Is it hard to become a pilot?

Yes, it is hard to become a pilot. Pilots undertake intensive training to develop a highly unique skill set. You must take a series of steps to become a pilot, which builds in complexity depending on the type of pilot license (e.g., private vs. commercial).

Step 1: Earn a Private Pilot Certificate.

The first step in becoming a commercial pilot is to earn a Private Pilot certificate. Starting in a single-engine airplane, this stage of training focuses on the fundamentals and sets the foundation for more advanced certificates and ratings.

Step 2: Add Instrument Rating.

After becoming a private pilot, the next step is to earn an instrument rating which allows a pilot to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and in all kinds of weather.

Step 3: Earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate.

Next is earning a Commercial Pilot certificate. Pilots must meet specific experience requirements and fly to a higher standard in order to become commercial pilots, which ultimately allows them to be paid to fly legally.

Step 4: Earn a Flight Instructor Certificate.

Once the commercial pilot requirements are satisfied, obtain a Flight Instructor certificate. Becoming a certified flight instructor (CFI) allows pilots to earn a living flying while earning the flight experience required by the airlines.

Step 5: Add Multi-Engine Rating.

Pilots must add multi-engine privileges to their commercial pilot certificate to fly large passenger airliners. Adding a multi-engine rating to the Commercial Pilot certificate is the final step before building experience to meet hiring minimums.

Step 6: Gain Flight Experience.

Determine the type of quality and relevant flight experience necessary to meet the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate requirements, which commercial pilots are required to hold and includes a minimum of 1,500 hours total flight time.

Step 7: Commercial Pilot Job.

Upon meeting the requirements of the Airline Transport Pilot certificate, you are eligible to fly for an airline. You will meet the hiring minimums of most regional commercial airline pilot jobs. ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program can take you through all these steps in two years.