You can be a Pilot!
Becoming a pilot is a long and challenging journey. But many people have done it and so can you! We will walk you through everything you need to do step by step.
Different Paths
There are several paths you can take to become a pilot.
They are:
-Flight School Path
-University Path
-Military Path
In the following page, we'll take about them.
The steps you need to take to become a commercial airline pilot:
Step 1
Take Aviation major in university. You'll earn a degree in Professional Flight while obtaining FAA licenses.
Key courses:
-Aerodynamics
-Air Traffic Control Procedures
-Aviation Law
-Aviation Safety
-Flight Training
Certificates earned during University:
1. Private Pilot License (PPL) - Required for solo flights.
2. Instrument Rating (IR) - Enables flying in poor weather conditions.
3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) - Allows you get paid for flying.
4. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) - Allows you to train student pilots.
Step 2
Build Flight Hours. You'll need to build at least 1500 hours of flight hours (FAA requirement for an Airline Transport Pilot License, ATP).
Ways to build hours:
1. Become a flight instructor (Most common)
2. Fly for charter services
3. Fly for regional cargo and cooperate flights (Some require less than 1500 hours to start)
Step 3
Earn the ATP License. Steps to obtain the license:
1. Enroll in an ATP course
2. Pass the ATP written exam
3. Pass the ATP check ride (Practical flight test)
Now, you're legally able to be hired!
Step 4
Joining a Regional Airline
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Duration: 2–5 years
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Goal: Gain experience as a pilot
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Typical Regional Airlines: SkyWest, Envoy Air, Republic Airways, Horizon Air, etc.
Responsibilities as a First Officer:
-Assist the captain in flights
-Gain experience flying turbine-powered aircraft
-Accumulate 1,000–3,000 hours of jet experience
-After a few years, you can upgrade to Captain at the regional level.
Step 5
Joining a Major Airline (Delta, United, American, etc.)
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Requirement: 3,000+ flight hours (varies)
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Steps:
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Apply for an entry-level First Officer position at a major airline
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Complete airline training and type-rating for large jets (Boeing/Airbus)
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Continue flying and upgrading to Captain
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How long does it take to become a pilot?
The time it takes for you to become a pilot will vary on many things. But on average, most pilots join regional airlines at the age of 23, and major airlines between 27 and 32.
Below is a timeline to give you the idea of how your career should progress.
University
Duration: 4 years
Objectives: Earn a degree in professional flight & FAA licenses.​
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Age: 18~21
Post-Graduation
Duration: 2 years
Objective: Build flight hours​ of 1500 hours so as soon as you turn 23, you get your ATP license.
Age: 21~23
Regional Airline Career
Duration: 2-5 years (On average)
Objective: Build flight experience on smaller aircrafts as a first officer in regional airlines.
Age: 23~
Major Airline Career
Duration: Varies
Objective: Now you are in a major airline. You will start as a first officer, and eventually work your way up to Captain.
Age: Varies
Can I become a pilot without going to University?
If you want to become a pilot not through University, you could certainly still achieve it through flight schools. In fact, flight schools are a more common choice.
The estimated percentage of pilots' career path in the U.S. is 60% flight schools, 30% universities and 10% former military.
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We recommend going to Universities for the following reasons:
-You will have a degree
-Eligible for R-ATP license
-Some schools have connections to cadet programs
-Stronger networking
-Universities are more appealing to airlines
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However flight schools have their advantages as well:
-By skipping college, you'll save both time and money
-A more focused training for aviation​
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If you want to know more about flight schools, go to ATP Flight School.