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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]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The number of FAA-issued student pilot certificates increased significantly by 24% in 2023, reaching 69,503, with peak issuances observed in June and August.
  • For steady progress, student pilots are advised to fly at least twice a week, and prospective students should thoroughly research flight schools.
  • When choosing a school, ensure it has an adequate fleet of airworthy aircraft and enough instructors relative to the number of students, and inquire about potential waiting lists and post-certification aircraft rental availability.
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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