How to become a commercial pilot (2026)

Steps to becoming a commercial pilot

Step 1. Determine if a pilot career is right for you

Before committing to this career path, assessing your passion for aviation and suitability for the pilot lifestyle is essential. Participating in discovery flights or attending aviation workshops can provide firsthand experience of flying and insight into the daily responsibilities of pilots.

Connecting with industry professionals and researching credible flight schools help determine if this career fits your aspirations.

Aviation training costs are a significant investment of time and resources. Understanding the challenges, including irregular schedules and the necessity for continuous learning, is crucial. Reflecting on these factors will help ensure that pursuing a pilot career is a well-informed decision.

Step 2: Meet basic eligibility requirements

To embark on commercial pilot training, you must meet specific foundational criteria:

1. You must be at least 17 years old for a Private Pilot License (PPL) and 18 for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
2. Hold at least a second-class FAA Medical Certificate from an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner.
3. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically necessary.
4. Accrue 250 total hours of flight time (unless under Part 141 reductions).
5. Hold a Private Pilot's License.
6. Pass the FAA knowledge test and practical exam, and be able to read, speak, and understand English.

Step 3: Enroll in an accelerated flight training program

Choosing the right flight school is pivotal. Like those Acron Aviation Academy offers, accelerated pilot programs provide immersive training designed to expedite your progression through necessary certifications.

These programs often feature structured curricula, experienced instructors, and modern fleets, ensuring comprehensive and efficient training.

At Acron Aviation, we simplify the process by offering comprehensive certifications, scholarships, loan guidance, and established relationships with airlines to facilitate your transition into the industry. We aim to make your journey to becoming a commercial pilot seamless.

Estimated completion time: 12–18 months (from zero to CPL).

Step 4: Obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL)

The PPL serves as the foundation for all future pilot training. This phase involves:

1. Ground school: Delving into aviation theory, navigation, meteorology, and flight planning.
2. Flight training: Completing at least 40 flight hours, encompassing solo and instructor-led flights.
3. Examinations: Pass written knowledge and practical flight tests to demonstrate your proficiency.

Achieving your PPL allows you to fly solo and carry passengers, marking a significant milestone in your aviation career.

Estimated completion time: 3–6 months.

Step 5: Acquire an Instrument Rating

An Instrument Rating enables you to operate aircraft in various weather conditions using only cockpit instruments. Training focuses on:

1. Instrument Navigation: Mastering the use of instruments for navigation without visual references.
2. Meteorology: Understanding weather patterns and their impact on flight operations.
3. Flight Planning: Developing skills to plan and execute flights under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

This rating enhances your versatility and safety as a pilot, allowing for more consistent and reliable flight operations.

Estimated completion time: 1–3 months.

Step 6: Obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

With your PPL and Instrument Rating, you can pursue the CPL, which authorizes you to receive compensation for flying. Requirements include:

1. Flight experience: Accumulating at least 250 total flight hours, with specific mandates for cross-country and night flights.
2. Advanced training: Learning complex aircraft operations, emergency procedures, and advanced maneuvers.
3. Examinations: Passing comprehensive written and practical tests focused on commercial flight operations.

Earning your CPL is a critical step toward a professional piloting career, opening opportunities for paid flying positions.

Estimated completion time: 4–6 months.

Step 7: Gain flight experience and additional ratings

To meet airline hiring standards, you must build flight hours and obtain additional certifications:

1. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Rating: Teaching others to fly allows you to accumulate flight hours while refining your skills and knowledge.
2. Multi-Engine Rating: Qualifies you to operate aircraft with more than one engine, a common requirement for airline positions.

These additional ratings enhance your employability and broaden the scope of aircraft you are qualified to operate.

Estimated completion time: 6–12 months (while building hours).

Step 8: Obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

The ATP certificate is the pinnacle of pilot certifications, required to serve as an airline captain. Prerequisites include:

1. Flight experience: Accumulating at least 1,500 total flight hours.
2. Age: Being at least 23 years old.
3. Examinations: Completing rigorous written and practical tests to demonstrate mastery of airline transport operations.

Achieving the ATP certificate signifies your readiness to operate as a pilot-in-command in commercial airline operations.

Estimated completion time: 1–3 months (depending on flight experience).

Step 9: Start your career as a pilot!

Gaining experience with regional airlines and preparing for interviews are essential to advancing your career. Building a robust flight log as a CFI and networking within the industry can facilitate this progression.