How to become a commercial pilot (2026)
To become a commercial pilot in the US, you must be at least 18, hold an FAA medical certificate, and earn your certificates in sequence: Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, then Commercial Pilot License (250 flight hours, or 190 under a Part 141 program). Most students go from zero experience to CPL in about 12–15 months, then build toward the 1,500 hours required for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. No college degree is required.
Written by Acron Aviation Academy Content Team
Reviewed by: David Cox, Director of Acron Aviation Academy, Airline Transport Pilot
Last updated: June 2026
How to become a commercial pilot: Step-by-step
The commercial pilot requirements below follow the FAA's certification sequence - each step builds on the last, from your first lesson to airline-ready.
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:
- You must be at least 17 years old for a Private Pilot License (PPL) and 18 for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
- Hold at least a second-class FAA Medical Certificate from an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is typically necessary.
- Accrue 250 total hours of flight time (unless under Part 141 reductions).
- Hold a Private Pilot's License.
- Pass the FAA knowledge test and practical exam, and be able to read, speak, and understand English.
Step 3: Enroll in a professional flight training program
Choosing the right flight school is pivotal. Acron Aviation Academy offers professional pilot programs that provide immersive training designed to expedite your progression through necessary certifications.
These programs, like the Professional Pilot Program, often feature structured curriculum, experienced instructors, and modern fleet, 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: 12–15 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:
- Ground school: Delving into aviation theory, navigation, meteorology, and flight planning.
- Flight training: Completing at least 40 flight hours, encompassing solo and instructor-led flights.
- 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:
- Instrument Navigation: Mastering the use of instruments for navigation without visual references.
- Meteorology: Understanding weather patterns and their impact on flight operations.
- 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:
- Flight experience: The required hours depend on your training path. Under Part 61, you need at least 250 total flight hours. Under an FAA-approved Part 141 program like Acron Aviation Academy's, the minimum drops to 190 hours - one of the main reasons career-track students choose a structured Part 141 academy. Both paths include specific cross-country and night-flight requirements.
- Advanced training: Learning complex aircraft operations, emergency procedures, and advanced maneuvers.
- 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:
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Rating: Teaching others to fly allows you to accumulate flight hours while refining your skills and knowledge.
- 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:
- Flight experience: Accumulating at least 1,500 total flight hours.
- Age: Being at least 23 years old.
- 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.
Ready to start your path to a commercial pilot career?
You now know the FAA's certification sequence for how to become a commercial pilot: Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, and the flight hours and ratings that follow. Acron Aviation Academy's Professional Pilot Program is built around this exact certification sequence, so you train toward the same certificates outlined above without switching schools, instructors, or curriculum halfway through.
As an FAA Part 141 training provider, Acron Aviation Academy can reduce your required Commercial Pilot License flight hours from 250 to 190, one of the advantages of a structured Part 141 academy explained in Step 6 above. Whether you are starting from zero experience or already hold a Private Pilot License, the Professional Pilot Program moves you through this path with a defined curriculum, modern fleet, and direct airline hiring connections.
What does a commercial pilot do?
A commercial pilot gets paid to fly (as opposed to the private or recreational pilot who pays for their flying time), with many airline pilots starting off as commercial pilots but some carving out a niche in cargo transport, charter/corporate piloting, aerial survey work, or as career flight instructors.
Commercial pilots plan and operate flights daily, reviewing weather, performance data, ATC communication, fuel and weight considerations, and the security of passengers or cargo from takeoff to landing. They work within FAA regulations, follow checklists, and assess evolving situations to make sound decisions.
If you’re wondering how much pilots earn in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), $122,670 per year was the median pay for commercial pilots and $226,600 for airline pilots.
Types of pilot licenses in the USA
There are many types of pilot certificates issued by the FAA within the United States with specific intentions and levels of responsibility associated with each. The most common initial step is a Student Pilot Certificate, which allows an individual to practice flying and ultimately solo with the approval of an instructor. A Private Pilot Certificate allows individuals to fly for enjoyment and some business purposes(without compensation).
A Commercial Pilot Certificate allows an individual to be paid for flying, which opens airline career pathways within charter, cargo, and corporate operations as well as aerial work. The highest level of piloting certification is known as the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
If you want to be a captain or first officer for an airline operating under Part 121 regulations, they must possess an ATP. This guide focuses on the commercial airline route, which most Acron Aviation Academy students pursue through the Professional Pilot Program.
Commercial pilot job opportunities after graduation
After finishing your training, many career options open up. Typical entry roles include positions with regional airlines, cargo carriers, and charter services. Advancing from First Officer to Captain generally requires building flight hours and showing proficiency.
Military experience can provide distinct advantages, equipping you with unique skills and possibly speeding up your career growth. By investigating different paths in the aviation sector, you can customize your career to align with your interests and ambitions.
FAQs for becoming a pilot
How long does it take to become a pilot?
The duration to become a commercial pilot varies based on training intensity and individual progression. Without prior experience, an accelerated program can lead to a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in approximately 9 to 12 months. Following this, accumulating the requisite 1,500 flight hours for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate may take 1.5 to 2 years, totaling around 2.5 to 3 years to qualify for airline employment.
At what age do most people become pilots?
Individuals can commence pilot training as early as 17 for a Private Pilot License (PPL) and 18 for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). While many begin training in their late teens or early twenties, it's common for career changers to start in their thirties or forties. The aviation industry values skill and experience, often placing less emphasis on age.
Do I need a college degree to become an airline pilot?
No, a college degree is not mandatory to become a commercial pilot. However, some airlines may prefer or require a bachelor's degree for certain positions. Researching specific airline requirements to align your educational pursuits with your career goals is advisable.
Is there a pilot shortage in the world?
Yes, the global aviation industry is experiencing a pilot shortage. Increased air travel demand and mandatory retirements have contributed to this shortage, leading to heightened demand for qualified commercial pilots.
Is being a commercial pilot worth it?
For those passionate about aviation, a career as a commercial pilot can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding. Beyond competitive salaries, pilots often enjoy benefits such as travel opportunities and flexible schedules. However, it's essential to consider the significant investment in training and the commitment required for continuous learning and adaptation in this dynamic field.
Do I need to have perfect vision to become a commercial airline pilot?
Perfect vision is not a prerequisite for becoming a commercial airline pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires pilots to have distant vision correctable to 20/20 and near vision correctable to 20/40, with or without correction. Regular vision assessments are part of the required medical examinations to ensure pilots meet the necessary visual standards.
How to become a commercial pilot with no experience?
Many airline pilots begin with no flight hours, so don't feel like you're behind. The standard process is to attend a comprehensive training academy, like Acron Aviation Academy's Professional Pilot Program, to acquire your Private Pilot License, add your Instrument Rating, and move on to your Commercial Pilot License. Thereafter, you build more hours (usually by becoming a CFI - Certified Flight Instructor) until you reach the baseline requirements of the Airline Transport Pilot. A well-planned training path, combined with upfront preparation around the cost of pilot training and funding pilot training, helps you move from complete beginner to airline-ready pilot as efficiently as possible.
Can career changers in their 30s or 40s still become commercial pilots?
Yes! Many airline and commercial pilots begin their aviation careers in their 30s or 40s and have decades of successful flying careers before the imposed retirement age of 65. As long as you're medically cleared, available for full-time training, and willing to follow a detailed path from PPL to CPL with an ATP on top, your age is insignificant compared to your logbook and professionalism. With ongoing pilot shortage predictions and hiring projections, those who are motivated and ready to make a career change can still transition from their current jobs into a permanent commercial or airline piloting career.
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