Become a Pilot in the Netherlands: Training, Steps & Costs | E-Flight

Do you dream of becoming a pilot? Whether you want to fly recreationally or are working toward a career as a professional pilot: in this guide you’ll read which licenses there are, what the route looks like, what the requirements and costs are, and how you can get started at E-Flight Academy almost immediately.

Can anyone become a pilot?

In principle, yes. You don’t need a knack for math or perfect eyesight — just motivation, a medical exam, and a willingness to learn. The first step is often a trial lesson, so you can experience for yourself what it’s like to fly.

Which pilot licenses are there?

• PPL (Private Pilot License) — your basic license to fly independently for pleasure. Read all about the PPL course.
• IR (Instrument Rating) — flying by instruments, in all weather conditions. View the CB-IR route.
• CPL (Commercial Pilot License) — the professional license that allows you to fly for pay. More about the CPL.
• ATPL — the highest theory level, on the way to becoming an airline pilot. View the ATPL program.

The route: step by step

1. Trial lesson — experience flying and discuss your goals.
2. Medical exam — a Class 2 (recreational) or Class 1 (professional) medical.
3. PPL course — theory and practical flights until you’re ready to fly solo and take your exams.
4. Endorsements and next steps — for example, an instrument rating, and then CPL/ATPL if you want to become a professional pilot.

Requirements to become a pilot

• Age — you can start young; for the PPL license, the minimum age is 17.
• Medical exam — depending on whether you fly recreationally or professionally.
• Theory and practice — both are part of it; at our school they’re well aligned.

What does it cost to become a pilot?

The costs depend on your goal. A recreational PPL is more accessible than a full professional path (PPL + IR + CPL/ATPL). We’re transparent about the costs — for example, see what a PPL course costs or the cost of an ATPL program.

Recreational or professional pilot?

If you mainly want to fly for fun, a PPL (optionally with IR) is enough. If you want to make it your profession, you build up to CPL and ATPL. The great thing: at E-Flight, you can grow step by step and decide along the way how far you want to go.

Why choose your training at E-Flight Academy?

• No waiting list — start almost immediately and choose your own fixed lesson day.
• Capacity and quality — modern aircraft, an advanced simulator, and experienced instructors.
• The most modern flight school in the Netherlands — clear communication, good planning tools, and top locations in Teuge and Lelystad.
• Conventional and electric — you simply learn to fly on a modern fleet.

Ready for your first step? Book a trial lesson » or read all about getting your pilot license.