How to Become an Airline Pilot: Step-by-Step Guide from Student to the Majors ✈️
If you’ve ever dreamed of sitting in the front of a jet at 35,000 feet, flying people across the country or the world, you’re not alone. Becoming an airline pilot is one of the most rewarding careers out there—but it also takes planning, commitment, and smart decision-making.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to go from your first flight to the airline captain’s seat, including licensing requirements, key milestones, and insider tips to help you get there faster and better prepared.
Step 1: Start with a Private Pilot License (PPL)
This is your first major certification. It allows you to fly single-engine airplanes for personal use—no commercial work yet.
Requirements:
Minimum 40 flight hours (realistically closer to 60–75)
Pass a written FAA exam and checkride
Hold at least a third-class medical
👉 Pro Tip: During your PPL training, start learning good study habits, chair-flying techniques, and risk management. These will pay off big as the training intensifies.
Step 2: Earn Your Instrument Rating (IFR)
This rating allows you to fly in the clouds and on instruments—essential for airline ops and a crucial step in becoming a safe, professional pilot.
Requirements:
50 hours of cross-country PIC
40 hours of instrument time
IFR written exam and checkride
👉 Pro Tip: Take this seriously. Strong instrument skills make you a confident and competent pilot. It also teaches decision-making under pressure—something airline recruiters value.
Step 3: Get Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
This certifies you to legally fly for compensation. It’s a huge milestone—and where the flying gets technical.
Requirements:
250 total flight hours
Pass a Commercial written exam and checkride
Complex or technically advanced aircraft (TAA) experience
🚀 Start Commercial Maneuvers Early: Don’t wait until you’re close to 250 hours to start practicing chandelles, lazy eights, steep spirals, and other commercial maneuvers. Begin around the 150-hour mark so you can refine these skills over time and avoid cramming. You’ll be a much better pilot because of it.
Step 4: Build Time — Becoming a CFI is the Fastest Route
After your Commercial certificate, you’ll need to build time to reach 1,500 hours (the minimum for the airlines under Part 121).
👨🏫 Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
This is by far the most common and effective way to do it. You get paid to fly and teach, and you’ll learn more through teaching than you ever expected.
Why it’s the best option:
Paid flight time
Accelerated logbook growth
Sharpens your skills and communication
Builds connections in aviation
✈️ Other Low-Time Pilot Jobs (though less common):
Aerial survey
Skydiving jump pilot
Banner towing
Pipeline patrol
Ferry or ferry assist
Each has pros and cons—some pay more, some offer better quality of life—but they’re harder to land than a CFI job unless you know someone.
Step 5: Fly for the Regionals
Once you hit 1,500 hours, you're eligible to get your Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) and apply to the regionals.
Regionals (e.g., SkyWest, PSA, Envoy) fly jets like the CRJ and Embraer 175. These airlines are the training grounds for the majors and offer:
Airline experience
Jet time
Crew coordination
Opportunity to upgrade to captain in 1–2 years
📈 Airlines are hiring fast—especially with the ongoing pilot shortage—so you’ll likely move up quickly.
Step 6: Move to the Majors
With experience at the regionals, your next step is a major airline like Delta, United, Alaska, or Southwest—or even a cargo giant like FedEx or UPS.
Typical requirements:
2,000–3,000 total hours
1,000+ hours of turbine PIC time
Solid record with no checkride failures or violations
From there, it’s about seniority. The earlier you start, the more career flexibility and earning potential you’ll have.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an airline pilot isn’t just about hitting 1,500 hours—it’s about becoming the kind of pilot people want to fly with. That means:
Building strong fundamentals early
Taking your training seriously at every stage
Surrounding yourself with the right mentors and community
At Baz Aviation, I help aspiring pilots get on the right path, whether you're just starting with a Discovery Flight or planning your journey to the majors. If you’re ready to start—or want help mapping your path—reach out and let’s talk.