Loading...
Loading...
Pilot — PPL/CPL/ATP
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
No (FAA Only)
State License Required
40 hrs (35 Part 141)
PPL Min Hours
250 hrs
CPL Min Hours
1,500 hrs
ATP Min Hours
$175
Written Exam Fee
$9,000-$16,000
PPL Training Cost
FAA Written Exam (Knowledge Test)
$175
FAA knowledge exam at PSI testing center — same fee regardless of certificate/rating
Checkride / DPE Fee
$600-$1,200
Designated Pilot Examiner fee; varies by examiner, location, and certificate type. Not regulated by FAA.
FAA Medical Exam
$100-$200
Aviation Medical Examiner fee; 1st Class exams typically cost more than 3rd Class
Student Pilot Certificate
Free (no fee)
Applied for via IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) at no cost
PPL Total Training Cost
$9,000-$16,000
Estimated total PPL training cost in Georgia including aircraft rental, instructor fees, ground school, and supplies. Most students require 60-80 hours to complete.
All pilot certification is federal — the FAA is the sole authority under 14 CFR Part 61
VerifiedFAA Regulated
Yes — 100% Federal
Student Pilot Min Age
16 (14 for glider/balloon)
Private Pilot (PPL)
Age 17+
40 hours total flight time (35 hours under Part 141); includes at least 20 hours flight training with an instructor and 10 hours solo flight time
Commercial Pilot (CPL)
Age 18+
250 hours total flight time (for airplane category); instrument rating is a prerequisite for commercial privileges in airplane category
Airline Transport (ATP)
Age 23 (21 for restricted ATP)
1,500 hours total time (1,000 for Part 141 graduates with bachelor's degree; restricted ATP at 750 hours for military, 1,000-1,250 for institutional authority graduates)
Instrument Rating
Required for CPL (airplane)
50 hours cross-country PIC time, 40 hours actual/simulated instrument time
Certificate Progression
Student Pilot Certificate → Private Pilot License (PPL) → Instrument Rating → Commercial Pilot License (CPL) → Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) available after CPL.
Pilot certification is regulated exclusively at the federal level by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR Part 61. No state issues pilot licenses. All pilots must pass an FAA written knowledge exam and a practical test (checkride) administered by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). These requirements apply uniformly across all 50 states.
Not sure if you need a pilot license? Check whether your state requires one.
Medical certification is required to exercise pilot privileges
Verified1st Class Medical
ATP Privileges
Required for ATP privileges; valid 12 calendar months if under 40 at time of examination, 6 calendar months if 40 or older at time of examination
2nd Class Medical
Commercial Privileges
Required for commercial privileges; valid 12 calendar months regardless of age
3rd Class Medical
Private Pilot Privileges
Required for private pilot privileges; valid 60 calendar months if under 40 at time of examination, 24 calendar months if 40 or older at time of examination
BasicMed
Alternative to 3rd Class
BasicMed available since May 1, 2017 per 14 CFR Part 68. Requires valid U.S. driver's license, comprehensive medical examination by a state-licensed physician every 48 months (CMEC form), and completion of an online aeromedical course every 24 months. Aircraft limitations: 6,000 lbs MTOW or less, 6 passenger seats or fewer, at or below 18,000 feet MSL, at or below 250 knots indicated airspeed.
FAA medical certificates are issued by Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) designated by the FAA. Medical exams typically cost $100-$200. BasicMed, available since 2017, allows eligible pilots to use their state driver's license medical instead of a traditional FAA medical certificate, with certain aircraft and operational limitations.
State-specific aviation environment and resources
Mostly verifiedState Pilot License Required
No — FAA Only
VerifiedFAA FSDO(s)
Atlanta FSDO (PDK) / College Park FSDO (CPK)
VerifiedFlight Schools
Strong flight training community. Middle Georgia State University aviation program. Good density of schools around Atlanta metro.
State Aviation Department
Georgia Department of Transportation — Aviation Programs
Airspace Considerations
Atlanta Class B airspace is one of the busiest in the nation. Robins AFB military airspace. Strong GA infrastructure throughout state.
While pilot certification is entirely federal, each state has unique aviation characteristics including airspace complexity, flight school availability, weather patterns, and military airspace that affect the training experience. State aviation departments handle airport infrastructure and development but have no authority over pilot certification.
Estimated training and exam costs for Georgia
Mostly verifiedPrivate Pilot (PPL)
$9,000-$16,000
Commercial Pilot (CPL)
$30,000-$80,000+
Airline Transport (ATP)
$80,000-$100,000+
Written Exam Fee
$175
Checkride (DPE Fee)
$600-$1,200
Medical Exam Fee
$100-$200
Training costs vary significantly based on aircraft rental rates, instructor fees, training frequency, and individual aptitude. Most PPL students require 60-80 hours to reach proficiency, exceeding the 40-hour FAA minimum. Part 141 flight schools may offer structured programs at fixed rates. Costs shown are estimates for Georgia and may vary by flight school.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Student Pilot Certificate Applied for via IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) at no cost | Free (no fee) |
FAA Written Exam FAA knowledge exam at PSI testing center — same fee regardless of certificate/rating | $175 |
Checkride (DPE Fee) Designated Pilot Examiner fee; varies by examiner, location, and certificate type. Not regulated by FAA. | $600-$1,200 |
Medical Exam Aviation Medical Examiner fee; 1st Class exams typically cost more than 3rd Class | $100-$200 |
PPL Total Training Cost Estimated total PPL training cost in Georgia including aircraft rental, instructor fees, ground school, and supplies. Most students require 60-80 hours to complete. | $9,000-$16,000 |
CPL Total Training Cost Total cost from zero experience through CPL; varies significantly by training path (Part 61 vs Part 141) | $30,000-$80,000+ |
Total PPL Non-Training Fees Non-training fees only: FAA written exam ($175) + DPE checkride ($600-$1,200) + medical exam ($100-$200). Training costs are additional. | $875-$1,575 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Ongoing currency and renewal obligations
VerifiedNever Expires
Certificate Expiration
Every 24 Months
Flight Review (BFR)
90-Day Rule
Passenger Currency
Flight Review
Biennial flight review required every 24 calendar months per 14 CFR 61.56; minimum 1 hour of ground training and 1 hour of flight training with an authorized instructor
Medical Certificate Renewal
Medical certificate renewal per class schedule: 1st Class every 6-12 months, 2nd Class every 12 months, 3rd Class every 24-60 months (varies by age). BasicMed physical every 48 months.
Instrument Currency
Within preceding 6 calendar months: 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures, intercepting/tracking courses. If currency lapses, an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) is required.
Passenger Currency
To carry passengers: 3 takeoffs and 3 landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category, class, and type (if type rating required). Night passengers require night takeoffs/landings.
Regulatory Board
Pilot certificates are issued for life and do not expire. However, pilots must maintain currency to legally exercise their privileges. A flight review (formerly Biennial Flight Review) is required every 24 calendar months. Medical certificates must be renewed on their class-specific schedule. Instrument-rated pilots must maintain instrument currency or complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC).
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has historically been ranked the world's busiest by passenger traffic; it sits within Class B airspace that significantly affects VFR training operations in the metro area.
Pilot certification is 100% federal — the FAA issues all pilot certificates under 14 CFR Part 61. No state issues pilot licenses.
The Private Pilot License (PPL) requires minimum 40 flight hours (35 under Part 141), including 20 hours dual instruction and 10 hours solo. Most students require 60-80 hours to reach proficiency.
An FAA medical certificate is required: 3rd Class for private flying, 2nd Class for commercial operations, 1st Class for airline transport. BasicMed is available as an alternative to 3rd Class for eligible pilots.
Pilot certificates do not expire, but pilots must complete a flight review (BFR) every 24 calendar months and maintain medical currency to exercise privileges.
Georgia has no state-specific pilot licensing requirements. All pilot certification is handled by the FAA through local Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) and Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs).
FAA FSDO(s) serving Georgia: Atlanta FSDO (PDK) / College Park FSDO (CPK).
Pilot certification is federally regulated by the FAA. No state licensing or interstate compact exists.
Pilot requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia (you) | $11,075–$20,075 | 12–52 wks | |
| Alabama | $11,075–$20,075 | 12–52 wks | → |
| Florida | $11,075–$20,075 | 12–52 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $11,075–$20,075 | 12–52 wks | → |
| South Carolina | $11,075–$20,075 | 12–52 wks | → |
See how Georgia compares: Pilot License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Georgia.
Pilot Schools in Georgia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for FAA written exams — PPL, instrument, commercial, and ATP.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Pilot requirements in Georgia verified against Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Moving to Georgia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Pilot license to Georgia →
Transfer your Pilot license from Georgia to: Alabama → | Florida → | North Carolina → | South Carolina → | Tennessee →
Georgia does not require a state pilot license — all certification is handled by the FAA. Strong flight training community. Estimated PPL training cost in Georgia: $9,000-$16,000. The FAA is the sole authority for all pilot certificates.
Training costs and DPE fees vary. Always verify current requirements with the FAA and your local FSDO.