Flight training is a course of study used when learning to pilot an aircraft. The overall purpose of primary and intermediate flight training is the acquisition and honing of basic airmanship skills. Although there are various types of aircraft, many of the principles of piloting them have common techniques, especially those aircraft which are heavier than air types.

All training courses consist of some combination of theoretical learning conducted on the ground, and practical exercises conducted in the air. Initial training is often conducted in specialized training aircraft, which are designed for benign handling characteristics and lower costs compared to the aircraft which the pilot concerned is ultimately aiming to fly. Flight simulators are also used to train pilots in some circumstances, at much lower cost and risk than actual flying. The minimum amount of flight training required for private pilots is generally set at 40 hours, however most students require 50-80 hours of training.

The cost of flight training can vary, but by going to your local flight school it will be approximately
$6,000 USD for a Private Pilot's License for single engine airplanes.

For a Commercial License be prepared to pay $40,000 USD.

Another option is ATP's Accelerated Flight Training which is $60,000 USD.

The final option is the military route, which is basically obligatory for Helicopter Training, as the cost for private lessons is immense.

In Basic Training the following fundamentals of safe flying are covered for almost all aircraft:

Principles of Flight

• Flight Regulations
• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Radio Communications
• Flight Instruments
• Human Factors
• Medical Certification

For powered aircraft:
• Airframes, Engines and Systems