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FAA Data Shows Student Pilot Numbers on the Rise

Student certificates issued in 2023 jumped 24 percent compared to the year before, according to agency data.

The FAA issued 69,503 student pilot certificates in 2023, up 24 percent from 2022. [Credit: iStock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • FAA data indicates a significant 24% increase in student pilot certificates issued in 2023, totaling 69,503.
  • The bulk of these certificates were issued in June and August, likely due to improved weather, gifts, tax returns, and the start of academic programs.
  • To expedite training, students should fly at least twice weekly and carefully choose schools with an adequate fleet, sufficient instructors, and transparent policies on post-certification solo rentals.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Does it seem like there are more student pilots in the air these days? According to FAA data, there are.

The agency issued 69,503 student pilot certificates in 2023, up 24 percent from 2022.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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