Have you ever looked up at a jet and thought, “Could I really become a pilot in 2025?” You’re not alone. Many people dream of becoming a pilot—but they often wonder just how hard the journey is. The truth? It’s not easy, but it’s completely possible if you’re committed and prepared.
In this guide, we’ll break down the full path to becoming a commercial pilot in 2025. Whether you want to become an airline pilot or fly corporate jets, this blog will help you understand what it really takes. You can also read our detailed, step-by-step guide on how to easily become a pilot in the USA.
What Does It Take to Become a Pilot in 2025?
Becoming a professional pilot means more than just flying a plane. It involves passing tests, logging flight hours, earning certifications, and staying sharp physically and mentally. But don’t worry—we’ll keep this simple.
To become a commercial airline pilot, you’ll need:
- A private pilot license (PPL)
- An instrument rating
- A commercial pilot license (CPL)
- Lots of flight training and flight time
- An airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate
Let’s go through each step in your pilot training journey.
Step 1: Start with a Private Pilot License (PPL)
Before you can become a commercial pilot, you need to earn a private pilot certificate. This lets you fly small aircraft for fun or practice.
You’ll need:
- At least 60 hours of flight time
- Ground school to study private pilot knowledge
- A medical certificate from an FAA-approved doctor
- A student pilot certificate
After passing a checkride with a designated pilot examiner, you’ll become a private pilot!
Step 2: Add an Instrument Rating
Now it’s time to fly in more than just sunny weather. With an instrument rating, you’ll be allowed to fly using instruments only—this is called instrument flight rules (IFR).
To get it, you’ll need:
- More hours of flight training in low visibility
- Practice in simulators and real flights
- A written test and a flight test
This is required for all professional pilots, especially those who want to become an airline pilot someday.
Step 3: Earn Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
This is where you start flying for pay. To become a commercial pilot, the FAA says you need:
- At least 250 total flight hours
- Specific types of cross-country and night flights
- A second-class medical certificate
- Ground school and written exams
- A final checkride
Once you hold your commercial pilot certificate, you can get paid to fly! But to fly for an airline, you’ll still need more flight experience.
Step 4: Build Flight Hours
Here comes the big challenge: reaching 1,500 hours of total flight time to qualify for an airline transport pilot license (ATP).
Most pilots build flight hours by becoming a certified flight instructor (CFI). With a flight instructor certificate, you can train other students and get paid while logging time.
This is one of the smartest ways to build required flight hours.
Step 5: Get Your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
To fly as an airline captain or first officer, you must hold an ATP certificate. Here’s what’s needed:
- Be at least 23 years old
- Hold a CPL
- Pass an ATP flight school program
- Complete an ATP flight training program
- Meet minimum flight hour requirements
At this point, you’re ready to fly as an airline pilot!
How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot?
With full-time training, it usually takes two and a half years to become a commercial airline pilot. If you’re training part-time, it may take longer.
Some fast-track training programs let students become a pilot in as little as 12–18 months. But remember—it depends on how often you fly and study.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pilot?
So, how much does flight school cost in 2025?
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Private Pilot License: $10,000–$20,000
- Zero to Airline Programs: $70,000–$120,000.
- Instrument Rating: $6,000–$12,000
- Commercial Pilot License: $30,000–$90,000
- ATP Certification: $30,000–$40,000
- Total Cost of Flight Training: $75,000–$120,000
Many students ask, “How much does it cost to become a pilot?” And the answer depends on your location, aircraft rental fees, and how quickly you learn. There are pilot program scholarships and financing options to help.
Is It Hard to Become a Commercial Airline Pilot?
Let’s be honest—yes, it’s challenging. But it’s not impossible. Here’s what makes it hard:
- The pilot requirements are strict and detailed.
- The cost of flight training is high.
- You need to study hard in ground school.
- You must pass medical exams and tough check rides.
- It takes thousands of flight hours to qualify for a major airline.
But the good news? Many pilots are making it happen every day. There’s a current pilot shortage, and pilot job opportunities are growing fast. This complete guide will definitely help you become a successful commercial pilot in the USA.
Life as a Pilot: Is It Worth It?
Becoming a pilot in 2025 means joining a rewarding field. As a commercial pilot, you can:
- Earn a great salary
- Travel the world
- Build a stable pilot career
- Work for a major airline or fly privately
Whether you want to fly cargo, passengers, or become a jet pilot, your journey to become a pilot is a life-changing experience.
Tips to Make Your Training Easier
- Take a discovery flight to see if flying is right for you.
- Focus on choosing the right flight school for your goals.
- Study hard during ground school and flight lessons.
- Find a mentor or experienced flight instructor to guide you.
- Stay healthy—pass your medical certificate exams easily.
Final Thoughts: Can You Become a Pilot in 2025?
Yes—you absolutely can. It may take 250 hours, or even 1,500 hours of flight time, but your dream is achievable. With dedication, smart choices, and the right pilot program, you can turn your passion into a high-flying pilot job.
Thousands of airline pilots started exactly where you are—wondering if they could really do it. You don’t need to be a math genius. You don’t need a college degree. You just need heart, hustle, and the right flight training.
So, want to become a pilot? Take that first step. Your seat in the cockpit is waiting.
Related FAQs
To become an airline pilot, you must meet several key requirements. First, you must be at least 17 to get a private pilot certificate and 18 to hold a commercial pilot license. You need a valid FAA medical certificate, proving you’re healthy enough to fly. You’ll also need to complete ground school, pass written exams, and meet flight hour requirements. To fly for airlines, you must have at least 1,500 total flight hours and earn an airline transport pilot certificate (ATP). To earn an ATP you must be at least 23 years old. You also must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. No college degree is required, but it can help for major airline hiring.
Airline seniority means the longer you work at an airline, the better your benefits, schedule, and pay. Senior pilots get to choose better flight routes, more days off, and preferred aircraft. It also affects how quickly you can upgrade from first officer to airline captain. That’s why many pilots try to join an airline as early as possible. Since airlines follow strict seniority lists, being hired even a few months earlier can make a big difference in your long-term pilot career. It’s one of the biggest reasons to start your pilot training as soon as you’re ready.
Regional airline pilots typically start with salaries around $90,000+ per year as of 2025, higher than in previous years due to the pilot shortage. Many regionals offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and fast-track programs to attract and advance pilots quickly. Salaries increase rapidly with experience, and regional captains can earn over $150,000 annually. After gaining experience, pilots often move to major airlines, where first officers earn between $90,000 and $150,000, and senior captains on international routes can make over $300,000. This progression reflects the growing demand and competitive pay in the aviation industry today.
Flight school can be expensive, but many students use loans to help cover the cost to become a pilot. You can apply for student loans, personal loans, or financing options through aviation lenders. Some loan programs are designed just for pilot training. Many flight schools work with banks that offer flexible terms. In some cases, airlines may offer pilot program sponsorships, paying for part of your flight training in exchange for a job commitment. Before taking a loan, check if the training program is eligible and review interest rates and repayment terms carefully.
There are several types of pilot licenses, each with different privileges. You start with a student pilot certificate, which allows you to train and fly solo. Next is the private pilot license (PPL), which lets you fly small aircraft for fun or practice. After that, you can earn your instrument rating to fly in bad weather, and then your commercial pilot license (CPL) to get paid for flying. Most airline jobs require the top-level airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate. Each step includes flight training, flight hour minimums, and written and practical tests.
A student pilot certificate is the first license you’ll get in your journey to become a pilot. It allows you to fly solo under supervision while you’re still learning. To qualify, you must be at least 16 years old (14 for gliders), speak and read English, and pass a basic medical certificate exam. You apply through the FAA’s IACRA system, and your flight instructor will help. You’ll also need to complete some ground school lessons. You may read more about it in our comprehensive guide on student pilot certificates.
To earn your airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate, you must be at least 23 years old and have a commercial pilot license. The FAA also requires 1,500 total flight hours, including time as a pilot in command, night flying, and cross-country flights. You’ll need a first- or second-class medical certificate, complete an ATP flight training program, and pass both a written and checkride exam. Once you earn your ATP, you can fly as an airline pilot, including at major airlines. This is the final goal for many pilots on a professional pilot path.
Airline pilots can earn a lot, especially with seniority and experience. Starting salaries at regional airlines may begin around $90,000 or more, but after moving to a major airline, pay can jump to over $150,000. Senior airline captains flying international routes can earn up to $300,000 or more. Pilots also get paid per flight hour, plus benefits like health insurance, travel perks, and retirement plans. The more flight hours and certifications you have, the higher your earning potential. A pilot career is not only exciting, it’s also very rewarding financially.
The airline pilot hiring outlook for 2025 and beyond is very strong. There’s a pilot shortage due to retirements, growing travel demand, and fewer new pilots entering the field. As a result, airlines are hiring faster and offering more incentives than ever. From regional airlines to major airlines, there are many openings for commercial pilots. If you’re looking to start a pilot career, now is one of the best times to become a commercial pilot. Completing your pilot training and reaching the ATP level will make you a top candidate for airline jobs.
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