The Seven Steps Of The Airline Pilot Pathway

What are the steps required to become a commercial pilot?

Step 1: Earn Private Pilot Certificate. The first step in becoming a commercial pilot is to earn a Private Pilot certificate, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Starting in a single-engine airplane, this stage of training focuses on the fundamentals and sets the foundation for more advanced certificates and ratings.

Step 2: Add Instrument Rating. After becoming a Private Pilot, the next step is to earn an instrument rating which allows a pilot to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and in all kinds of weather.

Step 3: Earn Commercial Pilot Certificate. Next is earning a Commercial Pilot certificate. Pilots must meet specific experience requirements and fly to a higher standard in order to become commercial pilots, which ultimately allows them to legally be paid to fly.

Step 4: Earn Flight Instructor Certificate. Once the commercial pilot requirements are satisfied, obtain a Flight Instructor certificate. Becoming a certificated flight instructor (CFI) allows pilots to earn a living flying, while they earn the flight experience required by the airlines.

Step 5: Add Multi-Engine Rating. To fly large passenger airliners, pilots must add multi-engine privileges to their pilot commercial certificate. Adding a multi-engine rating to the Commercial Pilot certificate is the final step before building experience to meet hiring minimums.

Step 6: Gain Experience! Airline pilots are generally required to hold a minimum of 1,500 hours total flight time. Once you have your commercial rating you can gain experience as an instructor, towing banners, or flying jumpers, as well as a variety of other jobs. Once you have your “hours” you will start the process by interviewing with your desired airline for the position of First Officer (FO). Airlines typically conduct both a technical interview and an HR interview. Upon successful completion, you will receive a conditional offer of employment.

Step 7: Commercial Pilot Job. If your career goal is to get a job flying for American Airlines, learn about how to participate in the cadet program and become a pilot for American Airlines. While the typical career progression is to first fly for a regional airline, then advance to a major airline, direct programs allow you to go straight to select major airlines at 1,500 hours. These programs include the Frontier Direct Program and more.

Can You Become an Airline Pilot Without a Degree?

Yes, you can become an airline pilot without a degree!  Airlines are facing a shortage of pilots and no longer require pilots to have a four-year degree. While a degree may help set you apart from similar qualified pilots, airlines have no preference on field of study. If you are interested in obtaining a four-year degree with Hewison Aviation and Purdue Global we can help guide you through the process.