceding the date of the request;

(v) have completed at least forty (40) flight hours according to the programmatic content approved by the Aeronautical Authority.

• 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 be:

(i) at least 18 years old;

(ii) holder of Private Pilot License or Student Pilot License;

(iii) have approved a theoretical and practical Commercial Pilot course of flight in an Aeronautical Training Center certified by the Aeronautical Authority within the twelve (12) months preceding the application, in which you must have completed at least one hundred fifty (150) hours of instructional flight, depending on content program approved by the Aeronautical Authority;

(iv) for recognition of flight time, having completed as minimum two hundred (200) flight hours, of which at least one hundred (100) hours must be as pilot-in-command and also pass a Theoretical-practical Commercial Pilot course, which contemplates how minimum twenty (20) hours of instructional flight in a Training Center Instruction certified by the Aeronautical Authority;

(v) additionally, it must comply with the requirements for the obtaining the special Instrumental Flight rating;

(vi) possess a current Class I medical certificate;

(vii) have approved the theoretical and practical evaluation applied by the Aeronautical Authority or by whom it delegates.

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)

Is the highest level of Aircraft Pilot Certificate that allows you to act as pilot in command on scheduled air carriers. To get an Airline Pilot License,  you must be:

(i) at least 21 years old;

(ii) possess a valid Class I Medical Certificate;

(iii) Currently in possession of a Commercial Pilot License;

(iv) have approved a theoretical Airline Transportation course, in an Aeronautical Training Center certified by the Authority Aeronautics, within the twelve (12) months preceding the date of application. The Airlines certified by the Authority Aeronautics, they will be able to dictate this course to the Pilots that are part of your organization, as long as they have it approved in your Training manual;

(v) have a minimum experience of one thousand five hundred (1,500) hours of flight in the airplane category, of which five hundred (500) hours they must be like pilot in command. In the case of First Officers of the Airline, who do not meet five hundred (500) hours, as pilot in command, the five hundred (500) hours will be recognized under supervision as long as they are carried out and approved in the training manual of the company where you are applying for promotion. Likewise, of the one thousand five hundred (1,500) total flight hours, to least three hundred (300) hours must be in Aircraft that require co-pilot.

(vi) have approved the theoretical and practical evaluation applied by the Aeronautical Authority in a multi-engine aircraft, which requires co-pilot or a flight simulator authorized by the Authority Aeronautics.

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 17 pilot schools in Venezuela for you to choose from. You can find a list of flight training institutes in Venezuela by registering with us on Aviationfly.com. Our flight school directory has a list of all the latest active flight schools in Venezuela 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, you must note is that after your training you will have to convert your license to the Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil (INAC).

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

*This/these number/numbers is/are based on available data and research conducted in the year 2019. 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.

Do you still have questions? Send us a message!

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

Good luck, future Pilot!