Road Mates EnterHow to become an Airline Pilot, phase by phase: what you do in each one, how long it takes, and the proof that shows you're done.
7 phases2.5–4.5 years, plus ongoing practice23 resources
Book a discovery flight and obtain a first-class aviation medical certificate from an authorized aviation medical examiner, such as an FAA AME in the US or a CAA AME in the UK. This confirms you are physically eligible before you commit serious money to training.
You're done when you can show
A first-class medical certificate issued by an authorized aviation medical examiner.
Resources
Take dual lessons, fly first solos and study for the theory exam until you pass the private pilot checkride. You finish able to fly a single-engine aircraft as pilot in command in good weather.
You're done when you can show
A private pilot license (e.g. FAA PPL or UK PPL) showing your name and certificate number.
Resources
Train to fly solely by reference to instruments, including approaches, holds and IFR procedures in simulators and aircraft. You end with an instrument rating that lets you fly in clouds and low visibility.
You're done when you can show
A license endorsement or certificate showing the instrument rating has been added.
Resources
Build cross-country and solo time while training commercial maneuvers and multi-engine operations, then pass the commercial checkride. Some regions use an integrated ATPL theory course here instead, such as the frozen ATPL in the UK or EU.
You're done when you can show
A commercial pilot license with a multi-engine rating, or frozen ATPL, in your name.
Resources
Earn an instructor rating and teach students, or fly banner towing, survey or charter work, to log paid flight hours toward airline minimums such as the US 1,500-hour ATP requirement. You produce a logbook that meets airline application thresholds.
You're done when you can show
A logbook page totaling the flight hours your target airlines require.
Resources
Complete ATP theory and checks, then apply to regional or cadet airline programs and pass the technical interviews and sim assessments. After you are hired, finish ground school, full-motion simulator training and a type rating checkride on the airline's aircraft.
You're done when you can show
An airline transport pilot license or MPL with a jet type rating endorsement.
Resources
Fly revenue flights in the right seat under supervision during initial operating experience, then on regular line schedules. You prove consistent, safe operations by passing line checks and recurrent sim checks.
You're done when you can show
A completed IOE/line check sign-off letter or airline crew ID showing first officer status.
Resources
Walk this road with people on it.
Track each phase, post your proofs, and get matched with people in the same phase.