United Kingdom
UK CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority sets licensing and medical requirements for pilots training under the UK system.
Verify current requirements with UK CAA.
Global pathway overview
Explore the path to becoming a pilot
Pilot training routes differ around the world. Start by understanding the authority, licences, medical standards and training options that apply where you plan to train and work.
Region overview
Start with the authority for your region
Licensing systems are not interchangeable by default. Use these summaries as a starting point, then verify current requirements directly with the named authority.
European Union and associated states
EASA Europe
EASA provides the shared regulatory framework used by national aviation authorities across participating European states.
Verify current requirements with EASA Europe.
United States
FAA United States
The Federal Aviation Administration oversees pilot certification, medical standards and flight training rules in the United States.
Verify current requirements with FAA United States.
Canada
Transport Canada
Transport Canada sets Canadian flight crew licensing, training and medical requirements.
Verify current requirements with Transport Canada.
India
India DGCA
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation regulates pilot licensing and approved training in India.
Verify current requirements with India DGCA.
Australia
Australia CASA
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulates Australian pilot licensing, medicals and flight training.
Verify current requirements with Australia CASA.
New Zealand
New Zealand CAA
The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand sets local pilot licensing, medical and training standards.
Verify current requirements with New Zealand CAA.
Singapore
Singapore CAAS
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore oversees pilot licensing and aviation safety requirements in Singapore.
Verify current requirements with Singapore CAAS.
General pathway
The stages are familiar, but the details vary
A common concept is to begin with an introductory flight, earn a PPL, build experience, progress toward a CPL and complete the theory and training needed for airline entry. The exact order, terminology and eligibility rules depend on the licensing authority and route.
01
Explore and take a trial flight
Visit training providers, ask questions and experience a lesson before making a larger commitment.
02
Check medical requirements
Understand which medical certificate your intended route requires and use an authorised medical examiner.
03
Build foundational licences
A private pilot licence is a common foundation, followed by further training and experience for professional routes.
04
Progress toward commercial training
Professional pathways commonly include hour building, commercial training, instrument privileges and multi-engine experience.
05
Prepare for airline entry
Airline-focused routes may include ATPL theory, required experience, selection processes and aircraft-specific training.
Modular and integrated approaches
Modular training usually divides the pathway into separate stages that can be completed with more flexibility. Integrated training combines stages into a structured full-time programme. Neither is automatically the right choice for everyone. Compare approvals, entry requirements, support, scheduling and total written costs with each provider.
Plan with current written quotes
Costs vary by country, school, aircraft, route, accommodation and currency. Always request current written quotes directly from training providers.
Research before you commit
- Check the provider and course approval with the relevant authority.
- Confirm medical eligibility for your intended licence and career route.
- Ask for written details of inclusions, exclusions and refund terms.
- Speak with current students and compare more than one provider.
FlightPath Hub provides educational guidance only. Always verify licensing, medical and training requirements with the relevant aviation authority and approved providers.
New to all this? The free global future pilot starter pack walks through the first research steps.