Whether you’ve had a lifelong fascination with aviation or recently developed an interest in a career in the skies, the journey of becoming a pilot is one that’s filled with great opportunity, excitement and lifelong learning.
Pilots are indispensable components of our global transportation ecosystem, and there are job opportunities that go beyond commercial and passenger aviation, including in law enforcement, the military, tourism, business and entertainment.
If you have good communication and decision-making skills, the ability to think quickly under pressure and you’re interested in a career that enables you to explore the world, becoming a pilot might just be the job for you.
Key Takeaways
- The FAA doesn’t require a college degree for a pilot certificate. Some airlines list a bachelor’s as preferred rather than required.
- An FAA-authorized aviation degree can reduce the hours needed for an ATP. Graduates of qualifying four-year programs may be eligible for a Restricted ATP at 1,000 flight hours instead of 1,500.
- A degree program with integrated flight training takes about four to five years to reach an airline; an accelerated flight school takes two to three.
- Flight training is billed separately from tuition. Marshall’s fixed-wing sequence costs roughly $81,000 in flight lab fees, on top of tuition and other college expenses.
- First-year regional first officers may earn roughly $83,000 to $95,000; the median wage for airline pilots is around $232,140.
7 Different Types of Pilots
When we talk about different types of pilots, we’re essentially talking about different Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licenses and certifications. The rules for obtaining a pilot’s license will depend on the privileges you want to exercise. For example, if you want to become an airline pilot, you will need an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license.
Here are some of the most common types of pilots:
- Airline pilots transport passengers and cargo and operate on a fixed schedule. As the name implies, this type of pilot typically works for an airline and to do so must have an ATP certification, which is the highest level of certification from the FAA.
- Charter pilots also transport passengers and cargo, but they do not necessarily have a fixed schedule and can sometimes operate with a commercial pilot license.
- Private pilots are qualified to carry passengers but not for compensation.
- Military pilots fly fighter jets, tankers, transport helicopters and other types of aircraft for the armed forces.
- Flight instructors train students and prospective pilots on the technical aspects and safety of aviation.
- Cargo pilots are similar to airline pilots, but they specifically transport freight.
- Bush pilots typically fly small-to-medium-sized planes containing cargo or passengers to and from remote areas with rugged terrain and unpaved airstrips.
This is not an exhaustive list. Other types of pilots include test pilots, agricultural pilots, fire-fighting pilots, helicopter pilots, medical transport pilots and law enforcement pilots.
An FAA commercial pilot license often confuses students. While you can get paid for flying with this license, positions and types of flying under the limitations of a commercial license make employment more challenging. It is most used by flight instructors and small operators. If you are thinking of flying professionally, you most likely need an ATP certificate.
How to Become a Pilot in 9 Steps
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what it takes to become a pilot.
1. Consider earning a relevant bachelor’s degree
An undergraduate degree in aviation is not required to become a pilot, but it’s highly recommended if you are interested in moving up the ranks. If you elect to obtain a degree, make sure it comes from a university with FAA-approved flight programs.
2. Determine the type of pilot certificate or license you need
How to get a pilot’s license depends on the privileges you’d like to exercise. There are also different requirements for student pilots, recreational pilots and private pilots.
- Student pilot certificate: This is the first step, allowing you to fly solo under the supervision of a certified instructor while training toward your private pilot license.
- Private pilot certificate: This grants you the ability to fly solo or carry passengers, but not for compensation or hire.
- Instrument rating: This enables you to fly in a wider range of weather conditions using only instruments. It’s not technically required to fly, but it is required for most professional pilot roles.
- Commercial pilot certificate: This certificate is required if you would like to be compensated for flying; it also includes more advanced training and stricter requirements.
- Multi-engine rating: This allows you to operate aircraft with more than one engine.
- Certified instructor rating: This allows you to teach others how to fly.
- Airline transport pilot certificate: This is the highest level of pilot certification and is required for an airline as a captain or first officer.
3. Meet the basic eligibility requirements
Pilot requirements will vary depending on the type of aircraft you’re looking to operate and what type of flying you’d like to do.
- Minimum age: You must be at least 18 years old to become a commercial pilot, and 23 years old to qualify as an airline transport pilot.
- Education: A college degree isn’t required to become a pilot. However, many airlines prefer or require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. All pilots must be able to read, speak, write and understand English proficiently.
- Medical exam: There are certain medical requirements, depending on whether you want to become a first-class airline transport pilot, second-class commercial pilot or third-class private pilot. To become an airline pilot, for example, you must be able to pass a Class 1 FAA medical exam, which evaluates your vision, hearing, overall physical health and mental well-being.
- Background check: Pilots must pass a thorough background check, which may include your criminal history, driving record and previous employment. A clean record is especially important for those seeking positions with commercial airlines.
- Additional experience and requirements: To become an airline pilot, you typically need prior experience as a commercial or military pilot. To become a commercial pilot, you must first hold a private pilot license and complete additional training and certifications.
4. Choose a flight training program
There are several options when it comes to aviation training opportunities. The number of flight hours and associated exams will depend on the type of certification you pursue. Airline pilots need the most: an Airline Transport Pilot certificate requires 1,500 flight hours. Graduates of FAA-approved university aviation programs can qualify sooner through a restricted ATP (R-ATP), which lowers that threshold to 1,000 hours, allowing you to start flying as a first officer earlier in your career.
- College or university aviation program: These programs, such as Marshall’s Professional Pilot bachelor’s degree, combine a college degree with FAA-approved Part 141 flight training. They’re a great option if you want a well-rounded education and are considering a career with an airline that prefers or requires a bachelor’s degree. Plus, they’re the path to the 1,000-hour R-ATP. Flight training is billed separately from tuition, so compare both when you weigh programs.
- Accelerated FAA-approved flight school: These schools follow the same structured Part 141 curriculum as university programs, but compress it into a full-time, non-degree track. You’ll finish faster, but scheduling requirements are strict, and you won’t earn a degree or qualify for the reduced R-ATP minimums.
- Independent flight instructor: Training under Part 61 with an individual instructor is the most flexible and personalized option, with no fixed timeline. Most students pay as they go. Keep in mind that flexibility can cost more in the long run: Long gaps between lessons often require extra review flights, which adds hours and dollars.
Be aware that not every independent instructor teaches flight instructor ratings, and if they lease their aircraft there can be availability issues with reserving aircraft time.
| Option Type | Benefits | Disadvantages |
| College or university aviation program |
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| Accelerated FAA-approved flight school |
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| Private flight instructor |
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For a complete list of training options, visit the FAA’s database of flight schools.
5. Obtain your student pilot certificate
A student pilot certificate, issued by the FAA, allows you to begin flight training and eventually fly solo (without an instructor) under certain conditions. To obtain a student pilot certificate, you need to fill out an application online through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website or complete a paper form (FAA Form 8710-1). Then, you’ll submit it to one of the following:
- A local Flights Standards District Office
- An FAA-designated pilot examiner
- A certified flight instructor
- Or an airman certification representative from a Part 141 flight school
6. Start flight training and log required hours
The number of flight hours you’ll need depends on the type of certification you’re pursuing and the aircraft you plan to operate:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): Requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flying (Part 141 programs may require fewer hours).*
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Requires at least 250 hours of total flight time (Part 141 minimums may be lower).*
- Airline Transport Pilot License: Most airlines require a minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time to qualify.
If you’re enrolled in a college or university program that offers a degree in professional aviation, flight training is typically included as part of the curriculum. But if you’re not pursuing a degree, there are still affordable ways to start logging hours. Consider choosing a cost-effective flight school, flying a less expensive aircraft, joining a flying club or applying for scholarships and grants to help offset the cost.
*The FAA provides two training options for becoming a pilot: Part 61 and Part 141 under the Federal Aviation Regulations. Part 61, which is less formal and allows for more flexibility, requires a minimum of 250 hours for a Commercial Pilot License and a minimum of 40 hours for a Private Pilot License. The training through a Part 141 program is more rigorous and must follow an FAA-approved curriculum. Most colleges and universities that provide a professional degree in aviation, including Marshall University, follow Part 141.
7. Pass the FAA knowledge and practical tests
To become a pilot, you must pass two exams — the written knowledge test and the practical test (also known as the checkride). The knowledge test is multiple choice and covers topics such as weather, navigation, regulations, aircraft systems and flight principles.
The checkride is a hands-on flight exam with an FAA examiner. It includes an oral portion where you’ll answer questions about flight procedures, regulations and safety, followed by a flight where you’ll demonstrate your piloting skills.
8. Earn additional certifications for career growth
Certifications, also called ratings, are a great way to grow your skills and help you stand out to employers. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- Instrument rating: Allows you to fly in a range of weather conditions by relying on instruments instead of visual cues.
- Multi-engine rating: Qualifies you to fly aircraft with more than one engine, which is essential for more commercial and corporate aircraft roles.
- Certified flight instructor: Enables you to teach others how to fly while accruing important flight hours.
9. Apply for pilot jobs and start your career!
Start your aviation career by applying for entry-level roles at flight schools, aviation academies and charter services. First-year students in Marshall’s professional pilot program complete in-depth projects on pilot careers, so they’re able to understand their job options from their very first flight.
On your own, you can find open positions on job boards like JSfirm.com, PilotsGlobal and Avjobs, as well as general platforms such as Indeed and LinkedIn. The demand for airline and commercial pilots remains steady, with employment projected to grow 7% through 2035.
Students in Marshall’s pilot program participate in the Excellence in Aviation speaker series, which brings in leaders from all areas of aviation to discuss career options. Bill Noe, Chief Aviation Officer for Marshall, is also able to provide tremendous access to job resources, due to his experience in the aviation industry.
Do You Need a Degree to Become a Pilot?
No, the FAA does not require a college degree for a pilot certificate, and major U.S. passenger airlines generally do not require one for pilot applicants. Some airlines, including United, list a bachelor’s degree as preferred rather than required.
Airlines evaluate applicants based on factors such as flight experience, certificates and ratings, training and checkride history, employment history and interview performance. A degree can strengthen your application, but it isn’t the only path to an airline cockpit.
The bigger advantage of an aviation degree is that graduates of certain FAA-authorized aviation programs can qualify for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate with fewer than the standard 1,500 flight hours. That can allow eligible pilots to begin flying for an airline sooner, although the degree itself takes time to complete.
How Many Flight Hours Do You Need to Fly for an Airline?
The FAA generally requires 1,500 hours of total flight time for an unrestricted ATP certificate. However, pilots who meet specific education and training requirements through FAA-authorized aviation programs can qualify for an R-ATP at a lower threshold.
| Education | Minimum Total Flight Hours | Certificate |
| Bachelor’s degree from an FAA-approved aviation program | 1,000 | Restricted ATP |
| Associate degree from a FAA-approved aviation program | 1,250 | Restricted ATP |
| No approved aviation degree | 1,500 | ATP |
The R-ATP is subject to restrictions until the pilot meets the requirements for a standard ATP certificate.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Pilot?
How long it takes to become a pilot depends on the type of pilot certificate you want and how frequently you train. You can earn a private pilot certificate in a matter of months with consistent, full-time training, while becoming an airline pilot typically takes several years because of the additional certificates, ratings and flight-hour requirements.
Private Pilot
With consistent training, you can typically earn a private pilot certificate in about three to six months. Training part time around work or school can take longer, especially if weather, aircraft availability or gaps between lessons interrupt your progress.
A private pilot certificate allows you to fly for personal purposes but not to earn money carrying passengers or cargo. If you want to pursue flying as a career, you’ll need additional training and flight experience.
Commercial Pilot
A commercial pilot certificate allows you to be paid for certain flying services, although it doesn’t qualify you to fly for an airline. Most pilots pursue their commercial certificate after earning their private pilot certificate and gaining additional flight experience.
With full-time training, you can often earn a commercial pilot certificate within 9–18 months of starting flight training, depending on the training program and how frequently you fly. FAA rules generally require at least 250 hours of flight time for a commercial pilot certificate under the standard pathway, although certain training programs can offer different hour requirements.
Many aspiring airline pilots continue on to earn their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate after becoming commercial pilots. Working as a flight instructor is a common way to accrue the flight hours needed to qualify for an ATP or Restricted ATP.
Airline Pilot
If you’re wondering how to become an airline pilot, the process takes considerably longer because you need additional certificates and ratings and must have substantial flight experience. For most aspiring airline pilots, the biggest part of the timeline isn’t earning each certificate. It’s getting the flight hours required for an ATP or R-ATP.
A four-year degree program typically takes four to five years when flight training is part of the curriculum. Students often complete their commercial certificate and CFI certificate by their junior or senior year, then earn flight time as instructors while finishing their degrees. Depending on the program, you may graduate with several hundred hours already logged rather than starting your post-graduation hour-building from zero. Some graduates may reach the 1,000-hour R-ATP threshold within months of graduation, while others need longer.
An accelerated flight school can take between two and three years
from zero experience to an airline job, although the timeline varies. Some full-time programs advertise nine months or less to complete initial training through commercial and CFI certificates, followed by roughly 18–24 months of instruction to work toward the 1,500-hour ATP requirement. This can be a relatively fast route to an airline cockpit, but it requires a significant time commitment and you finish without a college degree.
Private, independent flight training is the most variable. Training around a job, school or other commitments can take three to five years or longer. Weather, aircraft availability, instructor schedules, finances and gaps between lessons can all affect how quickly you progress.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pilot, & What Can You Earn?
Flight training is often priced separately from tuition at degree programs, so compare the cost of both when evaluating your options. Your total cost will depend on the type of training you choose, how quickly you progress and how many flight hours you need.
| Path | Approximate Cost |
| Degree program (flight fees) | ~$75,000-$100,000, plus tuition and living expenses |
| Accelerated flight school | ~$70,000-$120,000, without a degree |
| Private instruction | $100-$250/hour for aircraft rental, plus $50-$100/hour for instruction |
At Marshall, the fixed-wing sequence from first solo through certified flight instructor totals roughly $81,000 in flight lab fees for 2026–27. These fees are billed in addition to tuition, housing, books and meals. Ask any program you’re considering what its flight fees actually cover, since items such as briefings, additional ratings and ground school may be charged separately.
How Much Do Pilots Earn?
Pilot pay varies widely by role, experience, employer and type of flying. Flight instructors and other pilots accruing hours early in their careers generally earn less than airline pilots, whose pay can increase substantially with experience and seniority.
Here are some national averages to keep in mind:
- Airline pilot — $232,140
- Charter pilot — $130,916
- Flight instructor — $80,000
- Aircraft technician — $70,000
Explore a Career in Aviation at Marshall University
If you’re considering becoming a pilot, we invite you to take a closer look at Marshall’s Professional Pilot bachelor’s degree. This professional pilot undergraduate degree includes ground and flight courses, leading to a series of FAA certifications that prepare you to become a commercial pilot of single- and multi-engine aircraft, including helicopters.
Interested in learning more? Visit the program overview for more information or contact our undergraduate admissions team with any questions.
FAQs
Can you become a pilot if you wear glasses?
Yes, you can become a pilot if you wear glasses. The FAA doesn’t require perfect uncorrected vision; it requires that your vision meets the applicable standard, with or without corrective lenses. Many career pilots wear glasses or contact lenses throughout their careers. If you need corrective lenses to meet the vision standard, you must have a spare set readily available when you fly. Military flight programs may have additional vision requirements that are stricter than civilian FAA standards.
What disqualifies you from becoming a pilot?
Many potential pilots who have difficulty obtaining an FAA medical certificate face medical rather than academic or experience-related issues. Certain medical conditions, medications and surgical histories may require additional documentation or FAA review before a medical certificate is issued. Some conditions may prevent medical certification, while others may qualify for a special issuance. Because medical eligibility can affect your ability to pursue a flying career, consider scheduling an exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner before making a significant investment in flight training.
Am I too old to become a pilot?
There is no upper age limit to begin flight training or earn a pilot certificate. You can start with no previous experience later in life and work through the same certificates as anyone else, provided you meet the applicable medical, knowledge and flight-experience requirements. Age matters mainly for career planning: airline pilots in the U.S. must retire from covered airline operations at age 65, which can shorten the potential airline career for those who start later.
Do airlines pay for pilot training?
Airlines generally don’t pay for all of a pilot’s initial flight training. Most aspiring pilots pay for or finance their training through a flight school, college program or other funding source. However, some airlines and airline-affiliated programs offer tuition assistance, reimbursement, scholarships, signing bonuses or cadet pathway programs that can help offset training costs and provide a pathway to employment. The terms vary by airline and program, and some require participants to meet specific training milestones or commit to the airline.
What type of career opportunities are available to someone who becomes a pilot?
The career options are broader than flying for an airline. Pilots can work in corporate and business aviation, air ambulance services, government agencies, law enforcement, tourism, aerial firefighting and other specialized operations. Some pilots also work for fractional aircraft operators, which provide shared aircraft access to multiple owners and employ pilots to operate those aircraft. Others serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, where military pilots fly specialized aircraft and complete missions ranging from transportation and reconnaissance to combat operations. The type of flying you can pursue depends on your certificates, ratings, flight experience and career goals.
What are some benefits of becoming a pilot?
One of the major advantages of becoming a pilot is the opportunity to work in a career that combines technical skills, responsibility and travel. Depending on the type of flying you pursue, you may have the opportunity to visit different cities and countries, work with advanced aircraft and enjoy blocks of time off between trips or assignments. Airline pilots may also receive travel benefits for themselves and eligible family members. Pilots can also find personal fulfillment in careers that provide essential services, such as transporting passengers, delivering supplies or supporting emergency response operations.