Flight School Requirements Checklist: Are You Ready to Start Training?

Folashade Oriolowo
Jul 10
4 min read

So you want to become a pilot? Amazing choice.

But before you start visualizing cockpit selfies and cross-country flights, there’s something important you need to know: not everyone who dreams of flying is actually ready to start flight training.

In this article, we’re giving you a complete checklist of flight school requirements to help you figure out if you’re ready to take the next step. Whether you’re in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, India or anywhere in between, this guide will give you a clear roadmap of what you need to qualify.

Flight School Requirements Checklist

Let’s break it down.

1. Age Requirement

Whilst you can begin your flight training at any age, you must be 16 years old to fly solo, which is a requirement for the PPL, and you must be at least 17 to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL). As a result of these requirements, we recommend starting training at 16.

This applies across most global aviation authorities like the SACAA, NCAA, FAA, and EASA.

Fun fact: Some students start preparing for ground school even before they’re old enough to fly.

Flight School Requirements Checklist: Are You Ready to Start Training?

2. Academic Requirements

Surprise! You don’t need a degree or to be a mathematical genius to become a pilot.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a Maths or Physics whiz to become a pilot. In fact, nearly all flight schools accept students from any academic background.

Whether you studied science, arts, or commerce, what matters most is that you have a standard high school certificate. While subjects like Maths and Physics can help you grasp certain technical topics faster, they are not a barrier to entry. If you’re passionate about aviation, your past subjects won’t hold you back.

Everything you need to learn at flight school will be taught to you, irrespective of your academic background.

At Zino Aviation, we help aspiring pilots from all educational backgrounds — even if you didn’t study science in school. We’ll guide you through the process and even connect you with schools that are a good fit for your level.

3. Aviation Medical Certificate

Now let’s talk about health — because no one flies without passing an aviation medical exam.

There are two main types:

Class 2 Medical – Required for your training and flying with a PPL
Class 1 Medical – Required for flying commercially with your CPL.

You’ll be checked for eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health. You can’t do this with your regular doctor — it has to be with a licensed Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

Need help finding one? Zino Aviation partners with top AMEs in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Johannesburg.

4. English Language Proficiency

Aviation has one language: English.

All pilots need to be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. If English isn’t your first language, some flight schools may ask you to take a basic language assessment.

This isn’t to stress you out — it’s simply to ensure safety in the air when communicating with air traffic control.

5. Financial Readiness

Let’s be real: flight training isn’t cheap.

Depending on the flight school and the country where you choose to train, the cost of becoming a pilot can vary significantly. For a Private Pilot License (PPL), you can expect to spend between $10,000 and $15,000. If you decide to progress to a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), the investment increases, typically ranging from $35,000 to $65,000.

And that doesn’t include visa costs, accommodation, or living expenses if you're training abroad. But don’t let the numbers scare you. There are funding strategies, scholarships, and support available.

Zino Aviation offers a Provisional Admission Letter, which can be used to raise funds, secure scholarships, or convince sponsors to support their training.

6. Passion & Commitment

We’ve seen it over and over again — students who pass the academic and medical tests but struggle because they weren’t mentally prepared for how demanding aviation training is.

It’s not just about loving planes. It’s about focus, consistency, and discipline.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Am I truly passionate about aviation, or just curious?
Can I stay committed through long hours of ground school and flight lessons?
Do I handle pressure well?

If you're not sure, book a discovery simulator flight with Zino Aviation. It's the perfect way to test your interest before committing big money to training.

Conclusion

Starting flight school is exciting — but also serious. The requirements aren’t impossible, but you need to meet them with confidence, clarity, and support.

That’s what Zino Aviation is here for.

We’ve helped students across Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa navigate every stage of pilot training — from choosing the right school to prepping for their first solo, to getting employed and fulfilling their dreams.

Ready to check off every item on your flight school checklist?

Contact Zino Aviation today. Let's help you take off. The sky is calling.