Last updated: 16/09/2026
If you have the sky in your sights, becoming an airline pilot is one of the most rewarding journeys imaginable. But, when you’re just starting out, all the different certificates, ratings, and flight-hour requirements can feel like a lot to take in.
We know what it takes to turn your dream into reality. These are some of the most-asked questions we get, to help you understand what your path to the flight deck looks like and how to take off with confidence.
1. How do I get a commercial airline pilot license?
To fly for a commercial airline in the United States, you’ll need to progress through several key training stages:
- Private Pilot license (PPL): learn the fundamentals of flight and build your skills in the cockpit
- Instrument Rating (IR): train to fly safely in different weather conditions using only cockpit instruments
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): gain the qualification that allows you to be paid for flying
- Multi-Engine Rating (ME): learn to fly more complex, multi-engine aircraft
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): teach new pilots while building valuable flight hours
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): the highest certification, required to fly as a captain or first officer for an airline
At Skyborne’s center in Vero Beach, Florida, our Federal Aviation Association (FAA)-approved professional pilot programs can take you through these key stages of training. You’ll learn in modern aircraft and advanced simulators, supported by more than 100 experienced instructors, as you build the skills and confidence needed for a professional flying career.
2. Which flight school should I choose?
Choosing a flight school is a big decision. After all, this is where you’ll spend hundreds of hours learning the skills you’ll rely on throughout your flying career.
It’s important that when choosing, you look beyond the location and aircraft fleet. A great flight school should offer experienced instructors, modern aircraft, advanced training technology, and structured programs designed with your future career in mind.
At Skyborne, our focus is on developing pilots who are ready for the flight deck from day one, and there’s no single route to getting there. For veterans transitioning from military service, we offer tailored courses that recognize existing experience and support the move into commercial aviation. If you already hold a PPL, our partials program allows you to build on previous training rather than start again from the beginning.
We also partner with regional US and international airlines to provide direct pathways from training to employment. Whether you see yourself flying for a regional or global airline, Skyborne ensures you’re fully prepared for your first interview, and ready to step confidently into your airline role.
3. How do I build my hours to become a commercial airline pilot?
Once you’ve earned your commercial qualifications, it’s time to start building experience. For many aspiring airline pilots, that means working towards the 1,500 flight hours required for an unrestricted ATP Certificate.
So, how do you get there? Most aspiring airline pilots build their hours by working as a CFI, which can be a rewarding way to continue developing as a pilot while helping someone else achieve their dream.
There are other routes, such as charter operations and aerial survey work, but these take a lot longer.
As you edge closer to earning your ATP Certificate, there’s another important step to complete. The Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) combines ground school and simulator training and must be completed before taking the FAA ATP multi-engine knowledge test.
Skyborne offers its own FAA-approved ATP CTP, helping pilots prepare for this next stage before progressing towards their ATP Certificate and an airline career.
4. How do I get a job with an airline?
After building the experience and flight hours required by the FAA, you’ll be ready to take the final step – applying to regional or major airlines.
It’s an exciting milestone, but interviews, assessments, and the jump from training into professional flying can feel daunting.
With Skyborne’s career development programs and extensive airline partnerships, you’ll be well prepared to transition into your first professional role.
That preparation goes beyond flying the aircraft. From interview preparation to airline-readiness training, you’ll continue developing the confidence airlines look for in their future pilots.
Ready to start your journey?
If you’re ready to become an airline pilot in the USA, apply now or contact us for more information.
