How to become an Airline Pilot

Becoming an Airline Pilot is a goal for many pilots. For those of you who are just starting out, Career Pilot School wants to give you a brief explanation of the process of becoming an Airline Pilot.

It is important to note that there are MANY different employment opportunities besides becoming an Airline Pilot for Commercial Pilots! Most people think of Airline Pilots when they hear the words, "Commercial Pilot." And for many of us, that is the ultimate goal. You should also know there are other Commercial Pilot positions, such as: Flight Instructor, Aerial Tow Pilot, Parachute Jump Pilot, Glider Tow Pilot, Agricultural Pilot, Charter Pilot, Cargo Pilot, and many, many more!

So, how do you embark on this journey? Here is a basic step by step check list that will get you from zero time to your goal of becoming a Commercial Pilot.

  1. The most important thing to do before you begin training is to get an AVIATION MEDICAL EXAM. In the United States, you accomplish this by going to an Aviation Medical Examiner near you. If commercial aviation is your ultimate goal, I recommend getting a FIRST CLASS MEDICAL from day one. That way, if you have any unknown deficiencies, you will know this before you start (and spend your hard earned money!!!). Also on your first visit, make sure to tell the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) that you need a STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE. At the end of the exam, if approved, you will receive a piece of paper that is both your STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE and MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.
  2. Now that you are sure you medically qualify, it is time to pick a school. This is where things get confusing. Part 61, Part 141, JAA, FAA, MCC, Jet Transition, Safety Pilot, Dual, Solo, and Multi are some of the new words you will come across. In the United States, the biggest difference in schools is Part 61 vs. Part 141. Part 61 schools are not directly overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Part 141 schools, on the other hand, are directly overseen by the FAA. What does that mean to you? Well, it means that the school has a FAA Principle Operations Inspector (a US government official) that checks the school's facilities, aircraft, curriculum, equipment, and instructors. If the FAA finds that the school is not living up the the FAA standards, the school loses the 141 designation. Schools that are Part 61 are not able to work with foreign students requiring an M-1 or F-1 Visa. Career Pilot School is an FAA Approved Part 141 School with M-1 Visa Approval from the US Government. That means Career Pilot School can issue a non-US student the correct paperwork to receive an M-1 Visa, travel to the US, and complete your training.
  3. Now that you have chosen a flight school, you need to choose a program. This also can be very complicated! Career Pilot School offers 3 different ZERO TO COMMERCIAL PILOT programs: Accelerated 141 Pilot Training, International Pilot Training, and International Pilot Training-JET. The Accelerated 141 Pilot Training program is the most intense program available. It is less than 16 weeks! But it gets you on your way to being a Commercial Pilot that much faster! Our other two programs, International Pilot Training, and International Pilot Training-JET are tailored more towards non-US students who are seeking a structured but less intense experience. These courses take between 41 and 43 weeks. We urge students to email us if you have any questions regarding which program is the best for your situation.
  4. Once you have chosen a program, it is time to apply. For US students, apply here. For Non-US students, apply here.
  5. Now that you have applied, paid the necessary fees, you have been accepted. Congratulations! The next step is to schedule your training. Contact us at programs@careerpilotschool.com to accomplish this task!
  6. Once your training is scheduled, it is time to make plans to travel to your training location. For students training at our California location, the two closest airports are San Francisco (KSFO) and Sacramento (KSMF). For students training at our Kansas City location, the closest airport is Kansas City (KMCI). After making your travel arrangements, please send us your itinerary so we can be there to greet you and take you to the school.
  7. Once at one of our locations, you will be moved into one of our apartments or extended living hotel rooms.
  8. For non-US students, the first step upon arrival at the school is to start the TSA process. For information on this process, please click here. If you are a US Student, you must bring either a valid US Passport or Birth Certificate to satisfy TSA requirements for US Student Pilots. There are no fees associated with the US Student TSA requirements.
  9. Once TSA approval is received, it is time to start your flight training! You will enter a ground school taught by one of our FAA Certified Flight or Ground Instructors. In this course, you will learn the magic behind flight. While enrolled in this course, you will also begin flying. The first step to attain in the Private Pilot Training is the SOLO. This is when you fly the aircraft by yourself! It is one of the most exciting things to happen in your piloting career. And don't worry about when your solo occurs. You will solo at the time the instructor feels that you are prepared to act as the Pilot in Command (PIC).
  10. After soloing, you will continue to develop your piloting skills. Eventually, you will be ready to take the Private Pilot Single Engine Land Check Ride and Private Pilot Knowledge Test. The Knowledge test is completed prior to your check ride.This test is multiple choice and you will have been well prepared for this exam by your ground school. Your Check Ride will be administered by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). He will follow a specific testing regimen called the Practical Test Standards (PTS). Your instructor will have gone over every aspect of this with you during your training, so there is nothing to fear!
  11. At this point, you will have passed your Private Pilot Check Ride. Congratulations, you are now a FAA CERTIFIED PRIVATE PILOT.
  12. The next step begins right after you receive your Private Pilot Certificate. This new class, which will lead to an INSTRUMENT RATING (IR), prepares you to fly in less than ideal weather.
  13. Again, there will be an Instrument Knowledge Test and then a Check Ride with the DPE according to the FAA Instrument Rating PTS.
  14. The next step involves some time flying by yourself, gaining experience. Whether you are enrolled in our Accelerated 141 Training Program or either of our International Pilot Training Programs, you will gain valuable experience flying around the country while solo. This is some of the most fun flying you can do! We will even suggest fun and challenging places for you to fly.
  15. While you are not out soloing, you will continue your studies in the classroom and in the air for your COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATE. Depending on the program you have chosen, this might be a Commercial Pilot Certificate with MULTI ENGINE RATING or a Commercial Pilot Certificate with SINGLE ENGINE RATING. Either way, you are required to take a Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test and eventually a Commercial Pilot Check Ride with a DPE.
  16. Now that you have a newly printed Commercial Pilot Certificate in your hand, what should you do? Well, what was your original goal? If it was to become an AIRLINE PILOT, check the airline employment pages and see if you meet their current minimum qualifications for employment. If you meet those requirements, go ahead and apply! If you don't meet their requirements, we suggest either building additional time or becoming a flight instructor.
  17. Becoming a FAA CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI) is a noble step to becoming a better professional aviator. You will take the role of teacher and introduce flight to zero time students!
Whatever your ultimate goal, Career Pilot School is here to help you along the path. If you have any questions, please email us!
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