How to become a pilot in usa
How to become a pilot in usa
How to Become a Pilot in the USA
There are four main types of pilot licenses, also known as certificates: Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, Airline Transport Pilot License, and Multi-Crew Pilot License. The type of certificate you need depends on the type of pilot you aspire to be. After qualifying, for example, you might wish to be employed as a commercial pilot, or airline pilot, or you might prefer to be a private jet pilot.
If you’ve decided that it’s time to future-proof your career and take to the skies, this guide is for you! It covers everything you need to know about becoming a pilot in the US, including what pilot training qualifications are required, which flight schools you can attend, and how to find a job once you’ve qualified.
Your first decision
So, you want to know how to become a pilot – that’s great! Putting your dream into action is the first step. But there’s still another important thing to consider before you seek out a flight school that will help you launch your career: What type of pilot do you want to be?
Commercial pilot
A commercial pilot is essentially a pilot who can be paid to fly aircraft, as opposed to a private pilot who can only fly their own private plane or charter one that they will fly themselves.
Commercial pilots usually fly planes that have been chartered to transport passengers as an air taxi or for cargo, but they can also fly airplanes for more unusual uses, such as rescue operations, humanitarian missions, crop spraying, or aerial photography, and filming.
If the idea of flying a private plane rental for others intrigues you, then a commercial pilot license is the way to go. It’s true that being a commercial pilot can be much more glamorous and exciting, because you never know where you are going to have to go, and the experiences you will get to be a part of.
Private pilot
Statistics show that when people want to know how to become a pilot in the US, it’s usually because they want to obtain a private pilot license (PPL). Many people obtaining a PPL do so to be able to fly their own private plane or to charter a private jet on their own time, which they will then operate as the pilot.
As a private pilot, you can fly any aircraft in the certification’s specified category. You can fly at night and have the freedom of being able to fly into a wider range of controlled airports.
However, private pilots are not allowed to be compensated financially or act as a pilot-in-command of an airplane for hire. On the contrary, they may have to cover a pro rata share or an equal portion (along with any passengers) of the operating private plane costs, including fuel, oil, airport expenditures, and rental fees.
Perhaps you want to know how to become a private jet pilot? A PPL alone won’t be sufficient. If you want to be a charter pilot and get paid for operating aircraft, it’s best to obtain both a PPL as well as a commercial pilot license (CPL).
As a charter pilot, your earnings will depend solely on a per-charter basis.
Airline transport pilot
Pilot license types
Knowing all the specific pilot license requirements will help you get on the right track towards obtaining the certification you need for your intended type of flying or job:
1. Student Pilot Certificate
The first thing any pilot-in-training needs is a Student Pilot Certificate, which is required to fly alone in an aircraft. This is essential to train as a pilot.
Requirements: Applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to speak, read and write English in line with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). Students must also pass a flight physical (medical exam), and provide an endorsement from a certified flight instructor. You must submit your application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website or on paper (FAA form 8710-1): it will go to a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or a certificated flight instructor. The authorized individual will process and submit your application to the Airmen Certification Branch. If successful, you should receive your Student Pilot Certificate by mail in approximately three weeks.
2. Private Pilot License
This is the most elementary pilot’s certificate and requires you to learn basic flight maneuvers. Private Pilot License (PPL) holders can fly a small aircraft for personal use. They are allowed to fly with passengers, but not to charge money for their services.
Requirements: Applicants must be at least 17 years old and able to speak, read and write English, as well as do basic math: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. Prospective students will also need to obtain at least a third-class medical certificate, and hold a US student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate, or recreational pilot certificate. They will also be required to meet the aeronautical experience requirements for the aircraft rating sought.
3. Commercial Pilot License
This certificate is more advanced, and includes training in high-altitude operations and passenger safety. Holders can charge for flying as a pilot. However, the commercial pilot license (CPL) is insufficient to fly for an airline.
Requirements: CPL applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to speak, read and write English. You’ll need to hold at least a PPL to be eligible, and hold a second-class medical certificate. You’ll also need the following logbook endorsements from an instructor: the aeronautical knowledge test and the practical test.
4. Airline Transport Pilot License
This is the highest level of pilot certificate and is required if you wish to be employed as a pilot by an airline in the US.
Requirements: Applicants for the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) must be at least 23 years old and pass the relevant medical checks, which are more stringent than for the other types of license. Students must accrue at least 1,500 hours of flight time before training can be undertaken. In addition, applicants will need to already have obtained a CPL and an instrument rating. Finally, you’ll need to pass the ATP written and practical tests to be able to achieve your ATPL.
5. Multi-Crew Pilot License
This type of license enables holders to act as co-pilot for commercial air transport and is a less popular choice than the ATPL. The certificate was created by the Flight Crew Licensing and Training Panel of the International Civil Aviation Organization, and adopts a competency-based approach.
Requirements: Applicants for the Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) must be at least 18 years old and have clocked up at least 250 hours of flight training and 750 hours of theoretical knowledge teaching. They must also meet medical requirements.
Flight schools
Students should always attend a nationally accredited, FAA-approved flight school. If the school is not FAA-approved, you will not be allowed to fly a plane in the US.
Most courses are made up of a combination of ground school and flight training. Ground-school training equips students with the knowledge and skills required to pass the FAA written exams and land-based practical tests. Ground-school lessons can occur in a classroom or online, while flight training takes place either in a flight simulator or an airplane provided by the school.
Entry requirements
Schools usually test applicants on several skills before considering their applications. This can include mathematics and spatial awareness tests, along with group exercises, simulator-based assessments, and tests on knowledge of the aviation industry. An interview also accompanies exams to ensure candidates are of sound body and mind.
ATPL license training
For the ATPL certificate, students can take one of two routes: integrated training (full-time study) or modular training (modules taken over a longer period at the student’s own pace). Full-time courses usually take 12-18 months to complete. Here are some of the best universities and colleges to study aviation degrees in the US.
Flight instructor courses
1. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
2. Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
3. Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
Requirements: Flight instructor applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold either a Commercial Pilot License or an Airline Transport Pilot License, plus an instrument rating. They’ll also need to hold a valid FAA third-class medical certificate and receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on the fundamentals of instructing.
Applying for a job
After obtaining the required certificates/licenses and number of flight hours, the first step is to apply for a job as a pilot at a regional airline. After completing a few years in this role, the next step is to apply for a First Officer opening at an international airline. Alternatively, you can apply at a private charter company, if you prefer the more luxurious in-flight experience.
How much does it cost to train to be a pilot?
How ACS can help you become a licensed pilot
Air Charter Service (ACS) is an industry leader in private jet charter, group charter and cargo charter, with offices all around the world. We are dedicated to investing in the future of the aviation industry, and we run an aviation scholarship program for students in the US who are enrolled on a relevant full-time course. Contact us to find out more about our program or for the latest private jet prices.
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Become a Professional Pilot in The US
Step 1: Attain Private Pilot License/Certificate (PPL)
The FAA Private Pilot License is the first step in your professional pilot career. The PPL course provides the foundation for your ground/flight training in accordance with Part 141 and Part 61. After completing your training, you will be able to fly single-engine aircraft. Students can now finish their entire theoretical training and examinations online before beginning the flight training.
Step 2: Get an Instrument Rating (IR)
Step 3: Attain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
The FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL ) allows cadets to become professional pilots. CPL Training provides comprehensive knowledge in the field of aviation and an increase in flight hours to meet all commercial pilot licenses’ requirements.
Step 4: Get a Multi-Engine Rating (MEL)
Step 5: Get Flight Instructor (CFI) Certification
Being a Certified Flight Instructor gives you the advantage of satisfying gaining additional flight hours while being compensated for your services. To successfully achieve the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification a pilot must meet all requirements and fulfill the required flight hours (1500hrs).
Step 6: Begin your Career
After fulfilling the requirements to become a commercial pilot with the required hours, you are eligible and will meet the minimum requirements to begin your career with an airline.
Find out the first steps to becoming a Pilot
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Flying Academy’s worldwide campus gives us the opportunity to reach students from all over the world to help them reach their goal of becoming professional pilots. The theoretical part of the training is switched to remote/distance learning which is conducted with live online lectures and interactive coursework to guarantee that students receive the best aviation education possible. Our state-of-the-art studios and equipment with highly trained instructors ensure that students are well prepared and taken care of for their future in the aviation industry.
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How to Become a Pilot: A Complete Guide
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ― Leonardo da Vinci
If you’re reading this, you sure wonder how to become a pilot.
In the early days of aviation, becoming a pilot often meant learning to fly through trial and error.
But over a century has passed since the Wright brothers made their momentous flight at Kitty Hawk.
Aviation has made huge strides since that history-defining moment.
Nowadays, you have to undergo comprehensive ground and flight training to become a pilot. You also must pass rigorous written, oral, and practical tests to get your pilot license.
If you’re thinking about starting your aviation career or learning to fly for fun, you came to the right place.
How to Become a Pilot: The Basics
So, what qualifications do you need to become a pilot?
For starters, you need both a license and a medical certificate. That’s almost always the case, with very few exceptions. Sport pilots, for example, don’t need a medical certificate as a valid driver’s license is an acceptable proof of medical competence.
A pilot license, or certificate, has your personal information such as your name, date of birth, and address. It also features details about your pilot privileges, limitations, and the type of aircraft you fly.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the body that regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the US, one of which is pilot licensing.
Pilot certification encompasses several types of licenses, with each having its own set of aeronautical knowledge and flight training requirements.
Here’s a brief overview of pilot licenses in the United States:
A medical certificate displays physical details about you, including your weight, height, and eye color. Its purpose is to verify you’re physically and mentally able to pilot an aircraft.
Before you start your flight training, you’d be wise to get a medical certificate to ensure you have no health conditions that may prevent from becoming a pilot.
To become a pilot, you must also complete both ground school and flight school to become eligible for a license.
In ground school, you learn aviation theory, which includes subjects like aerodynamics, meteorology, and navigation.
You may complete your ground training through an approved ground course at a pilot school, lessons with a flight instructor, or a home-study course on your own. The ground school gives you the aeronautical knowledge to operate an aircraft safely and pass the knowledge test for the issuance of a pilot license.
Another option to consider for ground training is online ground school. For example, Pilotinstitute.com offers both commercial drone pilot and airplane private pilot courses.
After completing the necessary training, you then have to pass an aeronautical knowledge test and a practical test to obtain your pilot license.
A knowledge test is an FAA-designed assessment tool to make sure you have the required aeronautical knowledge. The number of questions for each knowledge test varies depending on the license or rating sought, but they’re all multiple-choice exams. In all tests, the passing score is 70.
In almost all cases, passing the knowledge test is a prerequisite for a practical test (or checkride). The practical test consists of an oral exam and a flight test, which are both administered by an FAA inspector or designated examiner.
Of course, all the aforementioned information relates to civil aviation.
But as you surely know, civil aviation constitutes only one form of aviation.
How to Become a Pilot: The Military Route
Want to become a pilot while serving your country? If that sounds like you, joining the armed forces is a great option.
The United States Armed forces consist of five branches; the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Each branch includes a military aviation division, which includes fighter jets, transport airplanes, and helicopters among several other types of aircraft.
While it has advantages and drawbacks, it’s hard to argue that a military pilot career is an illustrious one.
But the army life isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s also hard to get into the military, to begin with.
Wondering what it takes to become a pilot in the military?
Here’s the rundown.
General Requirements
Becoming a military pilot requires high levels of physical fitness, pilot aptitude, and academic qualifications. Generally speaking, you need to meet the following requirements to become eligible for a military pilot position:
You also need to have personal traits, such as discipline, to be a good fit in the military.
Training Process
To become a military pilot, you must pass rigorous testing, selection, and training. Although varying slightly between branches, US military pilots often go through the following steps:
Once you complete your training, you’ll then continue flying while rising through the ranks. And who knows, maybe become a five-star general one day.
Military Perks
It’s prestigious to be a pilot in the US Armed forces. You gain the respect of your servicemen, American citizens, and people all over the globe.
It also grants you the opportunity to travel around the world while on military missions, training courses, and overseas service.
A military pilot career requires a commitment of many years, but after your release, your experience will give you an edge if you want to pursue a career in civil aviation.
How to Become a Pilot: The Fun Path
Many aviation enthusiasts take the civilian path to realize the dream of flying aircraft.
Civil aviation includes the commercial air transport of passengers, cargo, and mail. It also encompasses general aviation, which represents the private transport and recreational flying part of aviation.
If you’re looking to fly aircraft for fun, then you probably want to consider getting either a sport or a recreational pilot license.
While each has its limitations, both licenses give you the opportunity to fly with minimal investment of time and money.
Sport Pilot
First introduced in 2004, the sport pilot certificate is a newcomer to the aviation scene. Its purpose is to make flying more affordable for hobbyists, which is evident as it doesn’t require a medical certificate. You may get the license with a valid driver’s license instead.
The minimum age to apply for sport pilot license is 17, or 16 for gliders and balloons. You also must receive proper ground training, log at least 20 hours of flight time, and pass knowledge and practical tests to obtain the license.
The sport pilot license is one of the very few certificates that don’t require a medical. As a sport pilot, you only need a valid driver’s license to show medical competence.
Sound good, right?
But as great as a sport license seems, it is quite limiting. You may only fly light-sport aircraft (LSA), including airplanes, gliders, and balloons.
The next option may suit you better if you want to fly bigger aircraft.
Recreational Pilot
A recreational pilot license is similar to the pilot license, but it offers more privileges, allows you to fly larger airplanes, and enables you to get several endorsements.
Similar to sport, you must be at least 17 years old to apply for a recreational pilot license. After completing ground training and logging a minimum of 30 flight hours, you must then pass knowledge and practical tests to obtain the license.
Moreover, having a student or sport pilot certificate is a prerequisite to get a recreational pilot license.
The license has quite a few restrictions, but unlike sport, you may lift those limitations through instructor endorsement. The endorsements allow you to operate in controlled airspace, pilot complex aircraft, and fly at night among other aviation activities.
Remote Pilot
Here comes the newest pilot license, which the FAA first introduced in 2016. Remote pilots fly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or drones, for recreational or commercial purposes. Some of their uses include photography, surveillance, and even coverage of sporting events.
With an exponential increase of drones in the US, the FAA designated a whole part of the federal aviation regulations for UAV flight. Part 107 titled “Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems” covers definitions, operating rules, and certification of remote pilots.
To obtain the license, you must be at least 16 years old, pass an aeronautical knowledge test, or complete an initial training course if you already have a Part 61 pilot license. You also have to pass a recurrent online training course or knowledge test every two years to keep your license valid.
Many restrictions apply when flying UAVs, especially for commercial use, which include where, when, and how you fly drones.
Flying for fun is for hobbyists, but many budding pilots dream of launching an airline career.
How to Become a Pilot: The Career Mode
Most likely, you’re here to know how to become a pilot so you can fly for an airline one day.
Becoming an airline pilot is the pinnacle of a professional pilot’s career.
Getting there is far from smooth sailing, though.
So, how to go about launching an airline career?
You have three options, enroll in a pilot school, attend an aviation university, or join a cadet pilot program.
Let’s go through each option.
An aviation university or college offers either a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree while simultaneously training you to become a pilot. Majors include aviation management, meteorology, and aerospace engineering among many other fields of study. A degree often gives you an edge when applying for airline jobs, and it also broadens your career options.
Cadet programs provide a clear path to an airline job or at least a very good chance of landing one.
Airlines guarantee an interview, or a job offer, for graduates of their cadet programs. After you pass the training, interview, and assessments, air carriers offer you either a first officer job at a subsidiary regional airline or a flight instructor position at their own or partner pilot school.
Here’s an overview of cadet pilot programs at the US’s largest airlines:
But as with any career, you start from humble beginnings.
Student Pilot
Taking flight lessons doesn’t require obtaining a license; however, you must have a student pilot certificate before flying an aircraft solo.
To get your student pilot certificate, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
While the issuance of a student pilot certificate requires only those two prerequisites, you must meet the minimum aeronautical knowledge and experience requirements to solo in an aircraft. You need to pass a knowledge test and receive appropriate flight training to get you ready to fly alone.
The process of obtaining the certificate is simple. You only need to submit an application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website or by paper to a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Within three weeks, you should receive your license by mail.
As student pilots have very few privileges and many limitations, your student pilot certificate is only the first step on your way to becoming a pilot.
Private Pilot
The private pilot certificate allows you to carry multiple passengers, but not for hire. However, you and your passengers may share the flight costs.
The minimum age for applying for a private pilot license (PPL) is 17 years, or 16 to fly gliders or balloons. A student, sport, or recreational pilot license is also a prerequisite for getting a PPL. Additionally, you must have at least a third class medical certificate.
In addition to ground instruction, you need flight training to get your PPL. Depending on the pilot school you go to, your flight training consists of 35 to 40 flight hours at a minimum. However, the national average indicates that most pilots need 60 to 75 flight hours.
Once you meet the aeronautical knowledge and flight experience requirements, you must pass knowledge and practical tests to become a licensed private pilot.
Some pilots are happy with getting their PPL, however, most view it as one of several steps leading to an airline career.
So, what’s the next step? Well, you have to get a higher certification.
Commercial Pilot
If you’re looking to work for an airline, you have to get a commercial pilot license (CPL).
With a CPL, you’re one step closer to an airline career.
As a commercial pilot, you may get paid for certain aviation activities such as banner towing, photography, and even skydiving flights.
You must be at least 18 years old, have a PPL, and a second class medical certificate to apply for a CPL.
You also need to receive proper ground schooling either through an instructor or a home-study course.
Furthermore, you must get an instrument rating before the issuance of your commercial license.
Your flight time requirement varies depending on the pilot school. Part 61 schools have the minimum at 250 flight hours, while it’s 190 at Part 141 schools.
Like the PPL, you must also pass knowledge and flight tests to get your license.
Airline Transport Pilot
As the name suggests, the airline transport pilot license (ATPL) is what you need to act as a flight crew-member in scheduled airline operations.
Getting your ATPL is far from easy, though.
It requires meeting the highest standards of aeronautical knowledge, piloting ability, and flight experience of any pilot license.
A commercial pilot license with instrument rating and a first class medical certificate are perquisites for an ATPL. You must also be 23 years of age, receive appropriate ground training, and pass an aeronautical knowledge test before you’re ready for a checkride.
Oh, and just 1,500 hours of flight time.
No big deal, right? You must be scratching your head wondering how on earth you’d log that many hours.
But don’t worry. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
To log those hours, you start with an entry-level pilot job, which could be flight instruction, banner towing, or pipeline patrol. While such jobs offer low pay, you only need them to get to the minimum flight hours for an ATPL.
That’s for an unrestricted ATPL, but there’s more to it.
Age and flight time requirement may become lower depending on a couple of factors: your education and whether you have a military flight experience.
If you meet the requirements for either, the license becomes a restricted ATPL.
First, the minimum age is 21 years for an r-ATP certificate.
If you hold an associate’s degree with an aviation major, you’ll only need 1,250 hours. If it’s a bachelor’s degree, though, that number goes down to 1000.
Current of former US military pilots require only 750 flight hours for an r-ATP certificate.
What’s the difference between an ATP and an r-ATP?
A restricted ATP license allows you to act as an airline first officer, or copilot. On the other hand, a full, unrestricted ATPL permits you to be an airline captain, or pilot in command.
Once you meet both the age and flight time requirements, you’re issued an unrestricted ATP without further examination.
Ratings
Okay, we need a preface here.
Pilot certification consists of two main elements: category and class.
A category is a broad classification of aircraft, such as airplane, rotorcraft, and glider. A class groups aircraft with similar operating characteristics within a category. The “single-engine land” is a class within the airplane category, for example.
Additionally, your pilot license may include a rating, which is a statement that places special conditions, privileges, or limitations.
Several kinds of ratings exist, but the three most common are the following:
At first, you often start with a job that only requires a commercial pilot license with instrument and multi-engine ratings.
Thereafter, you log hours until you get your ATPL, which allows you to work for an airline.
Beyond that, you continue flying as a first officer for several years before becoming an airline captain.
Having discussed the ways in which you can become a pilot, you definitely need to know about the medical aspect of becoming one.
How to Become a Pilot: Medical Certification
Almost every pilot license requires a valid medical certificate to demonstrate medical competence to fly an aircraft.
In aviation, being medically competent means that you’re able to perform the necessary tasks to pilot an aircraft safely.
Evidently, different pilot licenses require meeting different minimum health and fitness requirements.
Medical certificates come in three classes, first, second, and third. Special issuances and restrictions may also apply in some cases.
How to Get a Medical Certificate
You first must complete an official FAA application form on MedXPress. Thereafter, you need to pass a flight physical examination conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
The flight physical examines the following:
If you meet the minimum requirements for the certificate sought, the AME will issue you one.
First Class
You need a first class medical to become an airline pilot, which requires meeting the highest medical standards of all the classes.
The medical requirements for a first class are the same as those for a second class certificate.
The only difference is that you show normal heart function through an electrocardiogram once after reaching the age of 35 and annually after 40.
Without getting into too many details, the validity of a first class certificate is 12 months if you’re under 40 years of age and 6 months if you’re older than 40.
Second Class
If you hold a commercial pilot license, then you must have at least a second class medical certificate.
Mainly, the medical standards for a second class certificate entail meeting the following requirements:
Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium
Mental Health
Neurological Conditions
Cardiovascular system
General medical conditions
Second class certificates are valid for 12 months.
Third Class
The third class certificate is quite similar to the second class certificate.
What differentiates the two is the visual acuity requirement, which is less stringent for a third class.
Instead of a 20/20, you only need 20/40 distant vision.
The third class certificate is good for 5 years if you’re under 40 years and for two years if you’re older than 40.
Special Issuance
You might think, and rightfully so, that missing any requirement would deny you a medical certificate.
But it’s not true.
The FAA made a provision for special issuance of medical certificates, which comes in two flavors:
In both cases, a federal air surgeon must confirm that you’re capable of performing airman duties without endangering public safety.
Restrictions
Restrictions apply to color vision deficient pilots, and those requiring glasses or lenses to meet the required visual acuity of their medical certificate.
If you wear glasses, a limitation is put on your medical stating that you must wear corrective lenses. In the case of color blindness, a pilot’s medical typically restricts night flight or by color signal control.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to become a pilot involves learning the qualifications, requirements, and the process of obtaining a pilot license.
That process may take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few years, though.
You can fly for fun in a matter of weeks, which is how long it takes to get a sport or a recreational pilot license.
But you need a few years to become an airline pilot.
Joining the military is another way to fly aircraft, but it’s not for everyone.
Whichever path you choose, flying aircraft inducts you in an exclusive club. And although you may never break a record or set a new milestone in aviation, you definitely get to experience what the early aviators felt back in the day.
So, are you ready to take your first flight lesson?
How to become a pilot in usa
If you are an international student who wants to study aviation in the United States, you might have several possible careers in mind. One of these career paths might be that of a commercial airline pilot. Working as a commercial airline pilot is a fascinating and rewarding career, and many people who study aviation intend eventually to become one. There are several steps that you will need to go through before becoming a commercial airline pilot, however.
Certificates and Ratings
In order to become a commercial airline pilot, there are several certificates and ratings that you will need. The first thing you will need is a private pilot license, which will allow you to fly on your own, but does not allow you to receive payment for flying.
Commercial pilot certificate
Next, you will need a commercial pilot certificate, which allows you to receive payment for your flight services. You earn this certificate by passing commercial pilot ground school and logging at least 250 flight hours, with allotted time dedicated to certain conditions and maneuvers. After you have passed your written ground school test and logged your hours, you will need to pass a check-ride. This is a lot like the driving test required in order to receive a driver’s license; in the check-ride, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examiner will ask you to plan a flight, quiz you on aviation matters, and then accompany you on a flight. Like with a driving test, you will be asked to execute certain maneuvers and your examiner will direct your flying throughout the flight. After the test, if everything goes well, you will be issued a commercial pilot’s certificate.
Medical certificate
Additionally, in order to become a commercial airline pilot, you will need an up-to-date first- or second-class medical certificate. To receive this, an Aviation Medical Examiner will need to verify that you meet the health and fitness requirements to be a pilot. As a commercial airline pilot, you will be subject to these examinations throughout your career; captains need to pass a physical exam once every six months, and other commercial airline pilots need to pass an exam every year. If a health problem is discovered, you could be out of a job.
Instrument Rating
You will also need to get an instrument rating in order to fly with low visibility (in adverse weather and in clouds). You receive this rating by passing instrument ground school, logging a specified number of instrument flight hours (flying without visibility), and passing an instrument rating check-ride.
Multi-Engine Rating
Next, you will need a multi-engine rating. This will allow you to fly planes with multiple engines, which is most likely what you will fly as a commercial airline pilot. To receive this rating, you will need to take some lessons and mass a multi-engine check-ride.
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
At one point or another, most commercial airline pilots also get an airline transport pilot certificate. This is the highest pilot certificate and allows you to be the pilot in commend (captain) of a large commercial aircraft. For this certificate, you will need to pass a written test, have a first-class medical certificate, be a high school graduate, and have logged 1,500 flight hours, including 250 hours as the pilot in command.
Career Paths
There are two major career paths to being hired as an airline pilot: civilian or military. Each path has its own advantages and disadvantages:
Civilian
The civilian path offers two options: college or flight school. While there is no college requirement to be a pilot, college shows that you are trainable and can succeed in a challenging curriculum—both of which are necessary traits in a commercial airline pilot. You might choose to attend a college that offers a two- or four-year degree along with flight training towards the various flight certificates you will need. This way, you will graduate with most—if not all—of the ratings and certificates you will need, as well as some flight experience.
Military
Another option for becoming a commercial airline pilot is to receive your training through the military. You will need to commit to a set number of years in the military after one year of pilot training (in the Air Force, this is a ten-year commitment). You will need to meet other requirements, such as college course work, good health, and adequate physical abilities. There is no guaranteeing that you will pass the military flight training on the service’s rigid time schedule, or that you will be able to fly a specific airplane. You will, however, receive the best training in the equipment that an airline pilot would fly.
You must be prepared for the military life, however; it is not a commitment to take on lightly. You will be required to follow orders, risk bodily harm, and use lethal weapons. If you are not prepared for this, the military is probably not the best path for you.
Flight Experience
After you are certified, you will need more experience and flight hours before an airline will hire you. Your level of experience is based on the number and complexity of the aircraft you’ve flown, the quantity and complexity of the flying you did (jet or propeller, day or night, local or cross-country, flying with or without visibility, etc.), and which crew positions you’ve had. If you chose the military path, you will likely have quite a lot of flight experience before leaving the military. A civilian pilot might work as a flight instructor, then move on to a charter company in order to gain the experience he or she needs in order to become a commercial airline pilot.
If you’re interested in a career in aviation, but aren’t sure that commercial airline pilot is right for you, check out our Careers in Aviation page for more possibilities.
Learn more about studying aviation in the USA by reading our growing article collection.
Over time we will be updating this section and including more information for those who want to study aviation in the USA and for other countries, but please feel free to post your thoughts and comments on our Facebook fan page, and also follow us and post questions through Twitter.
How to become a commercial pilot in the USA
Becoming a pilot with L3Harris Flight Academy is an investment in your future. We have the facilities and training expertise at our central Florida Flight Academy to prepare our cadets for an exciting and rewarding career as a commercial airline pilot.
How to become a pilot in the USA with L3Harris Flight Academy at a glance:
The steps below outline a cadet pilot’s typical progression through our Professional Pilot Program which prepares students whose goal is to work for an airline.
1: Research pilot schools and training programs
As part of a world-leading, global aviation business, our cadets have access to the latest training technologies and systems.
Our Florida Flight School is well equipped with over 60 aircraft and five Flight Training Devices, but aside from our facilities, we have a reputation in the industry for having friendly, approachable staff who provide outstanding training.
We hold regular events across the country and online which we recommend you attend to meet the team and get a feel for life at L3Harris Flight Academy.
2: Check if you meet the entry criteria & have the common skills required to become a pilot
To start your journey to become a pilot in the USA, prospective cadets need to meet entry criteria relating to age, medical and selection. Please visit each of our pilot training programs and courses for full entry criteria.
To apply for a pilot training program, you will need to meet the following requirements:
To apply for a role as a commercial airline pilot, you will need the following requirements:
3: Earn your Private Pilot Certificate
You will study for your Private Pilot Certificate at ground school within the Academic Building of our Florida Flight Academy as well as learn to fly a single-engine airplane.
During your Private Pilot License training, you will learn basic flight methods, aircraft maneuvers, navigation, flight planning, and emergency training.
Once this phase is completed you will receive your Private Pilot License (PPL) and legally be able to fly a single-engine aircraft for non-commercial purposes.
4: Earn an Instrument Rating Certificate
Achieving your Instrument Rating (IR) extends the privileges of your PPL and allows you to fly according to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Obtaining your IR will build your confidence in flying under different conditions as you will learn to reference instruments in the flight deck and navigate via electronic signals.
5: Earn a Commercial Pilot Single-Engine Certificate
This module will provide you with commercial pilot privileges in single-engine aircraft. Ground school will include pre-flight preparation and procedures and your flight training will cover FAA regulations such as radio communications, air traffic control, and commercial operations.
6: Earn a Commercial Multi-Engine Add-on Rating (PPP/CPT only)
The Multi-Engine Rating is the next necessary step for any professional pilot who wishes to fly for an airline. The module will focus on aircraft control, performance, and multi-engine operations.
7. Obtain your Certified Flight Instructor Certificate
Pilots must have a minimum of 1500 hours of flight time before they can apply to passenger airlines in the United States.
For this reason, we include the Certified Flight Instructor Certificate in our Professional Pilot Program and offer all our graduates an interview to become a Flight Instructor. Teaching others is a great way to embed your own learning as well as build up valuable flight hours.
In our AAPT program, the Flight Instructor Certificate with Instrument Rating (CFI-I) means on graduation you will be guaranteed an interview to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with L3Harris in Sanford.
Alternatively, you can complete the following Flight Instructor courses at L3Harris:
8. Gain flight experience and earn an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
Once you have successfully obtained your Certified Flight Instructor Certificate, you can build up the required 1500 flight hours to obtain your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is the highest licensing the FAA issues and is typically the final milestone before beginning your career as an airline pilot.
With an ATP certificate, you unlock your potential to go on to fly for regional and major airlines as a First Officer and Captain.
To obtain your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, you will need to complete an ATP CTP program which includes 30 hours of ground school learning and 10 hours of SIM training in Fixed Training Devices (FTD) and Full Flight Simulators (FFS).
After you have successfully completed the program, you’re eligible to complete your ATP Knowledge Test.
9. Become a commercial airline pilot!
Upon successful completion of your Airline Transport Pilot certificate, you are eligible to fly for an airline as a commercial pilot!
By obtaining all of the relevant qualifications outlined above, you will qualify for most regional and international commercial pilot positions.
I wanted to make flying the career for me, which led me to make this 10,000-mile journey halfway across the world to pursue the Professional Pilot Program at L3Harris Flight Academy.
Sharonjeet Dhillon L3Harris graduate
What pilot jobs are available when I graduate?
Most applicants who wish to become a pilot in the USA aspire to fly for a commercial airline. Our pilot training programs and courses are all designed to prepare you for a role as a First Officer on a passenger aircraft. It is important to note the FAA states that all graduate pilots must build at least 1,500 flying hours before applying to work for an airline.
At L3Harris Flight Academy, we help you achieve your ultimate career goal by offering all our graduates an interview to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – one of the best ways of building flight hours.
We also invite representatives from airlines to visit the campus and interview our cadets and Flight Instructors, providing valuable opportunities to secure your future pilot career.
How much does it cost to become a pilot in the USA?
When deciding to become a commercial airline pilot, one of the most frequently asked questions is ‘how much does it cost to become a pilot?’. And it’s no surprise as to why. Your pilot license cost is a significant investment and financial commitment.
The exact cost to become a pilot will differ depending on the route you take and the organization you opt for.
Our pilot training program costs:
How to become a pilot FAQs
What are the different pilot license types?
Deciding what type of pilot you want to be will help you get on track to obtain the right certification for your future career. There are four main types of pilot licenses:
How long do our flight training programs take?
How long it takes to become a commercial pilot is dependent on the pilot training program you choose to complete.
How much can I expect to earn as a pilot?
As a commercial airline pilot, you can expect to receive a salary above the average. However, your actual salary will differ depending on whether you fly for a major or regional airline.
Newly qualified pilots typically start out at a regional airline. Regional airline pilots are typically paid less than those at major airlines.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2020 Report, the percentile wage estimates for airline pilots, First Officers, and Flight Engineers are as follows:
Percentile
10%
25%
50% (median)
Annual wage
What characteristics do I need to become a pilot?
Do I need to have perfect vision to become a commercial airline pilot?
No, you do not need to have perfect vision to become an airline pilot. As long as your vision is not impaired with 20/20 glasses or contact lenses and successfully obtains an FAA-approved first-class medical certificate, you are eligible to fly as a commercial airline pilot.
You can be colorblind and still become a pilot depending on the severity and what colors you can and cannot recognize. Your color vision will be assessed as part of your first-class medical exam which will determine whether you have the requirements to operate a commercial aircraft.
Do I need a degree to become a commercial pilot?
No, you do not need a degree to become a commercial airline pilot.
Whilst it is not compulsory to have a university degree before training to become a pilot it could open up more opportunities to work in the aviation industry.
At L3Harris Florida Flight School, we have partnered with Seminole State College of Florida (SSC) and Jacksonville University (JU) to provide airline pilot degrees which enable you to graduate with a degree and a pilot license.
What would my day look like as a pilot?
As a commercial airline pilot working from a regional or major airline you can expect to work weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Commercial pilots are responsible for navigating and flying passengers and cargo planes from A to B safely and efficiently.
You will be responsible for:
How to apply to flight school?
Once you are ready to apply you can submit the full application form online.
Once your application has been screened by our admissions team you will be invited to complete a Wonderlic assessment. You must meet or exceed the minimum score requirement.
Once through selection, it will be time to move into your accommodation and begin your course or program. Our Student Services Team can assist with orientation, housing, transportation, and student affairs. We also coordinate extra-curricular activities to help you and your fellow student cadets have fun and get to know one another.