How to Become a Commercial Airline Pilot in the USA?

Dreaming of soaring above the clouds as a commercial airline pilot? You’re not alone — aviation offers one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the world. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, exploring a career change, or just passionate about flying, becoming a commercial pilot in the United States is a goal within reach.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What’s the first step to becoming a pilot

• What licenses and certifications are required

• How long the training process takes

• How to gain experience and progress your career

• What challenges to expect and how to overcome them

Let’s dive in and explore what it takes to turn your passion for flight into a professional career.

Ready to take off now?

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What Are the Steps to Become a Commercial Pilot?

From First Flight to Final Checkride: Your Complete Pilot Checklist

Becoming a commercial pilot isn’t just about learning to fly — it’s about building the knowledge, skill, and confidence to operate complex aircraft safely and professionally. Here’s a high-level checklist of the steps you’ll take:

1. Get Your Private Pilot License (PPL)

This is your first major milestone. You’ll learn the fundamentals of flight, complete your first solo, and begin logging hours toward your professional path.

• Minimum age: 17

• FAA medical certificate required

• 40+ hours of flight time

• Ground school + FAA written exam

• Practical flight test (checkride)

2. Add an Instrument Rating (IR)

This license allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) — meaning you can safely operate in clouds, rain, and low visibility.

• Focuses on navigation, weather, and instrument procedures

• Greatly improves your safety and marketability

3. Earn Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

This is the credential that allows you to be paid for flying.

• Minimum 120 flight time hours (Part 141)

• Advanced flight maneuvers, navigation, emergency procedures

• FAA Commercial Written Exam + Checkride

4. Add a Multi-Engine Rating

Most commercial aircraft have more than one engine. You’ll learn how to handle engine-out scenarios and performance considerations for twin-engine planes.

5. Gain Experience (6 Months CPT / 12 Months OPT – CFI, Charter, or Part 135 Jobs)

To meet the 1,500-hour requirement for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, many pilots build time by working as Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) or flying for charter and Part 135 operators. International students typically utilize 6 months of CPT (Curricular Practical Training) during their academic program and 12 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation to gain paid flight experience while progressing toward ATP eligibility.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Commercial Pilot?

Your Timeline from First Flight to Airline-Ready

The time it takes to become a commercial pilot depends on several key factors — your availability, the training program you choose, weather conditions, training schedule, and how consistently you fly. At Pelican Flight Training, we offer flexible and accelerated programs designed to help you achieve your goals efficiently without compromising safety or quality.

Typical Training Timelines

➡ Total Time (From Zero to Commercial Readiness – Varies by Visa Program): If you take flight training + college degree timeline will be much more.
12–18 months for full-time students; up to 18 months for paid practice (CPT 6 months and OPT 12 months) for part-time or flexible track (only for US citizens).

Accelerated Training Option at Pelican

We understand that many students want to fast-track their career. Our structured, full-immersion programs are designed to move you from no experience to commercial airline pilot eligibility in as little as 12–14 months (depends on the visa program you choose) — all under one roof, with one experienced team guiding you every step of the way.

• Daily flight opportunities in sunny South Florida

• FAA and Accreditation commity with built-in ground school

• Instructor support and mentorship to avoid delays

Factors That Can Affect Your Timeline

• Weather: Florida’s year-round sunshine means fewer delays

• Medical Certification Delays: Start early on your FAA medical

• Study Commitment: Ground school knowledge is as important as flying

• Flight Frequency: The more consistently you fly, the faster you progress

Want a personalized timeline?
Contact us to map out your journey with one of our Sales Advisors.

Education and FAA Certification Requirements

What You Need to Know to Become a Commercial Airline Pilot

You don’t need a college degree to become a commercial pilot — but you do need the right FAA certifications and a strong educational foundation in aviation. At Pelican Flight Training, we provide everything you need to meet FAA requirements and prepare for a successful pilot career.

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Commercial Pilot?

Short answer: No.
The FAA does not require a college degree for commercial pilot certification. However:

• Most airlines prioritize your flight hours, training, and professional skills over academic credentials — a college degree is not required to start your career.

• Many regional airlines and charter operators focus more on skills, flight hours, and professionalism than formal academic credentials.

Tip: If you're focused on speed and cost-efficiency, it’s absolutely possible to go from zero to commercial pilot without a university degree — especially through an FAA-approved flight school like Pelican.

FAA Certification Pathway Overview

To fly commercially in the U.S., you'll need to earn the following licenses and ratings:

How to Get Your FAA Pilot License

Each step involves a combination of:

• Ground school (theoretical knowledge)

• Flight training with a certified instructor

• FAA written exams (multiple choice)

• FAA checkrides (practical flying exams)

Pelican provides everything in-house, including:

• Ground school classes

• Experienced FAA-certified flight instructors

• Modern fleet of aircraft

• Checkride preparation and support

Need help understanding what license you need based on your goals?
Our team will help you build a custom roadmap based on where you are now.

Schedule a Free Consultation →

Inside the Flight School Experience

What to Expect When You Train with Pelican Flight Training

Flight school is where your dream of becoming a pilot takes off — literally. But what is it really like? At Pelican Flight Training, we strive to make the experience not only professional and effective, but also engaging, supportive, and inspiring.

Here’s what you can expect when you walk through our hangar doors.

What You’ll Learn in Flight Training

From your first takeoff to advanced commercial maneuvers, you’ll gain a wide range of skills in both ground school and flight lessons:

Flight Skills:

• Aircraft control and coordination

• Takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures

• Navigation using GPS, VOR, and charts

• Flying under Visual and Instrument conditions

• Multi-engine operations (if applicable)

Ground Knowledge:

• Meteorology and weather interpretation

• Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)

• Aerodynamics and aircraft systems

• Flight planning and weight/balance

• Human factors and aviation decision-making

How to Choose the Right Flight School

Choosing a flight school is one of the most important decisions in your aviation journey. Here’s what sets a great school apart:

Pelican Flight Training offers a balanced, high-quality environment with dedicated instructors, flexible training options, and personalized guidance every step of the way.

Why Students Love Training at Pelican

• Based in sunny Pembroke Pines, Florida, we enjoy ideal flying weather year-round

• Our fleet includes modern, well-equipped aircraft tailored for each license level

• Students benefit from 1-on-1 instructor attention and a structured path to commercial readiness

• International and local students alike find a welcoming aviation family here

Book a Tour →

How to Gain Experience as a Pilot

Building the Flight Hours and Confidence You Need for the Airlines

Earning your Commercial Pilot License is a major milestone — but the journey doesn’t stop there. To qualify for airline jobs in the U.S., you'll need to accumulate 1,500 total flight hours (or fewer in some cases with Restricted ATP paths). Gaining this experience strategically is key to advancing your career.

Here’s how you do it.

Top Ways to Build Flight Hours After Getting Your CPL

1. Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

This is the most popular and cost-effective way to build hours while earning income.

• Teach PPL, Instrument, and Commercial students

• Reinforce your own knowledge through instruction

• Work full-time and log hundreds of hours quickly

• Pelican offers an in-house CFI training program

“Teaching at Pelican gave me the hours and confidence I needed to land a regional airline job in under a year.” – Luis R., Pelican Graduate

How Many Hours Do You Need to Reach ATP?

Note: If you follow a Part 141-approved pathway or have a degree in aviation, you may qualify for a Restricted ATP at 1,000–1,250 hours.

Pelican’s Support Beyond Graduation

We don’t just train you — we mentor you through your early career. Our alumni network, instructor pipeline, and industry partnerships can help you:

• Land your first CFI job

• Network with airline recruiters

• Get interview prep and resume support

Want to discuss your hour-building strategy?

Talk to a Sales Advisor →

Pilot Career Path & Airline Progression

From Student to Captain: What Your Aviation Career Could Look Like

Becoming a commercial pilot isn’t just about getting a license — it’s about launching a career that can span decades, continents, and aircraft of all sizes. While every pilot’s journey is unique, most follow a similar progression toward the captain’s seat.

Let’s explore what that looks like.

Typical Career Progression for Commercial Pilots

Note: Timeframes vary based on hiring demand, seniority systems, and individual training pace.

Multiple Pathways to an Airline Career

There’s more than one way to reach the airlines. At Pelican Flight Training, we support a variety of career paths:

• Traditional Civilian Path

Train through a flight school, build hours as a CFI, then apply to regionals and majors.

• Cadet & Pipeline Programs

Some airlines offer partnerships and early conditional job offers to student pilots.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Captain?

Becoming a captain at a regional airline can take as little as 2–3 years once you’ve joined as a First Officer.
For major airlines, the journey to captain often takes 10+ years, depending on:

• Airline growth

• Your base location

• Aircraft type

• Seniority system

Where Pelican Graduates Fly

Our alumni are flying for regional and major airlines across the U.S. and internationally, including:

• Republic Airways

• Envoy Air

• SkyWest

• Spirit Airlines

• And many more

Curious about how to tailor your career path?
We’ll help you map it out. 

Book a career planning session →

What Are the Challenges of Becoming a Pilot?

Overcoming Obstacles on the Way to the Cockpit

Pursuing a career as a commercial pilot is thrilling and rewarding — but it’s also demanding. Knowing what challenges to expect ahead of time will help you stay prepared, motivated, and resilient as you work toward your goals.

At Pelican Flight Training, we support you through every step, including the tough ones.

Common Challenges in Flight Training

Academic Pressure

Aviation isn’t just hands-on — it’s intellectually rigorous. Expect to learn meteorology, navigation, aircraft systems, regulations, and more. Ground school can feel overwhelming at first, especially for students new to technical subjects.

Solution: Pelican’s structured curriculum and small class sizes ensure you get the personal attention you need to succeed.

Time Commitment

Training requires regular flying and study time — often several days per week.

Solution: We offer full-time options.

Financial Investment

Flight training is a significant investment, typically costing $60,000–$90,000 from zero experience to commercial readiness.

Solution: Pelican provides transparent pricing.

Weather & External Delays

Though we fly in sunny South Florida, occasional poor weather, aircraft maintenance can temporarily delay training.

Solution: We proactively manage scheduling and have a large fleet to minimize disruptions.

Is It Hard to Get a Pilot Job?

The aviation industry is booming, with a growing global demand for pilots — but landing your first job still takes:

• Meeting hour and certification requirements

• Interview preparation and strong soft skills

• Professionalism, punctuality, and strong references

At Pelican, we not only train you — we coach you on how to present yourself to airlines.

Private vs. Commercial Pilot: What’s the Difference?

Bottom line? The challenges are real — but with the right training, mentorship, and mindset, they’re absolutely manageable. Thousands of pilots have gone through the same obstacles and emerged stronger.

You can too.

Ready to Start Your Journey as a Commercial Pilot?

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to take your next step, Pelican Flight Training is here to guide you, train you, and support you — every mile of the way.

Book a Free Consultation

Talk to a Sales Advisor about your goals, your timeline, and how to get started.

Schedule Now →

Your future in the sky starts here — and it starts today.

This year marks a major milestone
— 40 years of preparing

This year marks a major milestone — 40 years of preparing future aviators for successful careers in aviation. To celebrate, we’re offering a limited-time discount on our premier program: Full Professional Pilot Program A If you’re dreaming of flying for an airline, now is the perfecing a fully qualified commercial pilot, ready to enter the airline industry with confidence. Special Anniversary Offer – Limited Time Only Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Check the discounted price below and reserve your seat today!

begin your journey. Our comprehensive Program A is designed to take you from zero experience to becoming a fully qualified commercial pilot, ready to enter the airline industry with confidence. Special Anniversary Offer – Limited Time Only Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Check the discounted price below and reserve your seat today!

This year marks a major milestone — 40 years of preparing future aviators for successful careers in aviation. To celebrate, we’re offering a limited-time discount on our premier program: Full Professional Pilot Program A If you’re dreaming of flying for an airline, now is the perfecing a fully qualified commercial pilot, ready to enter the airline industry with confidence. Special Anniversary Offer – Limited Time Only Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Check the discounted price below and reserve your seat today!

begin your journey. Our comprehensive Program A is designed to take you from zero experience to becoming a fully qualified commercial pilot, ready to enter the airline industry with confidence. Special Anniversary Offer – Limited Time Only Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Check the discounted price below and reserve your seat today!

To learn more

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At Pelican Flight Training, we’ve helped hundreds of aspiring aviators navigate the journey from zero experience to licensed commercial pilots — and we’re ready to guide you too.