How to Become a Pilot - Learning to fly in the Piper Archer

How to Become a Pilot: Complete Step-By-Step Guide for 2025

You can become a pilot.

ATP has helped thousands of men and women just like you become pilots. Below are the steps for how to become a pilot and earn a private pilot certificate.

Student Becoming a Pilot and Showing Pilot Certificate

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Here are the steps you take to become a pilot:

  1. Step 1

    1. Research Pilot Schools

    The first step to become a private or commercial pilot is to research your flight training options. Learn and compare available programs offered by flight schools, and pick the best match for your aviation goals. Choosing the right course is crucial for achieving your aviation career goals efficiently.

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  2. Step 2

    2. Take an Admissions Flight

    An Admissions Flight, also called a discovery flight, is an introductory flight lesson that will allow you to compare flight schools and training programs. During your flight, you will experience first-hand the training, aircraft, and quality of instruction a flight school will offer you. It is also a great way to get a better sense of what it's like to fly from behind the controls.

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  3. Step 3

    3. Apply for FAA Medical Certificate

    Pilots must meet basic medical requirements to fly. If you want to fly professionally, you must meet higher medical standards than recreational pilots and should apply for a first class medical certificate through an Aeromedical Examiner (AME).

    Get Info on Eligibility »

  4. Step 4

    4. Apply for FAA Student Pilot Certificate

    Apply for a student pilot certificate through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website (your flight instructor can help with this). While you don't need a student pilot certificate to start flying lessons, you will need it to fly solo during your training.

  5. Step 5

    5. Start Flight Training Lessons

    Start taking flight training lessons and begin working towards obtaining the aeronautical knowledge and pilot training experience requirements needed to become a private pilot. Accumulating flight hours is a crucial part of the training process. Intensive training can also help you learn faster and more efficiently.

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  6. Step 6

    6. Pass Private Pilot Knowledge Test

    During your private pilot flight training, you will need to take and pass the computer-based FAA private pilot knowledge test. To be eligible for the test, you must receive an endorsement from your flight instructor. Ground school plays a vital role in preparing for the test.

  7. Step 7

    7. Pass Private Pilot Practical Exam

    The final step in earning your FAA private pilot certificate is to take a practical exam with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). This exam consists of both an oral and a flight portion, and once completed you will be a private pilot.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Pilot?

Outlined here is how long it will take you to become a pilot in the fast track, accelerated Airline Career Pilot Program — ATP's complete pilot training solution. Favorable weather conditions can minimize delays in training, allowing for a more efficient learning experience. The process of becoming a pilot involves structured steps and a significant commitment, including technical instruction and the cultivation of soft skills. For additional information, view How long does it take to become a pilot? and the Airline Career Pilot Program training timeline.

Starting from Zero Time Starting with Credit for Private
Private Pilot
Commercial Pilot 3 Months 3 Months
Certified Flight Instructor 2 Months 2 Months
Total Duration

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How Much Does it Cost to Become a Commercial Pilot?

Learn more about how much it costs to become a commercial pilot and what you can expect to pay for flight school.

How Much Does Pilot Training Cost »

What are the Flight Training Requirements to Become a Pilot?

Below is an outline of the FAA's pilot eligibility requirements and what is required to become a pilot. The training programs enhance students' ability to succeed in the industry. They emphasize the importance of developing both technical and soft skills. The training helps prepare students for various aspects of flying, including navigation and emergency procedures. These programs ensure students become fully qualified pilots. See also the Airline Career Pilot Program admission requirements.

Private Pilot Commercial Pilot Airline Transport Pilot
Language Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
Age 17 18 21
Total Flight Time 40 Hours 250 Hours 1,500 Hours
Tests & Exams Knowledge Test & Practical Exam Knowledge Test & Practical Exam ATP CTP, Knowledge Test, & Practical Exam

How to Become an Airline Pilot: ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program Explained

Becoming an airline pilot is a dream for many, but it requires a significant amount of training, dedication, and hard work. ATP’s Airline Career Pilot Program is designed to help aspiring pilots achieve their goal of becoming a professional airline pilot. In this section, we will explain the program in detail and provide information on how to become an airline pilot.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To embark on your journey to become an airline pilot, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These include being at least 18 years old, being able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and holding a valid U.S. driver’s license. Additionally, you must undergo a medical examination by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to ensure you are fit to fly.

Step 2: Find a Flight School

The next step is to find a flight school location. ATP has a network of flight schools across the United States that offer professional flight training. Our flight schools provide high-quality instruction, modern aircraft, and a safe learning environment, ensuring you receive the best training possible.

Step 3: Obtain a Private Pilot License

Your first major milestone is obtaining a private pilot license. This requires completing a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including at least 20 hours of flight training and 10 hours of solo flight time. In ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program, you receive more time to ensure you are well prepared. You must also pass a written exam and a practical test, known as a checkride, administered by a designated pilot examiner.

Step 4: Instrument Rating

After earning your private pilot license, the next step is to obtain an instrument rating. This involves an additional 15–20 hours of instrument flight training and passing both a written exam and a practical test. An instrument rating allows you to fly in a wider range of weather conditions, enhancing your skills and safety.

Step 5: Commercial Pilot License

To advance your career, you will need a commercial pilot license. This requires a minimum of 250 hours of flight time, including at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command time and 50 hours of cross-country flight time. You must also pass a written exam and a practical test. This license allows you to be compensated for your flying services.

Step 6: Flight Instructor Certificate

After earning your commercial pilot license, the next step is to obtain your flight instructor certificate. This involves additional training focused on teaching others to fly and passing both a written exam and a practical test. Becoming a certified flight instructor (CFI) enables you to gain valuable flight time while instructing students.

Step 7: Multi-Engine Rating

Next, you will need to obtain a multi-engine rating, which allows you to fly aircraft with more than one engine. This requires an additional 10–15 hours of multi-engine flight training and passing a practical test. This rating is essential for aspiring airline pilots, as most commercial aircraft are multi-engine.

Step 8: Build Flight Time as a Flight Instructor

After graduating from the Airline Career Pilot Program, with your certifications complete, you will begin gaining the required flight experience by working as a flight instructor. This stage is critical for accumulating the 1,500 flight hours needed to qualify for airline employment. You’ll continue to build time safely and efficiently while helping train the next generation of pilots.

Step 9: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

Once you’ve accumulated 1,500 hours of flight time, you’ll apply for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. This stage occurs at the airline once you are hired, not within the ATP program. You’ll undergo the necessary training, pass the written exam, and complete a practical test. The ATP certificate holds the highest level of pilot certification and is mandatory for serving as a captain in an airline.

Step 10: Type Rating

While earning your ATP certificate, your airline will provide type rating training specific to the aircraft you’ll be flying, such as an Airbus A320 or Embraer ERJ 175. This involves additional simulator training and a practical test, typically done at the same time as your ATP certificate. A type rating is required to operate large, complex aircraft.

Step 11: Recurrent Training

As an airline pilot, you will participate in recurrent training every 6–12 months. This training is conducted by the airline and ensures that pilots remain current on procedures, regulations, and safety practices throughout their careers.

In conclusion, becoming an airline pilot requires a significant amount of training, dedication, and hard work. ATP’s Airline Career Pilot Program is designed to help aspiring pilots achieve their goal of becoming a professional airline pilot. By following these steps and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can become a certified airline pilot and start your career in the aviation industry.

How to Become an Airline Pilot — ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program Explained

Training to Become a Pilot at ATP

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