The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) actually issues certificates, not licenses, for pilots. No matter what you call them, however, they do the same thing: they authorize a person to fly an aircraft for a specific purpose. There are different types of certifications, and it is easier to obtain a private pilot license than a commercial pilot license. To be a private pilot, you must be at least 17 years old; have a student, sport, or recreational pilot certificate; have a third-class medical certificate or higher; and have completed a minimum of 35-40 flight hours. To be a commercial pilot, you must be at least 18 years old; have a private pilot certificate; have a second-class medical certificate or higher; and have completed at least 190-250 hours of flight time. If you’re flying private, you should make yourself aware of your pilot’s qualifications and experience. Some private pilots have hundreds upon hundreds of flight hours and impeccable records, while others may be less experienced. You wouldn’t want your flight to fall into a new pilot’s “practice” time.