How To Become A Commercial Pilot Step By Step. From PPL to ATPL

In this post we explain how to become a commercial pilot, step by step.  If your ambition is to fly for an airline or for any kind of commercial role, you’ve come to the right place. 

We know that becoming an airline pilot can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have no prior experience but don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the entire process, from zero experience to becoming a First Officer in an airline, or a pilot flying all kinds of commercial aircraft. 

This post will give you an overview of the steps you need to take to make your dream a reality.  It includes tips on financing training and advice for your first interviews as a commercial pilot. 

Note that these are the requirements for obtaining certification in the USA. The requirements are very similar all over the world, but you should check with your country’s aviation authorities for requirements specific to your country.

What follows is to the best of our knowledge at this time.  Always check your local aviation authorities and your flying school for up to date information. 

Is It Worth It?  What Demand Is There For New Pilots?

The demand for new commercial and airline pilots is expected to increase in the years ahead as the aviation industry continues to grow. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global demand for air travel is forecasted to double over the next 20 years, resulting in a need for more pilots. The following factors are expected to contribute to this demand:

1. Fleet expansion: As airlines continue to expand their fleets to meet growing demand, they will need more pilots to operate those aircraft.
2. Retirement of current pilots: As the pilot population ages, many pilots will reach retirement age, creating a need for new pilots to take their place.
3. Increased demand for air travel: As the global economy continues to grow and more people have the means to travel by air, demand for air travel is expected to increase.
4. New airline start-ups: As new airlines emerge to meet growing demand, they will need pilots to operate their aircraft.
5. Increased need for regional and low-cost airlines: The increasing demand for regional and low-cost airlines is expected to create a need for more pilots as these airlines continue to expand their routes.

Remember that the pilot demand is not just for the commercial airlines, but also for the cargo, corporate, and private operators as well.  You may start off with dreams of flying for an airline but end up flying a bizjet, and enjoying it more than you expected.

A career as a commercial pilot can take many forms so don’t rule out any options, and be prepared to be flexible with your ambitions. 

How To Finance Your Pilot Training 

There are several options for financing training as a new student to become an airline pilot, including:

1. Personal savings: Many pilots use their own savings to pay for their flight training. This can be a good option if you have enough money set aside to cover the costs.
2. Student loans: Many banks and financial institutions offer student loans specifically for flight training. These loans typically have lower interest rates than other types of loans and may have flexible repayment options.
3. Scholarships: Some flight schools, aviation organizations, and airlines offer scholarships to help cover the costs of flight training. These scholarships are often awarded based on financial need, academic performance, or other factors.
4. Sponsorships: Some airlines and aviation organizations offer sponsorship programs for aspiring pilots. These programs may cover the costs of flight training in exchange for a commitment to work for the sponsoring organization after obtaining the required certifications.
5. Flight school financing: Some flight schools offer financing options for flight training, such as in-house financing or partnerships with lending institutions.
6. Military option: Some military veterans can use the benefits of the GI bill to cover the cost of training.

Becoming an airline pilot is a long-term investment and requires a significant financial commitment. It’s important to research and consider all your options carefully before choosing a financing method that’s right for you.

How To Obtain A Private Pilot License

It all begins with learning to fly light aircraft and gaining a Private Pilot’s License, or Certificate.

Here’s what you need to:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements: To become a private pilot, you must be at least 17 years old and able to read, speak, write and understand the English language. You must also pass a medical examination and meet certain vision and hearing standards.
2. Find a flight school: Look for a flight school that offers training for private pilot certification. Many flight schools offer both ground school (theoretical training) and flight training.
3. Complete ground school: Ground school covers the theory of flight, navigation, meteorology, and aerodynamics. This can be done in a classroom setting, online or a combination of both.
4. Start flight training: Begin your flight training with a certified flight instructor (CFI). You will start with basic maneuvers and progress to more advanced maneuvers and cross-country flights.
5. Log your flight hours: To qualify for a private pilot certificate, you must log a minimum of 40 flight hours, including at least 20 hours of solo flight time.
6. Pass the written exam: Before taking your practical test, you must pass a written exam covering aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and other topics.
7. Pass the practical test: Once you have completed your flight training and passed the written exam, you will take a practical test (checkride) with a designated pilot examiner (DPE). This includes an oral exam and a flight test.
8. Obtain your certificate: Once you have passed the practical test, you will receive your private pilot certificate from the FAA. Congratulations, you are now a private pilot!

Once you are a private pilot you can start gaining experience and building Pilot In Command (PIC) hours in your logbook.

After you have consolidated your learning and experience as a private pilot, you can start training toward a commercial license.  

You will also need to obtain an Instrument Rating and a Multi Engine Rating, though you don’t need to acquire these in any particular order. 

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Details & Pricing

How To Obtain A Commercial Pilot License

To obtain a commercial pilot’s license (CPL) in the USA, an individual must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Hold a current private pilot’s license (PPL)
3. Meet the flight hour requirements:

• Log at least 250 flight hours, including at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) time and 50 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC
• Log at least 20 hours of flight training in preparation for the commercial pilot practical test
• Log at least 10 hours of solo flight time in the category and class of aircraft for the commercial pilot certificate sought

4. Pass a medical examination and meet certain vision and hearing standards
5. Pass a written exam covering aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and other topics related to commercial piloting
6. Pass a practical test (checkride) with a designated pilot examiner (DPE) which includes an oral exam and a flight test.
7. Obtain the commercial pilot certificate from the FAA.

How To Obtain An Instrument Rating

An instrument rating is a type of pilot certification that allows a pilot to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). 

To obtain an instrument rating in the USA, an individual must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold at least a private pilot’s license (PPL) or a commercial pilot’s license (CPL)
2. Meet the flight hour requirements:

• Log at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command (PIC)
• Log at least 40 hours of instrument flight time, including at least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor
• Log at least 3 hours of flight in the aircraft category and class in which the instrument rating will be sought
• Log at least 3 hours of flight in the aircraft category and class in which the instrument rating will be sought.

3. Pass a medical examination and meet certain vision and hearing standards
4. Pass a written exam covering aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and other topics related to instrument flight
5. Pass a practical test (checkride) with a designated pilot examiner (DPE) which includes an oral exam and a flight test.
6. Obtain the instrument rating from the FAA,

How To Obtain Multi Engine Rating

A multi-engine rating is a type of pilot certification that allows a pilot to fly multi-engine aircraft. To obtain a multi-engine rating in the USA, an individual must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold at least a private pilot’s license (PPL) or a commercial pilot’s license (CPL)
2. Meet the flight hour requirements:

• Log at least 10 hours of multi-engine flight time, including at least 5 hours of solo flight time in a multi-engine aircraft

3. Pass a medical examination and meet certain vision and hearing standards
4. Pass a written exam covering aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and other topics related to multi-engine flight
5. Pass a practical test (checkride) with a designated pilot examiner (DPE) which includes an oral exam and a flight test.
6. Obtain the multi-engine rating from the FAA

Note: Some flight schools may require an individual to have an instrument rating before enrolling in a multi-engine rating course, and some aircrafts require a specific type rating in addition to the multi-engine rating.

How To Obtain An Air Transport Pilot’s License

An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license is the highest level of pilot certification in the USA, and it allows an individual to act as the pilot-in-command (PIC) of a scheduled or charter airline. To obtain an ATP license, an individual must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 23 years of age
2. Hold a current commercial pilot’s license (CPL)
3. Meet the flight hour requirements:

• Log at least 1,500 hours of flight time, including at least 500 hours of PIC time, and 100 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC

4. Pass a medical examination and meet certain vision and hearing standards
5. Pass a written exam covering aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and other topics related to airline transport piloting
6. Pass a practical test (checkride) with a designated pilot examiner (DPE) which includes an oral exam and a flight test.
7. Obtain the ATP certificate from the FAA

Note: There is an alternative ATP certification program that allows pilots to obtain an ATP certificate with fewer flight hours if they have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited aviation college or university.

What Other Training Will I Need?

In addition to a Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), and Multi-Engine Rating, an airline pilot may also need the following licenses or training:

1. Type rating: Some aircraft types require a specific type rating in addition to the ATPL. For example, a Boeing 777 or an Airbus A320 have specific training that pilots should have.
2. Recurrent training: Pilots must regularly participate in recurrent training to maintain their license and stay current with new regulations, procedures, and technology.
3. Airline-specific training: Pilots must complete airline-specific training to meet the requirements of the airline they work for. This can include emergency procedures, company policies, and standard operating procedures.
4. Safety training: Pilots must complete safety training, such as emergency evacuation procedures, emergency medical training, and survival training.
5. Language proficiency: Pilots must be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language fluently.
6. Security training: Pilots must complete security training to ensure they understand and follow regulations related to airport security and aviation security.
7. CRM (Crew Resource Management) training: Pilots must complete training on how to effectively manage the resources available to them in the cockpit, including communication and teamwork with other crew members.
8. Medical training: Pilots must be aware of the medical conditions that can occur in flight and how to deal with them.
9. Simulator training: Pilots must complete simulator training as a part of their flight training, which can help them to prepare for emergency situations, system failures, and other scenarios that may be difficult or impossible to replicate in a real aircraft.

It’s worth noting that the requirements may vary depending on the type of aircraft, the airline, or the country in which the pilot wants to work.

What To Expect At Your Interview With An Airline

A candidate should expect to experience a variety of assessments during an interview for a junior position as a pilot for an airline, including:

1. Technical knowledge assessment: The interviewer will evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and other topics related to piloting.
2. Flight simulation: The interviewer may ask the candidate to complete a flight simulation exercise to assess their ability to handle different flight scenarios and emergency procedures.
3. Psychometric testing: The interviewer may also use psychological tests to evaluate the candidate’s cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and personality traits.
4. Group assessment: The candidate may be asked to participate in a group assessment, where they will work with other candidates to complete various tasks and exercises.
5. Medical examination: The candidate may be asked to complete a medical examination to ensure they meet the vision and hearing standards required for the position.
6. Background check: The interviewer will also conduct a background check to verify the candidate’s education, employment history, and criminal record.
7. Interview: The interviewer will also conduct a face-to-face interview, where they will ask the candidate questions about their qualifications, experience, and motivation to become a pilot.
8. Checkride: The interviewer may also conduct a checkride to evaluate the candidate’s flying skills.

It’s worth noting that the selection process may vary depending on the airline and the position being applied for. But generally, the interviewer will be looking for candidates who possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience to become a safe and effective pilot.

Examples Of Questions And Answers During Your Interview

Interview questions for a First Officer position with an airline may include:

Why do you want to become a First Officer for our airline?

1. Answer: “I have always been passionate about aviation, and I am excited about the opportunity to work for an airline that is known for its safety, customer service, and commitment to excellence. I am confident that my skills, experience, and dedication will make me a valuable addition to your team.”

What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for this position?

2. Answer: “I have over 2,500 hours of flight time, including experience as a PIC in both single and multi-engine aircraft. I have also completed type ratings on several aircraft types, and I have a current instrument rating. Additionally, I have experience working in a multi-crew environment and I have a strong understanding of safety and security protocols.”

Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation while flying?

3. Answer: “During a cross-country flight, we experienced a failure of the left engine and had to make an emergency landing. I was the PIC on that flight, and I immediately followed the appropriate procedures, communicated clearly with my crew, and ensured the safety of all passengers. We landed safely and without incident, and I received praise from the passengers and my crew for my handling of the situation.”

How do you handle stress and pressure while flying?

4. Answer: “I have a strong ability to remain calm and focused under pressure. I have developed a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making, which allows me to assess a situation quickly and make the best decision possible. Additionally, I am always prepared to handle any emergency situation by keeping myself updated with the latest procedures and regulations.”

What interests you about our airline?

5. Answer: “I am impressed with the company’s reputation for safety and its commitment to investing in the latest technology. Additionally, I am excited about the opportunity to fly a variety of routes and aircraft types, as well as the opportunity for career advancement within the company.”

The questions may vary depending on the airline and the position being applied for. But generally, the interviewer will be looking for candidates who possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience to become a safe and effective First Officer.