The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Commercial Airline Pilot

Have you ever watched a plane flying overhead and thought, « How can I turn that into my career? »

Becoming a commercial airline pilot isn’t a one-size-fits-all path. There are multiple routes, each with its own challenges and rewards. Whether you’re just starting to explore or are already committed to making aviation your career, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From the initial steps to the final flight with a major airline, we’ve got you covered.

At STS Aviation Group, we’re dedicated to helping aviation professionals take their first steps in the industry. This guide is part of a series we’re putting together to help you navigate a career in aviation, with upcoming articles that will cover everything from becoming an aircraft mechanic to entering the field as an aerospace engineer and beyond.

The Commercial Pilot Journey: What You Need to Know

Being a commercial pilot is far more than just flying an airplane. Yes, you’ll be up in the air, but you’ll also be responsible for safety, split-second decision-making, and navigating both physical and technical aspects of flight. Commercial pilots often work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, and spend significant time away from home. It’s a career that demands responsibility, focus, and a passion for aviation.

Key Responsibilities of a Commercial Airline Pilot:

• Pre-flight preparation: Checking weather, reviewing aircraft conditions, and flight planning.
• Operating aircraft: Pilots manage aircraft operations from takeoff to landing.
• Safety management: Monitoring flight conditions and ensuring passenger and cargo safety.
• Communication: Pilots coordinate with air traffic control, ground staff, and crew.
• Navigating airspace: Ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and company protocols.

So, how do you get from staring at planes in the sky to being the one behind the controls? Let’s break it down

The Path to Becoming a Commercial Pilot

There are several routes to becoming a commercial pilot, each suited to different goals, budgets, and timelines. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the first, and most common path, to reaching the cockpit.

Step 1: Start with Your Private Pilot License (PPL)

The first step in your journey is to obtain your Private Pilot License (PPL). This is the foundational certification, the base upon which all further certifications are built. Here’s how to get started:

• Flight Training: You’ll need at least 40 hours of flight time. The average person may need between 60-70 hours to become proficient.
• Ground School: You’ll learn the theory behind flying, including air law, weather, and flight navigation.
• Written Exam: After completing your training, you’ll need to pass a knowledge exam covering aviation basics.
• Check Ride: Finally, you’ll take a flight test with an FAA examiner to demonstrate your flying skills.

Step 2: Time-Building Jobs

Once you’ve obtained your PPL, you’ll need to build flight hours to move on to your next step. The FAA requires 250 hours for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). But you’ll need more hours (1,500 to be precise) for an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP).

Here’s how you can gain hours:

• Flight Instructor: Teach others how to fly while logging hours.
• Banner Towing: Fly planes towing advertisements—an old-school method of gaining hours.
• Skydiving Pilot: Take jumpers to their drop zones.
• Aerial Photography: Get paid to fly for photographers who need shots from the air.

Step 3: Obtain Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Once you’ve accumulated the necessary hours, it’s time to apply for your CPL. This requires:

• Completing flight training with an accredited school.
• Passing the written knowledge exam.
• Taking a check ride with an FAA examiner to demonstrate your skills.

Step 4: Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP)

To become a commercial airline pilot for major airlines, you’ll need an ATP. This is the highest level of certification, and to earn it, you need:

• 1,500 flight hours (minimum).
• Successful completion of written and practical exams covering advanced aviation topics.
• A thorough medical exam and background check.

Step 5: First Officer (Co-Pilot) Experience

Once you have your ATP, you’ll begin your airline career as a First Officer (also known as a co-pilot). This position gives you more flying experience and provides specialized training with the airline’s fleet. Most pilots begin their careers with regional airlines before moving up to larger carriers.

Step 6: Becoming a Captain

After years of flying and additional training, you can work your way up to Captain, the lead pilot responsible for the flight’s operations. Captains have significant authority over the aircraft and flight operations, including takeoff, navigation, and landing.

Financial and Time Considerations

Costs of Becoming a Pilot

Let’s talk money. Becoming a commercial pilot requires a significant financial investment. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect:

• Private Pilot License (PPL): $8,000 – $15,000
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): $20,000 – $35,000
• Flight Hours and Aircraft Rental: A lot of the cost comes from flight school fees, aircraft rental, and instructor costs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Don’t worry. You’re not alone in this financial journey. There are scholarships and funding options available to aspiring pilots:

• AOPA Scholarships: The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association offers scholarships.
• Women in Aviation International: Scholarships and resources for women entering aviation.
• FAA Scholarships: Flight training scholarships and funding.

Salary Expectations

Pilot salaries can vary widely based on airline, region, and experience level. Here’s what you can expect:

• First Officer (Regional Airlines): $40,000 – $75,000 annually
• Captain (Regional Airlines): $60,000 – $120,000 annually
• Captain (Major Airlines): $100,000 – $200,000+

Top Aviation Schools for Training

Many aviation schools in the U.S. offer comprehensive programs that allow you to complete the entire process mentioned above… from obtaining your Private Pilot License (PPL) through to your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and even the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, all within one structured pathway.

These flight schools provide the necessary flight training, ground school, and certifications, meaning you can advance through each step of the process (PPL, CPL, and ATP) while also accumulating the flight hours required to move to the next level. Some schools even offer accelerated programs, designed to help students complete their training more quickly while still meeting all the FAA’s requirements.

Here are some top options:

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU): Combine degree programs with pilot training.
• ATP Flight School: Offers accelerated programs across the U.S.
• University of North Dakota (UND): Offers professional pilot training with a solid reputation.
• FlightSafety Academy: Known for fast-tracking careers with high-quality training.

The Military Path to Becoming a Pilot

For many, the military provides a structured, well-funded way to become a pilot, and it’s a path that offers numerous opportunities, along with world-class training. Here are the key branches that provide flight training:

U.S. Air Force

• Training: The Air Force has one of the most comprehensive training programs. It’s ideal for those interested in fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.
• Path: Attend the Air Force Academy, or become an officer through Officer Training School. Complete Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) and serve in roles like fighter or bomber pilots.

U.S. Navy

• Training: The Navy is famous for training pilots who operate off aircraft carriers. It’s also a thrilling path for those who want high-stakes flying.
• Path: Join as an officer, go through Naval Aviation Schools Command, and train to fly anything from fighter jets to helicopters.

U.S. Army

• Training: The Army specializes in rotary-wing (helicopter) pilots, with training offered at Fort Rucker.
• Path: Attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) or the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and complete Army Flight School for helicopter training.

U.S. Coast Guard

• Training: The Coast Guard focuses on search-and-rescue and law enforcement aviation.
• Path: Attend Officer Candidate School, complete flight training at the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center, and perform crucial missions like search-and-rescue.

U.S. Marine Corps

• Training: The Marines train alongside the Navy and operate aircraft in unique environments.
• Path: Attend Officer Candidate School or the U.S. Naval Academy and complete specialized flight training.

U.S. Air National Guard

• Training: The Air National Guard offers flexibility for those seeking part-time flight training.
• Path: Join as an officer and attend Undergraduate Pilot Training.

After completing your military service and receiving extensive flight training, transitioning to civilian aviation requires a few additional steps.

First, you’ll need to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which may involve logging more flight hours and completing some additional training in civilian aircraft. While your military flight experience will count toward some of the FAA’s flight hour requirements, you may need to adjust to civilian flying protocols, equipment, and regulations.

Once you’ve earned your CPL, you will need to pursue an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license to become eligible to fly for major airlines. This requires accumulating 1,500 flight hours and passing written and practical exams, which can take time but is essential for long-term success. After that, you’ll typically begin your career with a regional airline or as a First Officer to continue building experience. Over time, as you gain more flying hours and seniority, you’ll have the opportunity to move up to a Captain position, commanding larger aircraft for major airlines. The skills you honed in the military will serve you well as you adjust to the civilian flying environment.

Ready to Take Off?

Becoming a commercial pilot is no small feat, but it’s an entirely achievable goal for those who are committed, passionate, and willing to put in the work. Whether you choose the « do it yourself » approach, a dedicated flight school, military training, or a combination of both, there’s no one-size-fits-all path on this journey. What’s most important is that you take the first step. Aviation needs passionate, dedicated individuals who are ready to take to the skies.

The demand for pilots is growing, and there has never been a better time to pursue a career that not only offers incredible rewards but also makes a lasting impact. The world needs more pilots; more young people to take on the responsibility of flying commercial aircraft, ensuring safety, and connecting the world.

So, if you’re looking up at the sky and wondering how you can get there, take heart. The path is within reach, and there’s a future in aviation waiting for you. Your dream of becoming a commercial pilot isn’t just possible, it’s necessary.

Let this guide be the starting point for a fulfilling and exciting career in the skies. We hope you enjoyed it, and we look forward to the next time.