Piloting

How many pilots are in the US? The FAA counted 887,519 at the end of 2025, but 370,286 hold student certificates that never expire. Here is the split.

How young can a business jet co-pilot be? A charter co-pilot can be 18 with 250 hours under FAA rules. Airline first officers must be 21 and hold an ATP.

Can pilots listen to music while flying? Private pilots can. Airline pilots can’t use an iPod or phone at the controls under a 2014 FAA rule.

Can pilots smoke? Off duty, cigarettes are legal. On a US passenger flight nobody may smoke, cockpit included, and weed is banned even where legal.

Pilot cadet programs ranked for 2026: what United Aviate, Delta Propel, PSA, Envoy and six more airline pathways promise, cost and pay you.

The best flight schools in Arizona for 2026, ranked on published price, Part 141 status and airline pathways, from ATP and AeroGuard to small schools.

The best flight schools in Texas for 2026, ranked on published price, Part 141 status, airline pathways and AOPA awards, from ATP and Thrust to small schools.

Air traffic control schools that let graduates skip the FAA Academy: all 13 Enhanced AT-CTI colleges as of October 2026, with degree and track.

The highest paying airlines for pilots in 2026, ranked by top captain hourly pay from published contracts: United, American and Delta lead at $483.74.

Garmin Pilot vs ForeFlight compared for 2026: plan prices, Android support, approach charts, Garmin avionics and planning, with a clear verdict.