{"id":8065,"date":"2026-09-16T07:29:02","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T12:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/?p=8065"},"modified":"2026-09-16T07:55:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T12:55:19","slug":"how-do-i-become-an-airline-pilot-in-the-usa-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/news-events\/how-do-i-become-an-airline-pilot-in-the-usa-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I become an airline pilot in the USA?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"8065\" class=\"elementor elementor-8065\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"ob-is-breaking-bad elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ff6f65c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ff6f65c\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[],&quot;_ob_bbad_use_it&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;_ob_bbad_sssic_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_glider_is_slider&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cd0f231\" data-id=\"cd0f231\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ob_bbad_is_stalker&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_teleporter_use&quot;:false,&quot;_ob_column_hoveranimator&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_column_has_pseudo&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ce0d32 ob-harakiri-inherit ob-has-background-overlay elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ce0d32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ob_use_harakiri&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;_ob_harakiri_writing_mode&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;,&quot;_ob_postman_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_perspektive_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_poopart_use&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;_ob_shadough_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_allow_hoveranimator&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_widget_stalker_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Last updated: 16\/09\/2026<\/em><\/p><p>If you have the sky in your sights, becoming an airline pilot is one of the most rewarding journeys imaginable. But, when you\u2019re just starting out, all the different certificates, ratings, and flight-hour requirements can feel like a lot to take in.<\/p><p>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.<\/p><p><strong>1. How do I get a commercial airline pilot license?<\/strong><br \/>To fly for a commercial airline in the United States, you\u2019ll need to progress through several key training stages:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Private Pilot license (PPL):<\/strong> learn the fundamentals of flight and build your skills in the cockpit<\/li><li><strong>Instrument Rating (IR):<\/strong> train to fly safely in different weather conditions using only cockpit instruments<\/li><li><strong>Commercial Pilot License (CPL):<\/strong> gain the qualification that allows you to be paid for flying<\/li><li><strong>Multi-Engine Rating (ME): <\/strong>learn to fly more complex, multi-engine aircraft<\/li><li><strong>Certified Flight Instructor (CFI):<\/strong> teach new pilots while building valuable flight hours<\/li><li><strong>Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL):<\/strong> the highest certification, required to fly as a captain or first officer for an airline<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>At Skyborne\u2019s center in Vero Beach, Florida, our Federal Aviation Association (FAA)-approved <a href=\"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/pilot-training\/\">professional pilot programs<\/a> can take you through these key stages of training. You\u2019ll 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.<\/p><p><strong>2. Which flight school should I choose?<\/strong><br \/>Choosing a flight school is a big decision. After all, this is where you\u2019ll spend hundreds of hours learning the skills you\u2019ll rely on throughout your flying career.<\/p><p>It\u2019s important that when choosing, you look beyond the location and aircraft fleet. A great flight school should offer experienced instructors, <a href=\"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/skyborne-aircraft-fleet\/\">modern aircraft<\/a>, advanced training technology, and structured programs designed with your future career in mind.<\/p><p>At Skyborne, our focus is on developing pilots who are ready for the flight deck from day one, and there\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/faa-141-partial-program\/\">partials program<\/a> allows you to build on previous training rather than start again from the beginning.<\/p><p>We also partner with <a href=\"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/airline-partnerships\/\">regional US<\/a> 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\u2019re fully prepared for your first interview, and ready to step confidently into your airline role.<\/p><p><strong>3. How do I build my hours to become a commercial airline pilot?<\/strong><br \/>Once you\u2019ve earned your commercial qualifications, it\u2019s 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.<\/p><p><strong>So, how do you get there?<\/strong> Most aspiring airline pilots build their hours by working as a <a href=\"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/flight-instructor-opportunities\/\">CFI<\/a>, which can be a rewarding way to continue developing as a pilot while helping someone else achieve their dream.<\/p><p>There are other routes, such as charter operations and aerial survey work, but these take a lot longer.<\/p><p>As you edge closer to earning your ATP Certificate, there\u2019s another important step to complete. The <a href=\"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/atp-ctp\/\">Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP CTP)<\/a> combines ground school and simulator training and must be completed before taking the FAA ATP multi-engine knowledge test.<\/p><p>Skyborne offers its own FAA-approved <a href=\"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/atp-ctp\/\">ATP CTP<\/a>, helping pilots prepare for this next stage before progressing towards their ATP Certificate and an airline career.<\/p><p><strong>4. How do I get a job with an airline?<\/strong> <br \/>After building the experience and flight hours required by the FAA, you\u2019ll be ready to take the final step \u2013 applying to regional or major airlines.<\/p><p>It\u2019s an exciting milestone, but interviews, assessments, and the jump from training into professional flying can feel daunting.<\/p><p>With Skyborne\u2019s career development programs and extensive <a href=\"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/airline-partnerships\/\">airline partnerships<\/a>, you\u2019ll be well prepared to transition into your first professional role.<\/p><p>That preparation goes beyond flying the aircraft. From interview preparation to airline-readiness training, you\u2019ll continue developing the confidence airlines look for in their future pilots.<\/p><p><strong>Ready to start your journey?<\/strong><br \/>If you\u2019re ready to become an airline pilot in the USA, <a href=\"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/apply-now\/\">apply now<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/contact-skyborne-today\/\">contact us<\/a> for more information. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"ob-is-breaking-bad elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6639bea elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6639bea\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[],&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;_ob_bbad_use_it&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;_ob_bbad_sssic_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_glider_is_slider&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b44aa01\" data-id=\"b44aa01\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ob_column_hoveranimator&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_column_has_pseudo&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52392e0 elementor-icon-list--layout-inline elementor-align-center elementor-mobile-align-center elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-list-item-link-full_width ob-has-background-overlay elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"52392e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ob_perspektive_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_poopart_use&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;_ob_shadough_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_allow_hoveranimator&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_widget_stalker_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items elementor-inline-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/us\/request-a-call\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Book a call<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/us\/apply-now\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Apply now<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/us\/register-interest-flight-training\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Get started<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"ob-is-breaking-bad elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-da8508d elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"da8508d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[],&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;_ob_bbad_use_it&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;_ob_bbad_sssic_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_glider_is_slider&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a4888eb\" data-id=\"a4888eb\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ob_column_hoveranimator&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_column_has_pseudo&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23aeafc elementor-icon-list--layout-inline elementor-align-center elementor-mobile-align-center elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-list-item-link-full_width ob-has-background-overlay elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"23aeafc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ob_perspektive_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_poopart_use&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;_ob_shadough_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_allow_hoveranimator&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ob_widget_stalker_use&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items elementor-inline-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"sms:+17724696839\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Message us<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"tel:+17724696839\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Call us<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/us\/request-a-call\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Book a call<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/us\/apply-now\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Apply now<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/us\/register-interest-flight-training\/\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Get started<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you have the sky in your sights, becoming an airline pilot is one of the most rewarding journeys imaginable. But, when you\u2019re just starting out, all the different certificates, ratings, and flight-hour requirements can feel like a lot to take in.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":7695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crosspost_to_3":false,"_crosspost_to_4":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[51,49,45,47],"skyborne_type":[30],"skyborne_region":[14],"class_list":["post-8065","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academy","tag-faa-141","tag-flight-training","tag-skyborne","tag-student-pilot","skyborne_type-useful-information","skyborne_region-united-states"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8065","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8065"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8065\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8075,"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8065\/revisions\/8075"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7695"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8065"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8065"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8065"},{"taxonomy":"skyborne_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/skyborne_type?post=8065"},{"taxonomy":"skyborne_region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skyborne.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/skyborne_region?post=8065"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}