How to Become a Commercial Airline Pilot

For thousands of people, being a commercial airline pilot is their lifelong dream. They want to soar above the clouds and see interesting places all over the world, all while being paid a high salary for it. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 152,800 airline and commercial pilots, and the typical median pay for pilots is $171,210 annually as of 2023. This makes it an attractive career path for those who may be interested in flying.

However, becoming a commercial airline pilot is no simple feat. It requires dedication, discipline, and hundreds of hours of training. For those who want to dip their toes into learning about what it takes to become a pilot, the Part 141 flight training program might be a better place to start. For those who are ready to start working toward a commercial career path, keep in mind that the path is long, but at the end of the training, they will be able to seize opportunities that will lead to a successful career.

Private Pilot Certification

The first step in becoming a commercial airline pilot is to obtain a private pilot certificate. To clarify, this certificate is not referring to flying private jets commercially and is the equivalent of needing a drivers license for a car. Having your private pilot certificate allows pilots to fly small aircraft recreationally. It does not give them the ability to be paid for flying.

During a checkride, an examiner will fly with a student or active pilot to evaluate their ability to execute specific maneuvers. Based on FAA guidelines, the examiner assesses the individual’s performance and determines whether they pass or fail, which in turn affects their eligibility to begin or continue flying. As the FAA holds the highest aviation authority in the United States, its practical exams are of utmost importance. Students who recognize the significance of a checkride are better positioned for success in their examinations.

In order to be eligible to obtain a private pilot certificate, prospective pilots must be at least 17 years of age, proficient in English, and possess basic math skills. If they meet these requirements then they can begin the process of earning their private pilot certificate. This is not something that can be done in a matter of days, and will be a serious time commitment.

First, prospective pilots are required to take a medical exam to ensure they are healthy enough to fly. An Aviation Medical Examiner will provide them with a third class medical certificate if deemed in good health.

Next, they will attend ground school to learn the basics of flying, including weather, aerodynamics, navigation, and flight planning. After completing classes, they will need to pass an FAA written exam, so practicing with a mock test is a good idea.

Then, flight training begins, where they will finally get into the cockpit. Instructors will teach them day and night flying, cross-country flying, and various maneuvers. The FAA requires at least 40 hours of flight training, though most students need more.

Finally, once prospective pilots and their instructors feel confident, they will take the checkride with an FAA examiner, who will test them on everything they’ve learned. After successfully completing these steps, the prospective pilot will finally become a new pilot and receive their private certificate. While new pilots will now be able to fly a plane alone recreationally they are only just starting their journey to becoming a commercial airline pilot.

Instrument Rating

Since pilots fly above clouds in all weather conditions, they are required to have their instrument rating before they can begin to obtain their commercial pilot’s certificate. An instrument rating means that they are able to navigate an aircraft safely without needing visual references outside of the aircraft using the tools within the cockpit. An instrument rating qualification can be obtained as part of the Part 141 course.

In order to achieve an instrument rating, pilots must first have a private pilot’s certificate. Then, they must take ground training from a flight instructor or through an online course to receive an endorsement from a flight instructor. This endorsement states that the flight instructor believes that the pilot in training is capable of taking and passing the instrument rating knowledge test. After taking and passing the instrument test, pilots will have to complete additional flight training and will then be eligible to receive an instrument rating.

Now that the pilot has obtained an instrument rating, they are one step closer to becoming a commercial pilot. It is a good idea for all pilots to aim for an instrument rating regardless of whether their goal is to become a commercial pilot since they will not be restricted to Visual Flight Rules when flying.

Commercial Pilot Certificate

Now that pilots have their private pilot certificate and instrument rating, the next step is obtaining a commercial pilot certificate, which allows them to get paid for flying. However, earning this certificate is more challenging than previous qualifications. To receive a commercial pilot certificate through Part 61, pilots need 250 hours of flight time, with 100 hours in powered aircraft and 50 hours in airplanes. Additionally, 100 hours of pilot-in-command time are required, with 50 hours in an airplane. Pilots must also complete 50 hours of cross-country flight time, with 10 hours in an airplane, and 20 hours of training, which includes 10 hours of instrument training and 10 hours of complex training. Furthermore, 10 hours of solo training are needed, covering night and cross-country training.

Once these requirements are met, pilots can legally be paid to fly. However, it’s important to note that employers may require more hours than the FAA mandates, so additional flight hours might be necessary before securing a job. Having a commercial pilot certificate does not qualify pilots to be airline pilots, as an airline transport pilot certificate is required for that.

Certified Flight Instructor

After obtaining a commercial certificate, pilots might consider becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to continue earning flight hours while also being paid and gaining more experience. These hours will contribute to the requirements for an airline transport certificate.

Becoming a CFI requires a commercial certificate, an endorsement from a flight instructor, and a passing score on a knowledge test. Opportunities to become a CFI are available on a rolling basis at Phoenix East Aviation, as instructors often come and go once they have obtained a desired number of hours to advance in their careers.

Additionally, becoming a CFI allows pilots to have their first job within the field, build connections, and expand their skill sets as they continue to advance onward to their desired career path.

Multi-Engine Rating

Up until this point in training, pilots will likely have only flown single-engine planes. While this is impressive, being an airline pilot will require piloting a multi-engine plane. In order to do this, pilots will have to acquire their multi-engine rating, which qualifies them to fly planes with multiple engines.

Acquiring your multi-engine rating will not be so difficult once a pilot already has their private pilot certificate. Pilots must receive an endorsement from an instructor and pass an additional checkride with an FAA examiner in a multi-engine plane. Once the checkride is completed, the pilot will be fully qualified to legally fly a multi-engine plane, and will be one step closer to becoming a commercial airline pilot.

Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

This is it, the final step to soaring the skies as a commercial airline pilot. Once pilots acquire their ATP certificate, they can start applying for jobs with airlines. However, this qualification is the most challenging to obtain. To receive the ATP certificate, pilots must be at least 23 years of age, have a commercial pilot certificate and an instrument rating, hold a first-class medical certificate to be pilot-in-command (or a second-class certificate to be second-in-command), log 1500 hours of flight time, complete an ATP training program, and pass the ATP knowledge test.

Note that if pilots went through a university program, they can join an airline as early as 21 years old with 1000 hours of flight time compared to the standard 1500 hours.

After meeting these requirements, pilots will be granted their airline transport pilot certificate. Earning the ATP certificate may seem daunting, but this is the final step in achieving the dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

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