Every pilot must complete formal training, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must approve every aspect of that training: the curriculum, flight school, aircraft, and flight instructor. The same is true for mechanics and all formal occupations in aviation.

Pilots must jump many hurdles to earn even the basic private pilot license (it's actually called a pilot certificate), including formal FAA-mandated oral and written examinations.

A variety of ground schools are available for pilots, but all teach FAA-required subjects, ranging from aerodynamics to weather and everything else in between. A minimum of two formal academic knowledge examinations are conducted, with the second requiring an FAA-approved proctor's strict supervision. The written, as it's known, tests the pilot's textbook knowledge of all subjects related to the specific type of pilot certificate or rating desired.

Before pilots can fly solo (without an instructor), they must undergo a strict flight physical by an FAA-certified flight surgeon, including a review of the applicant's lifelong medical history, or otherwise prove their fitness for flight as defined by FAA regulations. They then can be issued a student pilot certificate.

After many hours of in-flight and ground training, student pilots must take two extensive tests administered by an FAA designated pilot examiner. FAA designated pilot examiners are some of the most experienced pilots in the world and are handpicked for their expertise and uncompromising standards.

First, the applicant goes through a formal oral examination with an examiner who asks questions and probes the applicant's knowledge of all subjects relating to the specific type of FAA certificate or rating he or she wants to obtain.

Second, the pilot applicant takes a formal flight test, known as a checkride, with the examiner. During the checkride, the pilot must perform a series of prescribed maneuvers and in-flight tasks. To pass, the pilot must demonstrate a high level of skill and competence to meet the strict set of standards established by the FAA.

Mandatory Recurrent Training & Reviews

Unlike a typical driver's license, pilots must periodically re-prove their knowledge and skills on the ground and in flight. Every six months to every two years (depending upon the type of pilot's certificate or rating), pilots must complete an additional flight review with an FAA certificated flight instructor.

Mandatory Flight Physicals

Pilots must continue to have strict medical examinations every six months to three years (depending upon their age and the type of certificate or rating held by the pilot), by an FAA-certified flight surgeon. Pilots that only fly Light Sport Aircraft are provided with an alternate means of proving their fitness for flight.