What Requirements Are There To Become A Commercial Airline Pilot?

Does your dream job involve captain’s wings and an airliner? As you contemplate your goals, you’ll likely want more information on what requirements there are to become a commercial airline pilot. Paragon Flight provides the training you’ll need to make your dreams come true, no matter where you begin.

Commercial Airline Pilot Requirements

What Requirements Are There To Become A Commercial Airline Pilot?Becoming a commercial airline pilot is a lengthy process with many requirements, which is essential for a position with so much responsibility. Safety, efficiency, and professionalism are key.

Paragon Flight’s P3 Professional Pilot Program is an excellent option for pilot candidates who want to save money and time. This program enables participants to complete many training stages in much less time than it would typically require.

We base the P3 Program on three standards that challenge traditional training – time, money, and professional development. To accomplish this goal, we prioritize quality over quantity of training, help identify and secure appropriate financial aid, and professional development focused on character and leadership.

The P3 program’s schedule spans 38 weeks. The first stage guides student pilots toward the first certification they will need: the Private Pilot License (PPL), which requires 10 weeks to complete. This stage focuses on building a strong knowledge and professional foundation for further aviation training and is widely considered the most important of the program.

The second phase of this program culminates with the Instrument Flight Rating (IFR), which allows pilots to fly using communication and navigation equipment to fly in instrument conditions and higher altitudes. Commercial pilots will use these skills nearly every time they sit in the cockpit. This phase requires the next eight weeks.

Following the IFR phase, P3 Participants will pursue their commercial licenses, CSEL and CMEL, readying them to professionally fly single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. Pilots cannot accept payment for their services as aviators without a commercial license.

The final phase of the P3 Program trains commercial pilots to become Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs). As a flight instructor, you’ll be in an excellent position to continue training toward working as an airline pilot. You’ll be able to make a living while mastering skills and logging flight hours. Remember that one requirement for an ATP certification is 1,500 documented hours in the cockpit.

Participation in the P3 Professional Pilot Program at Paragon Flight does have prerequisites that some may be unable to meet, and that’s okay; we offer custom programs for every interested pilot. You can learn at your own pace here at Paragon Flight. To participate in the P3 Program, you will need to meet the following qualifications:

  • AGE: 18 years old
  • EDUCATION: high school diploma or GED (college preferred)
  • REFERENCES: one professional and one personal
  • DRIVING RECORD: clear
  • CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: clear
  • BEHAVIORAL/COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT: passed
  • FAA RECORD: clear
  • FAA MEDICAL CERTIFICATE: First-class
  • LANGUAGE: fluent and literate in spoken and written English
  • AVAILABILITY: full-time, able to participate in 4-5 flight lessons and 10-20 hours of knowledge, classroom, and CBT weekly
  • CHARACTER TRAITS: integrity, strong work ethic, driven.

Click here or contact one of our locations via phone to book a consultation or learn more about the requirements for becoming a commercial airline pilot. For phone contact, call the Fort Myers, FL, location at (239) 747-0056; the Punta Gorda, FL, location at (941) 900-3131; or the LaGrange, GA, location at (706) 903-9337.