Step-by-step guide to becoming an airline pilot

Enroll in a flight school, complete ground school, pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test, accumulate a minimum of 40 flight hours (20 with an instructor), and pass a checkride with an FAA examiner.

You must be at least 17 years old, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and hold at least a third-class medical certificate.

Earn a private pilot license, accumulate a minimum of 250 flight hours, pass a second-class medical exam, complete commercial pilot training, and pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test and checkride.

You must be at least 18 years old, hold a private pilot certificate, and have a second-class medical certificate.

Private pilot training typically takes 3-6 months, depending on your availability. Commercial pilot training can take 12-24 months, depending on the flight hours accumulated.

To join an airline, you will need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with an Instrument Rating (IR) and an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Most airlines also require around 1,500 flight hours.

Several lenders offer loans for pilot training, including Stratus Financial, Sallie Mae, and Meritize. Flight schools also sometimes partner with financing companies.

Stratus Financial offers full financing for flight training programs with flexible repayment options, including deferment of payments for up to 12 months while you complete your training and find a job .

Interest rates vary based on creditworthiness. Stratus Financial offers competitive rates, flexible terms, and no penalties for early repayment .

The application process is straightforward. First, fill out the online application. Stratus Financial performs a soft credit pull to assess eligibility. If approved, a hard credit inquiry is performed, and funding can be completed within 2-3 weeks .

A co-signer may not be required if you qualify on your own. However, in some cases, based on your credit profile, a co-signer may be necessary .

Stratus Financial currently does not offer loans to foreign nationals. Loans are only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents .

Private pilots need at least a third-class medical certificate. Commercial pilots need a second-class medical certificate, and airline pilots require a first-class medical certificate. Medical exams include checks on vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness.

Many conditions can still allow you to fly, but it depends on the severity and how well it is controlled. Conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart issues may require additional testing or waivers. The FAA evaluates each case individually.

Medical exams must be conducted by an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner (AME). You can find an AME through the FAA website.

The Cessna 152 is a two-seat, single-engine aircraft commonly used for flight training. It’s known for being easy to fly, economical, and reliable.

The maximum takeoff weight for a Cessna 152 is 1,670 lbs (757 kg), including passengers, baggage, and fuel.

The Cessna 172 is a four-seat, single-engine aircraft, widely used for flight training, personal flying, and commercial operations. It’s larger and more powerful than the Cessna 152.

The maximum takeoff weight of a Cessna 172 is 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg), making it suitable for more passengers and baggage compared to the Cessna 152.

• On average, it takes around 2 to 5 years to become an airline pilot. This includes:

• 3-6 months for the Private Pilot License (PPL).

• 6-12 months for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL), including the instrument rating and multi-engine add-on.

• 1-2 years to accumulate 1,500 flight hours, typically by becoming a flight instructor (CFI).

• Once you meet the requirements, you can apply for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which allows you to work for airlines.

• The fastest way is through an accelerated flight training program like a “Zero to Airline” program. These programs are structured to help you complete all the necessary certifications and flight hours in 18-24 months.

• You can fast-track your career by:

• Enrolling in a full-time flight training program.

• Working as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) immediately after obtaining your CPL.

• Multi-engine add-on right after your CPL, to be eligible for higher-paying flight hours and faster time building.

• Minimum age: 21 years old to work as a First Officer, and 23 to apply for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license.

• Flight hours: A minimum of 1,500 total flight hours is required for the ATP, though some regional airlines may offer cadet programs to pilots with fewer hours.

• Certificates: You must hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), Multi-engine Rating, and an ATP certificate.

• Medical: You must pass a first-class medical examination conducted by an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

• Starting salaries for airline pilots can vary based on the airline and region. Typically:

• Regional airlines: Salaries for first officers start at $50,000 to $80,000 per year.

• Major airlines: Salaries start at $100,000 to $120,000 for first officers at larger airlines .

• Captains: Experienced captains can earn $200,000 to $300,000 per year at major airlines.

• Flight instructors typically earn between $25 to $50 per flight hour, and monthly earnings are usually around $2,500 to $3,500. This amount depends on the flight school and how many hours you instruct per month.

• The ATP is the highest level of pilot certification and is required to become an airline captain. To qualify, you need:

• 1,500 hours of total flight time.

• Be at least 23 years old.

• Pass the ATP knowledge exam and checkride.

• Have a first-class medical certificate.

• Pilots must hold a first-class medical certificate, which requires:

• Vision: Distant vision must be 20/20 or better in each eye, and near vision must be correctable to 20/40 or better.

• Hearing: Ability to hear a normal spoken conversation.

• Cardiovascular: Pilots over 35 need annual electrocardiograms (ECGs).

• Mental Health: No history of significant psychiatric conditions.

• Physical Health: No disqualifying conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes requiring insulin, or severe heart conditions.

• Certain medical conditions may disqualify you or require a waiver (a special issuance). The FAA evaluates cases individually, and many conditions, such as controlled hypertension or past surgeries, may still allow you to fly with proper documentation.

• After reaching 1,500 flight hours, you can apply for the ATP certificate and start applying to regional or major airlines. Many regional airlines have cadet programs or hiring pathways that make it easier to transition once you hit this milestone.