How Long Does it Take to Become a Commercial Airline Pilot?

Summary of educational, medical, legal, certification and qualification requirements to become a commercial pilot and fly for major and regional airlines.

You can become a pilot. Learn how to become a pilot and get your pilot license, including requirements, eligibility, how long it takes, and cost.

ATP Flight School is the nation’s leader in airline-oriented flight training and has partnered with United to provide ATP students the fastest path to a successful pilot career with United. Learn more about United Aviate^SM.

Accelerated pilot cadet program, offering a proven path to a pilot career at American Airlines.

No, you don't need a college degree to become a pilot. Learn more about what the college education requirements are to become an airline pilot.

It takes two months to become a private pilot. In two years, you can become a commercial airline pilot. Learn how you can become a pilot with ATP Flight School.

Enroll in accelerated flight training with ATP and go from zero experience to a commercial airline pilot, with 1500 hours, in two years. Learn how you can become an airline pilot with ATP Flight School.

Airlines operate on a seniority-based system. Learn what this means for your career and why getting to the airlines first is important.

The shortage of pilots qualified to fly for the airlines is causing regional airlines to offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and other incentives. Learn more about how much you will earn as a pilot.

ATP provides up-front, fixed-cost pricing in a way that differentiates us from most other flight schools and academies. With over 30 years of experience, ATP designs our flight training programs with enough flight time for the vast majority of students to be successful.

Complete list of aviation courses, flight training, and career pilot programs offered by ATP Flight School.

The student pilot certificate is a requirement in order to fly a powered aircraft by yourself, known as “soloing” in aviation.

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the first major milestone on the road to a career as a pilot. Learn about the private pilot license; including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and how to earn your private pilot license.

Learn all about a commercial pilot license, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and how to earn this pilot license.

Learn all about earning your flight instructor certification, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and salary information.

Learn all about earning your flight instructor certification, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and salary information.

An ATP certification will also open a wide array of pilot job opportunities with various corporate and private air carriers. Learn more about the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification, such as, eligibility requirements and flight experience requirements.

Flying is a rewarding career, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. Pilots undertake intensive training to develop a highly unique skill set. As a result, commercial pilots are paid well.

Commercial airline pilot job career information; airline pilot hiring, pilot salary, retirement numbers, military pilot population reduction and the overall upcoming pilot shortage discussion.

Long-term pilot career outlook in response to COVID-19, including long term hiring trends, projections, retirements, and the effects of postponing flight training.