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WHO QUALIFIES
TO BE A PILOT

Prior to progressing in your aviation career, accumulating a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time is typically required. Once you've reached the milestone of 500 flight hours, you become eligible to commence the interview process for employment opportunities with an airline.

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Pilot Qualifications

Create the Future You’ve Always Dreamed Of

There are plenty of career opportunities out there that don’t involve sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day. If you’re looking for a career opportunity that allows you the freedom to learn new skills, see the world, and find fulfillment, why not become a pilot? This enriching career will take you places you never expected–and Kilo Charlie Aviation can help you get there.

Discover the Qualifications to Become a Pilot

Do you have what it takes to become a commercial pilot? There are some qualifications you need before obtaining your certification:

  • Must be at least 17 years old
  • Obtain an FAA Medical Certificate
  • Graduate high school or obtain a GED
  • Proficient in English, including reading, writing, and speaking
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Steps to become a commercial pilot:

Once you meet the pilot qualifications, you’re ready to find the right training and learn pilot skills for your new career. Obtaining your commercial pilot license allows you to work as a pilot in numerous circumstances. Whether you choose employment as a pilot-in-command or you choose to fly a private plane, you’re on your way to building a successful aviation career.

Private Pilot Certificate

Your first step toward your new career is earning a Private Pilot Certificate. This certificate, obtained through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), requires you to learn the fundamentals of flying.

Instrument Rating

After earning your Private Pilot Certificate, you earn your instrument rating through extensive training courses. The pilot skills learned through this training are incredibly valuable for your future career and allow you to operate a flight under the Instrument Flight Rules. 

Commercial PIlot Certificate

Earning your Commercial Pilot License is an exciting step that allows you to make money as a pilot. With your Commercial Pilot Certificate, you can be the pilot-in-command for an aircraft or be paid to transport people or cargo.

Flight Instructor Certificate

Obtaining a Flight Instructor Certificate allows you to work toward becoming an airline pilot and gain more flight experience while earning money as a pilot. 

Multi-Engine Rating

There are many certificates and ratings you can add to your commercial pilot license, including the multi-engine rating. This rating is required for you to fly an aircraft with multiple engines, especially in a career as an airline pilot.

ATP-CTP

An ATP-CTP (Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program) course is essential for pilots aspiring to obtain their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Completion of an ATP-CTP course is a mandatory prerequisite before taking the ATP written exam, ensuring that pilots are well-prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of flying commercial airliners.

Commercial Pilot Training Program at Kilo Charlie Aviation

At Kilo Charlie Aviation, you can start your pilot training without any previous experience. We offer several paths to becoming a pilot, including our Accelerated Career Online Program, CFI Academy, and Multi-Engine Academy. Learn more about the requirements for pilot training at Kilo Charlie Aviation below. 

How to Become an Airline Pilot

Once you’ve met the requirements to become a commercial pilot, becoming an airline pilot is easy. The final step to becoming an airline pilot is earning your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.  The ATP Certification is the highest license a pilot can earn and opens up a world of possibilities for your aviation career. After earning your commercial certificate, you’re legally able to earn money as a pilot. However, the ATP certificate is required for employment in many cases.

Airline Pilot vs Commercial Pilot: What’s the Difference?

Before starting your pilot training, you might explore different career paths in aviation. Two of the options you have after completing the necessary training are a career as a commercial and airline pilot.  While commercial pilot is a broad term for a pilot who transports passengers or cargo, airline pilots specifically operate scheduled passenger flights through a commercial airline. Obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate is a necessary qualification for aspiring airline pilots.

The Career Possibilities Are Endless

If you’re thinking about applying to flight school, you might wonder how much opportunity is out there. The demand for pilots is high and is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. There is no shortage of career paths for commercial pilots–but there is a pilot shortage. By gaining your commercial pilot license and building a career in aviation, you can impact the world while experiencing the joy of a fulfilling career. 

Start your journey with Kilo Charlie Aviation today!

Trent Kinney

Senior Student Advisor

Our goal at Kilo Charlie is not only to be the best flight school in the Midwest, but the preferred flight school of pilots all over the U.S., and all over the world. Visit us today. We’ll show you why we are the fastest-growing flight school in the area

As Kilo Charlie’s Student Advisor, Trent and his team of training advisors are your guide to beginning your journey into the world of aviation. Regardless of your background, they will assist you in charting a course to achieving your aviation dreams.

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