How to Start a Pilot Career

Wondering how to start a pilot career?

The answer is simple: secure a Commercial Pilot License (CSEL/CMEL) through Paragon Flight. We offer a range of program options designed to suit all potential students. If you’d like more information about our P3 Professional Pilot program or would like to create an ideal course for your situation, reach out to our team!

Professional Pilot Careers

How to Start a Pilot Career Working at an airline is not the only career you can pursue as a pilot. No matter your preferred field, pilots will likely play a part. The following list is far from exhaustive, but it will provide some insight into prospective aviation career paths:

Major airline pilot – travels all over the world delivering passengers to international and domestic destinations;
Regional airline pilot – delivers pilots throughout a region, allows pilots to stay closer to home;
Corporate pilot – provides companies and private plane owners with flight service;
Cargo pilot – transports packages for companies like FedEx and UPS
Charter pilot – collects and delivers passengers to and from precise locations;
Flight instructor – teaches students to fly. The three types of flight instructors include:
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – single-engine training
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFII) – instrument flight training
- Certified Flight Instructor (MEI) – multi-engine training;
Air ambulance pilot – transports patients in emergency and non-emergency situations, delivers organs for donation;
Government pilot – serves various government agencies, including the DEA, FBI, Homeland Security, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, National Guard, and more;
Law enforcement pilot – serves local, state, and federal agencies;
Military pilot – serves various branches of the military in combat and non-combat situations;
Firefighter pilot – fights fires from the sky;
Agricultural pilot – dusts crops with chemicals for pest and weed management and fertilizer for crop growth;
Banner towing pilot – tows banners for advertisement, especially in tourist areas;
Media pilot – reports on news situations from an aerial viewpoint;
Tourist pilot – provides tourists with tours throughout the area;
Stunt pilot – performs at shows displaying stunt flying;
Contract pilot – bids on jobs, providing flight as a freelance contractor;
Astronaut – trains for space flight;
Drone pilot – control of unmanned aircraft for real estate, law enforcement, tourism, news, and more.

Paragon Professional Flight Training

Becoming a professional pilot can take time, but the P3 Professional Pilot Program can accelerate the journey in the present market with a pilot shortage. Participants can reach their goals of being commercially licensed certified flight instructors within 38 weeks. This program requires full-time availability and total dedication.

We recognize that student pilots come with various situations, and custom flight programs are the solution. To design your course, schedule an appointment with our Chief Flight Instructor to participate in the prescreening and application process. We’ll create a personalized plan that includes a timeline and proposed budget. At the same time, we can help you identify and secure financial assistance.

Ultimately, the required credentials required include the following: