How Long Does it Take to Become a Pilot? Time Requirements for Pilot Certifications in 2026

Written by: ATP Flight School Training and Career Education Series Team ATP Flight School’s Training and Career Education Series Team develops career and training information for prospective pilots, based on real-world instructional experience, industry insights and reporting, FAA-aligned standards, and ATP’s structured training programs.

Reviewed by: Senior FAA Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Ground Instructor Provides flight and ground training oversight to ensure accuracy of educational content and alignment with ATP publishing standards.

Published: October 19, 2021 / Last Updated: January 22, 2026

It takes three months to become a pilot and earn your private pilot license. It is important to consider the financial investment required for pilot training, as costs can vary significantly based on several factors. To become an airline pilot, it takes two and a half years to gain the required 1,500 hours flight time.

How Long Does Pilot Training Take?

In ATP's fast track, Airline Career Pilot Program, gain the flight training you need for your private pilot license and become a pilot in as little as three months. Student pilots must master basic maneuvers such as safe takeoffs, landings, and maintaining control of the aircraft to earn their certificate. In the next nine months, you will earn your commercial pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate — making you ready to start a career flying as a commercial pilot.

Flight Training Timeline

Estimated flight training timeline for private, commercial, and instructor certifications
	Starting from Zero Time	Starting with Credit for Private
Private Pilot	3 Months
Commercial Pilot & Instrument Rating	4 Months	4 Months
Certified Flight Instructor & Multi-Engine Rating	2 Months	2 Months
Total Duration	12 Months	9 Months

Many factors such as local weather, winter conditions, examiner availability, as well as your dedication, availability, and ability to absorb information quickly can affect your training timeline and can lengthen the duration of your program. While ATP does not guarantee program completion time, our nationwide network of resources, training centers, aircraft and examiners works to lessen the impact of delays.

Acquiring the necessary skills, including both technical knowledge and practical abilities, is essential for safe flying and career advancement in aviation.

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Pilot Certification Levels

There are several levels of pilot certification, each with its own set of requirements and privileges. Understanding these levels is crucial for anyone aspiring to fly professionally:

Private Pilot Certificate: This is the first step towards becoming a commercial pilot. It allows pilots to fly for personal use, carry passengers, and operate under visual flight rules (VFR). It’s the foundation upon which all other certifications are built.
Commercial Pilot Certificate: This certification allows pilots to fly for hire, opening the door to various commercial flying jobs such as charter flights, crop dusting, and aerial photography. It requires more advanced training and a higher level of proficiency than the private pilot certificate.
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate: The ATP certificate is the highest level of pilot certification. It is required for pilots who want to fly for a major airline. This certification demands extensive flight experience and a deep understanding of aviation regulations and procedures.

Each certification level builds on the previous one, progressively increasing the pilot’s skills, knowledge, and opportunities in the aviation industry.

Flight Time Requirements

The FAA requires 1,500 hours to fly as an airline pilot, which can be earned in two and a half years. Logging flight hours is a critical requirement for aspiring pilots to meet both private and commercial flying standards.

FAA-required flight hours for each pilot certification level
	Total Hours Required
Private Pilot License	40 Hours
Commercial Pilot Certificate	250 Hours
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate	1,500 Hours

Commercial Pilot Certification Requirements

To become a commercial pilot, one must meet the stringent requirements set by the FAA and complete a training program. The key requirements for obtaining a commercial pilot certificate include:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Medical Certificate: A valid FAA medical certificate is required to ensure you meet the health standards necessary for flying.
Knowledge and Practical Tests: You must pass a written knowledge test and a practical test, which includes a flight test with an FAA examiner.
Flight Time: A minimum of 250 hours of flight time is required, including 100 hours as pilot-in-command and 50 hours of cross-country flight time.
Instrument Rating: Holding a valid instrument rating is essential, as it allows you to fly in a wider range of weather conditions and is a prerequisite for many commercial flying jobs.

Meeting these requirements and obtaining a commercial pilot certificate is a significant milestone in your journey to becoming a professional pilot. It opens up numerous opportunities to fly professionally and gain the experience needed to advance to higher levels of certification, such as the airline transport pilot certificate.

Understanding these certification levels and their requirements is key to planning how long it takes to become a pilot and preparing for each stage of your aviation career.

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How much does flight school cost?

ATP quotes prices based on realistic flight time requirements, providing up-front, fixed-cost pricing for becoming a pilot. Understanding the financial investment involved in pilot training is crucial, and prospective pilots should explore different financing options to manage the costs.

How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot? »

Becoming a Pilot

Becoming a pilot is a challenging and rewarding career path that requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. The journey to becoming a pilot involves meeting the requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and completing a flight training program. This journey includes both in-flight and ground school training, covering essential aviation knowledge and practical flying skills.

Depending on individual circumstances, the process can take several months to years to complete. However, the end result is a rewarding career in aviation, where you can experience the thrill of flight and the satisfaction of mastering complex technical skills.