How Long Does it Take to Become an Airline Pilot?
Becoming an airline pilot is a challenging yet rewarding career goal for many individuals. It requires a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. If you’re wondering how long it takes to become an airline pilot, we’ve got the answer and more!
Direct Answer: How Long Does it Take to Become an Airline Pilot?
On average, it takes 5-10 years to become a fully-qualified airline pilot. Here’s a breakdown of the typical stages involved in becoming an airline pilot:
- Initial Training (1-2 years)
- Hold a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years old
- Complete Commercial Pilot Training which includes 45 hours of flight training, including a minimum of 20 hours of flight training in a commercial aircraft
- Earn a Private Pilot Certificate
- Multi-Engine Training (1-2 years)
- Gain Multi-Engine Instrument Rating certification
- Complete 10 hours of multi-engine training and 5 hours of cross-country flight
- Build Flight Hours (1-5 years)
- Build a minimum of 200 hours of flight time
- Accumulate 100 hours of pilot-in-command time
- 50 hours of cross-country flight time
- 10 hours of instrument flying
- Type Rating and Airline Experience (1-2 years)
- Type Rating in the aircraft type you desire to fly
- Gain experience by flying 200-300 hours as a first officer
- Complete recurrent training and remain current
- Check Captain/Line Captain
- Complete line training
- Log 1000-1500 hours as a captain
Key Point: Building Flight Hours is Crucial
Building flight hours is essential to become an airline pilot. During this stage, you’ll gain valuable experience, flying various types of aircraft and developing your skills. However, building flight hours requires a significant investment of time and resources. Here’s a breakdown of the minimum requirements for a first officer in the European Union (EU):
| Category | Flight Hours | Pilot-in-Command |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-engine Piston (MEP) | 200 | 100 |
| Turbine Pilot (TP) | 300 | 150 |
Additional Considerations
Keep in mind that the journey to become an airline pilot is highly dependent on several factors:
- Personal Finances: Piloting a private aircraft for hundreds of hours can be costly. Financial resources can play a significant role in accelerating your progression.
- Availability and Scheduling: Finding compatible schedules to meet the flying requirements can be challenging.
- Passing a Medical: Meeting the regulatory medical standards can be critical.
Pilot Salaries
Here’s an overview of pilot salaries to give you an idea of the average income ranges:
| Captain/Line Captain | FO/Co-Pilot |
|---|---|
| €60,000 – €150,000 per year | €50,000 – €90,000 per year |
| $68,000 – $167,000 per year | $55,000 – $94,000 per year |
Conclusion
Becoming an airline pilot takes time, dedication, and perseverance. By understanding the stages involved in the journey, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your career path. Remember to build flight hours, and with the right financial support and scheduling opportunities, you can achieve your goal. Stay tuned for our next article on airline pilot salary comparisons across the world!
