How to become a commercial pilot in the USA

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 demands 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.

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

1. Age: You must be at least 17 years old for a Private Pilot License (PPL) and 18 for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

2. Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically necessary.

3. Medical Fitness: Securing a Second-Class Medical Certificate from an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner ensures you meet the health standards essential for commercial pilots.

Additionally, proficiency in English is mandatory, as it's the international language of aviation. Ensuring you meet these prerequisites is vital before progressing in your pilot training journey.

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, we simplify the process by offering comprehensive certifications, financial assistance, 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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.