Many people dream of becoming commercial pilots. After all, what could be better than being paid to travel the world, and spending the day in the air? Of course, there is a lot more to the job, with the journey to the cockpit being a long one. But what exactly does this process entail for budding pilots in the United States? Let's take a look and find out.

The numbers

Let's take a quick look at some of the key figures that surround our key question. According to the US Census Bureau, the country had a population of just over 332.4 million people at the time of writing. Meanwhile, according to FAA data, were 164,193 airline transport pilots in the US at the end of 2020. The FAA collects this data in an annual survey.

While this figure represented a decrease compared to 2019's figure of 164,947, the number has generally been on the rise. In 2011, it was as low as 142,511. Under changing circumstances, Simple Flying reported in 2020 that coronavirus had turned the global pilot shortage into a surplus, despite some unions advising students not to become pilots.

In any case, the position is a rare privilege in the US, with commercial pilots accounting for just 0.05% of the population. With this in mind, how exactly can you join this rare club?

ALPA wants a closer look at how the airline will be hiring and paying its pilots. Photo: Getty Images

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A basic look at the structure

The FAA is responsible for the accreditation and distribution of pilot certificates in the US. These permit qualified pilots to fly planes under certain categories and conditions. They are one of a wider range of 'airman certificates' issued by this branch of the Department of Transportation. Other certificates include those issued to engineers and flight attendants.

Bidding cockpit crew begin their journey to flying passengers and/or cargo as student pilots. Student pilots have to be at least 16 years old, and possess a valid medical certificate. According to Pilot Institute, acquiring such a certificate can cost between $75 and $200. This is one of many costs associated with the journey to the cockpit, which can quickly add up.

As pilots gain knowledge and experience, they can begin to progress through the ranks upon the completion of certain examinations. A key next step for budding airline cockpit crew is that of becoming a private pilot. This certificate allows the holder to fly for either personal business or pleasure purposes, as long as the flights in question are non-commercial.

According to ATP Flight School, it can take just two months of Part 61 training for students to pass as private pilots. This certification requires 40 hours in the cockpit, as well as the completion of both a knowledge test and a practical examination. Pilot Institute notes that Part 61 refers to a flexible setup, whereas the alternative, Part 141, is more structured.

The next steps

The next step on the way to flying for an airline is to level up from a private to a commercial pilot. This certification dictates that holders can be paid to transport people or cargo by air. It pertains to 'complex airplanes,' which the FAA defines as aircraft that have:

  • Adjustable/movable flaps.
  • A controllable-pitch propeller.
  • Retractable landing gear (except in the case of seaplanes).

The airman certificate for commercial pilots differs from the one for airline transport pilots. It has certain limitations, such as the fact that commercial pilots can only fly during daylight hours for up to 50 NM (93 km) if they don't have an instrument rating. According to ATP Flight School, commercial pilots must be at least 18 years old, with 250 or more flight hours.

Mooney M20J
The FAA defines the Mooney M20J as a 'complex airplane.' Photo: Arpingstone via Wikimedia Commons

Achieving the dream

Much like certification as a private pilot, becoming a commercial pilot also relies upon the completion of knowledge tests and practical exams. This is also the case for airline transport pilots, for which certificate holders must be at least 21 years old. Another parallel that connects all three types is the fact that proficiency in the English language is required.

However, what sets airline transport pilots apart is the fact that they need to have accrued considerably more flight hours, namely at least 1,500. In some instances, this requirement can be lower. For example, former military pilots only need 750 hours on the clock to apply for an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate. Another option is the 'frozen' ATP-r.

This certificate is for pilots who have passed the necessary theoretical exams but don't yet meet other criteria such as flight hours. Holders of the ATP-r can only initially serve as first officers, but their license eventually becomes 'unfrozen' upon gaining experience.

United Aviate
United's Aviate program is committed to training pilots, beginning with a private pilot license. Photo: Jay Singh | Simple Flying

According to ATP Flight School, training for this, the highest level of certification, costs $87,995 as a beginner. Even private pilots have to pay $68,995, so it is a commitment that you need to be sure about. Nonetheless, if newly certified ATP holders are able to land an airline job at the end of it all, the cost and hard work are surely all worthwhile.

United's special 'Aviate' program

So how can airlines support budding pilots to reach their goal of working for an airline despite the financial obstacles? United Airlines, for one, has come up with an interesting solution in the form of its 'Aviate' program. This provides $2.4 million in scholarships, and covers the cost of private pilot training. This reduces the fees from $89,000 to $71,250.

The program, which Simple Flying looked at in greater detail last year, sees the new pilots begin their careers at United's regional partners. Interestingly, this is an area in which it has recently been experiencing pilot shortages. As such, it may just be the ideal solution.

Do you have ambitions to become a pilot? If you already are one, what was your journey to the cockpit like? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!