If you’re from the United Kingdom and your dream is to earn a commercial pilot license and fly for a U.S. airline, Paragon Flight is here to help you make it happen.

Here’s how to turn your aviation goals into a career in the U.S. skies.

1. Understand FAA Requirements

As an international student, you must meet the following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements to become a commercial pilot in the U.S.

Basic Eligibility

• Be at least 17 for PPL, 18 for CPL, and 23 for ATP (or 21 with a restricted ATP)
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English fluently
• Accumulate at least 250 flight hours for a CPL and 1,500 hours for an ATP (some reductions apply in specific cases)
• Obtain and maintain a Class 1 FAA Medical Certificate

Licenses & Ratings

• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Instrument Rating (IR)
• Commercial Single-Engine License (CSEL)
• Multi-Engine Rating (CMEL) – highly recommended for broader job opportunities
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP) – required to fly for U.S. airlines

Immigration & Regulatory

• Apply for an M‑1 student visa to train in the U.S.
• Obtain TSA approval via the ‘Permission to Initiate Training’ process.

2. Choose a Flight School

The next step is selecting a flight school that can support your goals as an international student. Paragon Flight is an FAA Part 141-approved flight school with dedicated International Commercial Pilot Training programs.

At Paragon, you’ll benefit from:

• Programs tailored to your experience level, career goals, and preferred pace
• One-on-one instruction with experienced, FAA-certified instructors
• Assistance with M‑1 visa applications, TSA approval, and all FAA regulatory requirements
• 360 flyable days per year for reliable, consistent progress
• Financial guidance to help plan your training investment
• Career planning and support, including hour-building strategies

These advantages allow international students to train efficiently and confidently in a professional and welcoming environment.

3. Start Training

Commercial pilot training in the U.S. follows a structured path, and Paragon supports you at every stage:

• Initial Licensure – Earn your PPL, IFR, and CSEL using Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) with modern avionics, giving you airline-relevant experience from the start.
• Multi-Engine Rating – Train in twin-engine aircraft through Paragon’s Add-On Program, essential for most commercial roles.
• Flight Instructor Ratings – Build flight hours efficiently by becoming a CFI, CFII, or MEI (if eligible to work under your visa).

Each step builds your skills, experience, and qualifications toward a professional flying career.

4. Start Your Career

Completing your flight training is a major milestone, but additional steps are needed if you plan to work as a pilot in the U.S. or return to fly in the UK/EU.

• Work Authorization – The M‑1 visa doesn’t allow paid flying. You’ll need a different visa to work in the U.S.
• ATP Certificate – Required for U.S. airline jobs; it involves passing FAA exams and logging ~1,500 flight hours.
• License Conversion – To fly in the UK or EU, you’ll need to convert your FAA license to meet EASA or UK CAA standards, which may require additional exams and flight tests.

Paragon Flight will help guide you through these next steps, so you’re ready for takeoff.

Your Commercial Career Starts Here

Becoming a commercial pilot in the U.S. as a United Kingdom citizen is both achievable and rewarding with the right training partner. At Paragon Flight, you’ll have access to the resources, expertise, and personalized support needed to navigate FAA requirements, visa processes, and your professional growth.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Paragon Flight online or at +1 (239) 747-0056 to get started.