The short answer is every journey to becoming an airline pilot is different and will depend on a number of factors.
Typically, it takes around two to four years to become an airline pilot. While you can complete your professional flight training and qualify as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in around 14 months, the overall timeline also includes an additional 15 months to build the 1,500 flight hours needed to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate before joining an airline.
The good news? You’re already taking the first step of the journey.
So, what affects the timeline?
- Your training program. A full-time Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 program follows a structured syllabus to help you progress efficiently from one stage to the next. A Part 61 program gives you more flexibility, but it can take longer if you’re balancing training with work or other commitments.
- How often you fly. Flying regularly helps you build confidence, sharpen your skills, and keep your training moving.
- How you build flight hours. Many aspiring airline pilots become CFIs to build flight hours after commercial training. Routes such as charter operations, aerial survey work, and other commercial flying opportunities are available, but these take a lot longer to build the hours.
Completing your pilot training
Before you start thinking about the airlines, you’ll need to build the foundations. This starts with earning your:
- Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL)
- Multi-engine rating
- CFI
If you train full time through an FAA Part 141 program, you can often complete this stage in around 14 months. If you choose a Part 61 program, you’ll train at your own pace, so your timeline will vary depending on your schedule, budget, and how often you fly.
Building hours in the air
Graduating from flight training is the start of your professional flying experience. Your next goal is to reach the 1,500 flight hours needed to qualify for an ATP certificate.
One of the most popular ways to build these hours is becoming a CFI.
You’ll continue developing your own skills while helping future pilots begin their journeys.
Your final step before the airlines
Once you’re approaching the required flight hours, there’s one last milestone. You’ll complete the ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) before taking the FAA ATP written exam.
This course introduces airline operations, advanced aircraft systems, and crew resource management, preparing you for the transition to commercial airline flying.
Once you’ve met the ATP requirements, you’ll be ready to apply for First Officer positions with regional and major airlines.
Ready to start your journey?
At Skyborne, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our FAA Part 141 program provides a structured route from zero experience to the airlines. You’ll train at our purpose-built Vero Beach campus, benefiting from Florida’s year-round flying weather, more than 100 experienced instructors, modern aircraft, and advanced flight simulators.
Around 95% of Skyborne alumni progressing into pilot roles with global airlines, and we’d love to help you take the first step towards joining them.
Learn more about how to become an airline pilot or get in touch with our team to find the right training program for you.
