Turn your passion for aviation into a professional path. Commercial flying begins with a strong foundation, then builds through advanced ratings, flight experience and training toward opportunities in airlines, cargo, charter and specialized aviation operations.
Understanding the Journey
Commercial flying offers the chance to turn a passion for aviation into a rewarding career. For those aspiring to fly professionally, the journey can be a long process depending on the career they are pursuing.
Either way, it begins with a strong foundation in aeronautical knowledge and flight training. Then, after earning the major certifications and ratings, those pursuing the ATP path face the challenge of building flight hours, gaining experience in diverse flying conditions and mastering the skills needed to meet the FAA’s rigorous standards.
Commercial Foundation
Build essential flying skills and a strong base in aeronautical knowledge through the Private Pilot Certificate (PPL), Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL).
Advanced Qualifications
Add a Multi-Engine Rating or earn Flight Instructor certificates. While not required for every career path, these often become necessary to build flight time and expand career options.
Career Opportunities
Before choosing a commercial training path, it helps to understand how FAA training rules are organized and how Part 61 and Part 141 programs differ.
In aviation, a “Part” refers to specific sections of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) that govern various aspects of aviation activities, from pilot training to aircraft maintenance and operational rules.
Each “Part” in the FARs is a chapter covering distinct rules and requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These Parts are grouped under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which deals specifically with aeronautics and space.
What is a Part?
Key Parts for Pilot Training
Part 61: Outlines the regulations for obtaining various pilot licenses and ratings. This Part is designed for flexible, instructor-led training that can be tailored to individual needs and schedules.
Part 141: Sets the standards for FAA-approved flight schools. These schools must follow a structured, FAA-approved syllabus and are regularly inspected, offering a more rigorous training pathway.
Key Parts for Flight Operations
Part 91: Details general operating and flight rules applicable to all civil aviation operations in the U.S., covering everything from pre-flight procedures to in-flight regulations.
Part 121: Governs scheduled air carriers, such as commercial airlines, including those that operate larger passenger and cargo aircraft. Part 121 outlines stringent requirements for operations, pilot qualifications, maintenance, safety procedures, and crew training, ensuring safety and reliability in commercial airline services.
Part 135: Governs commercial operations, including charter flights and on-demand air taxi services, with stricter requirements than those under Part 91...
Choosing Between Part 61 & Part 141
The first training decision is usually whether to follow a flexible Part 61 path or a more structured Part 141 program.
| Part 61 | Part 141 | |
|---|---|---|
| PPL |
|
|
| Instrument Rating |
|
|
| CPL |
Required min. 250h total time
|
Required min. 190h total time
|
| ATP |
Required min. 1500h total time
|
Required min. 1000h total time if obtained a Bachelor’s degree with an aviation major
|
Training Path Takeaways
Both Part 61 and Part 141 lead to the same FAA certifications. The FAA exams and practical test standards are the same for both paths.
Part 141 is more structured. It follows a rigorous FAA-approved syllabus, a set training sequence, frequent stage checks and detailed progress records.
Part 61 is more flexible. Students can progress at their own pace with a curriculum tailored to their schedule, needs and learning style. With a strong training plan, Part 61 can be just as rigorous as Part 141.
The required training time and amount of dual instruction can vary. Part 141 may require fewer total flight hours, but most students receive more dual instruction than the minimum required under either path.
Note for International Students
Only SEVP-certified flight schools, generally FAA-approved Part 141 or Part 142 schools, can issue a Form I-20, which may be required to apply for a student visa, such as an F-1 or M-1.
If you choose a Part 61 program or a school that cannot issue an I-20, you may need to secure your visa independently.
Both part 61 and part 141 have their pros and cons. Choose the training path that fits your availability, learning style and need for structure. In the end, the results of your training depends on your dedication and what you expect from yourself.
Whether you choose Part 61 or Part 141, the overall path toward professional flying is largely the same. The main difference is the minimum flight time required at certain stages. Since Part 61 generally requires more time-building, we’ll use it as the example to understand what it takes to progress from your first certificate toward a professional pilot career.
A step-by-step look at the certificates, ratings and flight experience that build toward a professional pilot career. Click the pulsing icons to explore each step.
50 hours of cross-country time building requires flying to and landing at an airport at least 50 NM (in a straight line) from the departure airport. This can be done solo, with passengers, or as a safety pilot. You can also incorporate IFR training during your cross-country flights. (Approx. $8,500)
95 hours time building, which may vary depending on your training schedule, provides an opportunity to refine maneuvers, complete longer cross-country flights, and build practical experience. To accumulate hours with purpose, consider volunteering through an association… while it won’t cover expenses, it’s a rewarding way to make a positive impact. A cost-effective approach is to fly with another pilot, alternating roles as pilot or safety pilot, allowing you to practice IFR flying while sharing costs. (Approx. $15,000/$8000 shared)
1,250 hours time building can be the most challenging. Even with a CPL, finding low-hour pilot jobs can be difficult due to limited experience. Around 500-600 hours, roles in pipeline patrol, aerial surveying, banner towing, and crop dusting become more accessible. Most pilots nowadays go directly into instructing after obtaining their CPL, which is one option… whether or not it’s the best path is another debate. Consider pursuing additional ratings, such as multi-engine, or specialized training in areas like mountain flying or aerobatics, to make you a safer, more skilled pilot, serving you well in your aviation career.
Time building in aviation is an essential phase to accumulate the flight hours required for advanced certifications and career opportunities. During this period, you focus on gaining diverse flying experiences in various weather conditions, airspaces, and aircraft.
Min. Flight Training Req.: 40h
Average Flight Training: 65h
Average Cost: $17,000
The Private Pilot Certificate, or PPL, is the first step for aspiring commercial pilots, building foundational skills in flight operations, navigation, and decision-making. This certification allows you to fly small aircraft and carry passengers, providing essential experience for advanced training and a career in aviation.
While you can’t be paid for flights, you’re eligible to participate in certain activities, like search and rescue missions, charity events, and glider towing with additional training. However, you’re not permitted to fly in clouds or poor visibility conditions without first obtaining an instrument rating, which equips you to navigate safely when visibility is limited.
Flying requires extensive knowledge and demands intensive study. Becoming a pilot isn’t easy, but a well-designed ground school program can make it fun and engaging. You’ll also need to learn aviation’s unique “language” and radio communications, which can be particularly challenging for foreign students. Another difficulty is mastering multitasking in the cockpit, where you must divide your attention effectively while maintaining situational awareness.
Min. Flight Training Req.: 15h
Recomm. Flight Training: 40h
Average Cost: $11,000
The Instrument Rating, or IR, allows pilots to fly in low visibility conditions, such as clouds or fog, by relying on instruments for navigation. Most of the training will involve navigation, approaches, and IFR procedures in simulated instrument conditions, where you’ll wear a hood or glasses that obstruct your view outside the cockpit. You may also have the opportunity to fly in actual Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), providing valuable exposure to the effects of limited visibility and real-world Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) challenges, such as disorientation.
Your IR will expand your flight capabilities by reducing weather-related limitations on where and when you can fly. It will also allow you to operate above 18,000 feet MSL, or in Class A airspace, which is accessible only to IR-certified pilots.
Training to fly under IFR, enhances flight safety but is also more complicated than it may seem, as it involves managing disorientation, the absence of outside visual cues, and an intensive cockpit workload, which can feel overwhelming. Mastering multitasking becomes more critical than ever under these conditions.
Min. Flight Training Req.: 20h
Average Flight Training: 20h
Average Cost: $6,000…
The Commercial Pilot Certificate, or CPL, is a crucial step for pilots aiming to pursue aviation as a profession. This certification builds on skills developed in private pilot and instrument training, with an emphasis on precision. While similar to the PPL, the CPL includes additional advanced maneuvers and requires mastering all maneuvers to a higher standard of accuracy, preparing pilots for the demands of professional aviation.
With a CPL, you are permitted to be compensated for your flying, opening doors to careers in charter, flight instruction, banner towing, crop dusting, parachute jumping, aerial surveying, pipeline patrol, air tours, aerial photography, medical transport, and other commercial operations.
The CPL is considered one of the easier licenses to obtain, as it consolidates the knowledge and experience accumulated during previous training. The primary distinction lies in performing all maneuvers to a higher standard of accuracy, building on the skills developed in prior certifications.
Min. Flight Training Req.: 25h
Average Flight Training: 25h
Average Cost: $5,500
The Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, or ATP, is the highest level of pilot certification, required for those who wish to become airline pilots or work for major cargo companies. Earning an ATP demands extensive experience, advanced knowledge of aviation regulations, weather, aircraft systems, and a high degree of precision in flying skills. This certification emphasizes advanced decision-making, crew resource management, and the ability to operate large, multi-engine aircraft in challenging environments. It not only demonstrates your commitment and expertise as a pilot but also qualifies you for significant responsibilities in the air carrier industry, making it the final and most respected step in a pilot’s career progression.
As an ATP, you’ll be eligible to fly as an air carrier pilot. While ongoing training for currency and additional type ratings is required, a key limitation is that ATP privileges end at age 65, after which other piloting roles may still be possible if qualified.
You must maintain a first-class medical certificate, renewed every 6 months after age 40, and undergo regular proficiency tests to ensure operational standards.
Min. Flight Training Required: 40h
Average Flight Training: 65h
Average Cost: $17,000
The Private Pilot Certificate, or PPL, is the first step for aspiring commercial pilots, building foundational skills in flight operations, navigation, and decision-making. This certification allows you to fly small aircraft and carry passengers, providing essential experience for advanced training and a career in aviation.
While you can’t be paid for flights, you’re eligible to participate in certain activities, like search and rescue missions, charity events, and glider towing with additional training. However, you’re not permitted to fly in clouds or poor visibility conditions without first obtaining an instrument rating, which equips you to navigate safely when visibility is limited.
Flying requires extensive knowledge and demands intensive study. Becoming a pilot isn’t easy, but a well-designed ground school program can make it fun and engaging. You’ll also need to learn aviation’s unique “language” and radio communications, which can be particularly challenging for foreign students. Another difficulty is mastering multitasking in the cockpit, where you must divide your attention effectively while maintaining situational awareness.
Min. Flight Training Required: 15h
Recomm. Flight Training: 40h
Average Cost: $11,000
The Instrument Rating, or IR, allows pilots to fly in low visibility conditions, such as clouds or fog, by relying on instruments for navigation. Most of the training will involve navigation, approaches, and IFR procedures in simulated instrument conditions, where you’ll wear a hood or glasses that obstruct your view outside the cockpit. You may also have the opportunity to fly in actual Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), providing valuable exposure to the effects of limited visibility and real-world Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) challenges, such as disorientation.
Your IR will expand your flight capabilities by reducing weather-related limitations on where and when you can fly. It will also allow you to operate above 18,000 feet MSL, or in Class A airspace, which is accessible only to IR-certified pilots.
Training to fly under IFR, enhances flight safety but is also more complicated than it may seem, as it involves managing disorientation, the absence of outside visual cues, and an intensive cockpit workload, which can feel overwhelming. Mastering multitasking becomes more critical than ever under these conditions.
Min. Flight Training Required: 20h
Average Flight Training: 20h
Average Cost: $6,000
The Commercial Pilot Certificate, or CPL, is a crucial step for pilots aiming to pursue aviation as a profession. This certification builds on skills developed in private pilot and instrument training, with an emphasis on precision. While similar to the PPL, the CPL includes additional advanced maneuvers and requires mastering all maneuvers to a higher standard of accuracy, preparing pilots for the demands of professional aviation.
With a CPL, you are permitted to be compensated for your flying, opening doors to careers in charter, flight instruction, banner towing, crop dusting, parachute jumping, aerial surveying, pipeline patrol, air tours, aerial photography, medical transport, and other commercial operations.
The CPL is considered one of the easier licenses to obtain, as it consolidates the knowledge and experience accumulated during previous training. The primary distinction lies in performing all maneuvers to a higher standard of accuracy, building on the skills developed in prior certifications.
Min. Flight Training Required: 25h
Average Flight Training: 25h
Average Cost: $5,500
The Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, or ATP, is the highest level of pilot certification, required for those who wish to become airline pilots or work for major cargo companies. Earning an ATP demands extensive experience, advanced knowledge of aviation regulations, weather, aircraft systems, and a high degree of precision in flying skills. This certification emphasizes advanced decision-making, crew resource management, and the ability to operate large, multi-engine aircraft in challenging environments. It not only demonstrates your commitment and expertise as a pilot but also qualifies you for significant responsibilities in the air carrier industry, making it the final and most respected step in a pilot’s career progression.
As an ATP, you’ll be eligible to fly as an air carrier pilot. While ongoing training for currency and additional type ratings is required, a key limitation is that ATP privileges end at age 65, after which other piloting roles may still be possible if qualified.
You must maintain a first-class medical certificate, renewed every 6 months after age 40, and undergo regular proficiency tests to ensure operational standards.
The pace of your training depends on various factors: your commitment, the effort you put in, the time spent studying, and the quality of instruction. Progress is generally improved by regular flight lessons and a solid foundation of ground knowledge. Students who study thoroughly before beginning intensive flight training often achieve better results, requiring less flight time overall, which can save both time and money.
| Flights per Week | 2–3 | 4–5 |
|---|---|---|
| PPL | 4–5 Months | 2–3 Months |
| 50h Cross Country | 2–3 Months | 1–2 Months |
| IR | 2–3 Months | 1 Month |
| 95h Time Building | 4–5 Months | 2–3 Months |
| CPL | 1 Month | 2 Weeks |
| 1250h Time Building | 2 Years | 1 Year |
| ATP | 1–2 Weeks | |
| Total | 3–4 Years | 2–3 Years |
Training Includes Both Ground Lessons & Flight Lessons
Ground lessons offer dedicated time with your instructor to build the aeronautical knowledge required for your certificate or rating. Coming prepared and studying assigned materials enhances retention, reduces class and flight time, and saves money. Though home study can feel overwhelming, an online ground school can keep you on track, preparing you for your knowledge test and the oral portion of your practical test.
A well-structured flight lesson includes a pre-flight briefing to set objectives, review maneuvers, and address questions, followed by a pre-flight inspection to ensure the aircraft is safe to fly. In-flight, you’ll practice takeoffs, landings, maneuvers, and navigation, gradually taking more control and building accuracy and proficiency. After reaching a certain skill level, solo flights allow you to practice independently, reinforcing skills and building confidence. After the flight, a debriefing provides feedback and sets goals for the next session, with study materials assigned to reinforce learning.
Build the aeronautical knowledge you need with structured ground training designed to help you understand the concepts behind flight, prepare for your FAA written exam and apply that knowledge in the cockpit.
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