Private pilot This is the most popular initial certificate, allowing pilots to fly most common small airplanes for their personal enjoyment and forming a building block for future professional flying. Additional training is required for certain airplanes and recommended for certain environments. Minimum flight hours: 40 You can... * Take your family camping. * Showcase your skills in a shorttakeoff-and-landing demonstration. * Fly into backcountry strips or along the Chicago skyline. Fast Track Hour requirements listed here are for training in airplanes at a common type of neighborhood flight school. Some highly structured training programs qualify for lower hour requirements, so if you're interested in a flying career, you may consider a degree program, " Part 141 " flight school, or military training. Private pilots can fly almost anywhere in the United States. Fewer restrictions than the other initial certificates means you can haul camping gear in a larger aircraft or cruise the Chicago skyline at night. To drop skydivers as a professional pilot, you'll need a commercial pilot certificate. ADVANCED CERTIFICATES Commercial pilot You'll need a commercial pilot certificate to get paid to fly. It's also a prerequisite for becoming a flight instructor or airline pilot. Minimum flight hours: 250 You can... * Ferry aircraft to buyers across the country. * Drop skydivers. * Tow banners. Certificated flight instructor This certificate allows you to teach others to fly. Minimum flight hours: 250 You can... * Teach primary training. * Specialize in advanced training. * Be your own boss as an independent instructor. FLIGHT TRAINING YOU CAN FLY 2023 33 ABOVE: MIKE FIZER; BELOW: JOSH COCHRAN