Your Pilot Career Begins Here
From your first flight lesson to the airline cockpit. Here is exactly how the journey works, what it takes, and what you can expect to earn.
Why Become a Pilot
Aviation is one of the highest paying, most in-demand career paths you can choose today.
Median Airline Pilot Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Senior Captain Earnings
Major airline wide body captains
High
Pilot Demand
Ongoing pilot shortage driving hiring and pay increases
15+
Days Off Per Month
Most airline pilots fly
75 hours / month
The Career Path at a Glance
Every airline captain started exactly where you are. Here is the progression from day one to the left seat.
Get your FAA medical certificate and student pilot certificate. Start flight training.
Learn the fundamentals of flight. Fly solo. Pass your first FAA checkride.
Fly in clouds and low visibility using only your instruments. Required for a professional career.
Fly to a higher standard and get legally paid to fly. Add your multi-engine rating here.
Earn your multi-engine rating and learn to safely fly aircraft with more than one engine.
Teach others to fly while building the flight hours airlines require. Most pilots build time this way.
At 1,500 total hours, you are eligible for the ATP certificate and airline hiring. Start at a regional airline.
Upgrade to captain with seniority. Move to a major airline. Earn $300K to $450K+ per year.
Licenses & Ratings Explained
Each certificate unlocks new privileges. Here is what they are and what they let you do.
Private Pilot (PPL)
Fly single-engine aircraft for personal use. Carry passengers but not for compensation.
Instrument Rating (IR)
Fly in all weather conditions using cockpit instruments. Essential for any professional pilot track.
Commercial Pilot (CPL)
Get paid to fly. Required for any professional flying job. Minimum age 18, minimum 250 flight hours.
Multi-Engine Rating (ME)
Fly aircraft with two or more engines. Required to operate the jets used by airlines.
Flight Instructor (CFI & CFII)
Teach other pilots to fly. The most common way to build flight hours toward airline minimums.
Airline Transport (ATP)
The highest FAA pilot certificate. Required for airline captains. Minimum age 21, 1,500 flight hours.
What It Takes
The basic requirements to start your pilot career. No college degree required.
Requirement
Private Pilot
Minimum Age
17
Flight Hours
40 Hours
FAA Medical
3rd Class
English Proficiency
Required
Knowledge Test
Yes
Practical Test (Checkride)
Yes
College Degree*
Not Required
Requirement
Commercial Pilot
Minimum Age
18
Flight Hours
250 Hours
FAA Medical
2nd Class
English Proficiency
Required
Knowledge Test
Yes
Practical Test (Checkride)
Yes
College Degree*
Not Required
Requirement
Airline (ATP)
Minimum Age
21
Flight Hours
1,500 Hours
FAA Medical
1st Class
English Proficiency
Required
Knowledge Test
Yes (ATP-CTP First)
Practical Test (Checkride)
Yes
College Degree*
Not Required
Requirement
Private Pilot
Commercial Pilot
Airline (ATP)
Minimum Age
17
18
21
Flight Hours
40 Hours
250 Hours
1,500 Hours
FAA Medical
3rd Class
2nd Class
1st Class
English Proficiency
Required
Required
Required
Knowledge Test
Yes
Yes
Yes (ATP-CTP First)
Practical Test (Checkride)
Yes
Yes
Yes
College Degree*
Not Required
Not Required
Not Required
*Some major airlines may prefer a bachelor’s degree, but it is not an FAA requirement. Any field of study is accepted.
How Long Does It Take
From zero experience to airline ready in approximately two to two and a half years with full-time training.
9-12 Months
Flight Training Phase
Earn your Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Flight Instructor certificates through structured training.
12-18 Months
Work as a flight instructor to build the 1,500 total hours required for airline eligibility and your ATP certificate.
*Timelines vary based on training frequency, weather, and individual progress. Part-time training will take longer.
Earning Potential
Pilot pay has risen significantly in recent years due to strong demand. Here is what you can expect at each career stage.
Regional First Officer (Year 1)
$85K+
$150K+
$250K+
$450K+
Figures are approximate and based on published airline pay scales. Actual compensation varies by airline, aircraft, seniority, and contract terms. Beyond base pay, pilots receive health insurance, retirement contributions, per diem, travel benefits, and bonuses.
The AeroStar Advantage
Why Train With AeroStar
One location, every certificate, all the way to your airline type rating.
Zero To Airline, One School
One of the only schools in the world that takes you from your very first flight lesson through ATP and an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 type rating, all at one location.
FAA 141 & 142 Certified
Dual FAA certification means structured, approved training from private pilot through airline type ratings. Fewer required hours. Higher standards.
Level D Simulators
Train on the same full-motion simulators the airlines use. A320 and 737 NG Level D sims give you real cockpit experience before you ever step on an airliner.
Airline Experienced Instructors
Every instructor is a current or former airline pilot with thousands of hours in the aircraft they teach. You learn from people who have done the job.
Ready To Start Your Pilot Career
Take the first step today. Schedule an introductory flight, request program information, or speak with our admissions team.