Is This the Right Career Path for You?
An airline pilot career requires 3-6 years of training and $80,000-$150,000 investment. Here's who this path is designed for:
Career Changers
Working professionals ready to invest 18-36 months of part-time training while employed
Starting from Zero
No flight experience needed—we assume you're building from scratch toward 1,500 hours
Already Licensed Pilots
PPL or IFR holders looking to fast-track through Commercial, CFI, and ATP
College Students
University students exploring aviation degrees or R-ATP pathways
How long does it really take to reach the airlines?
Most part-time students take 4-6 years from zero to regional airline First Officer. Full-time students at accelerated programs can reach minimums in 18-24 months, but still need to build 1,000-1,500 hours through instructing or other commercial flying.
What if I just want to fly for fun—not as a career?
That's great too! Most of our students are hobby pilots. If you're not sure about the career path, start with PPL and see how you feel. You can always add ratings later. Visit our Private Pilot License guide for hobby-focused training.
Is it too late to start if I'm 30+?
No. Airlines hire pilots into their 50s. What matters is reaching ATP minimums and passing the medical. Many of our students are career-changers in their 30s and 40s who want a more meaningful second career.
Not sure if you want a career? Start with a Private Pilot License and see where it takes you.
View PPL Training Guide →How to Start Your Airline Pilot Career in NYC
Whether you're starting from zero or switching careers, here's how to begin building toward the airlines:
Define Your Timeline & End Goal
Regional airline FO? Corporate flying? Full-time training or working while you learn? This shapes your pace and budget for the next 3-6 years.
Learn More →Map Out Your Training Phases
PPL → IFR → Commercial → Multi → CFI → ATP. We help you sequence these around your schedule, budget, and career timeline.
Learn More →Book a Career Planning Session
Meet with an airline pilot instructor to build your personalized roadmap. Understand realistic costs, timelines, and how Aviator fits into your path.
Learn More →Define Your Timeline & End Goal
Regional airline FO? Corporate flying? Full-time training or working while you learn? This shapes your pace and budget for the next 3-6 years.
Learn More →Map Out Your Training Phases
PPL → IFR → Commercial → Multi → CFI → ATP. We help you sequence these around your schedule, budget, and career timeline.
Learn More →Book a Career Planning Session
Meet with an airline pilot instructor to build your personalized roadmap. Understand realistic costs, timelines, and how Aviator fits into your path.
Learn More →Career Pilot Tips
- Use AATD simulator strategically for IFR/Commercial prep and airline-style procedures—not just PPL basics
- Plan for 18-36 months of part-time training if you're working full-time; aggressive schedules can cut that in half
- Build time purposefully: instructing, banner towing, or survey flying all count toward ATP minimums
FAA Pilot Training Roadmap
Your complete path from Private Pilot to Airline Transport Pilot. Click each stage to explore requirements, costs, and timelines.
New to Flying? Start Here — Your Private Pilot License (PPL)
The Private Pilot License is your first certificate. It teaches you to fly in good weather using outside visual cues (VFR). After PPL, you can add ratings (Instrument, then Commercial) if you want to go further. Reality check: The FAA minimum is 35–40 hours, but most part‑time students finish in 60–100+ hours depending on how often they fly, weather, and schedule consistency.
You're at this stage if:
- You have zero flight hours and are just starting
- You're a career-changer planning your first step toward airlines
- You want to fly for personal reasons but might go further later
How Aviator Helps
Use our Manhattan AATD to master radio calls, G1000 procedures, and emergency flows before burning expensive airplane time. Our airline pilot instructors teach you professional habits from day one.
Ready to Plan Your Airline Career?
Book a session with an airline pilot instructor to map out your personalized training roadmap.
View Cost Calculator ›Need a Pilot's Perspective?
Active airline pilots, not a call center. Share your situation and we'll point you to the best next step.
Need Help Navigating All This?
There's a lot of information here. Two simple ways to get unstuck and move forward.
Try Our AI Assistant
- Acts like our personal assistant
- You share your goals once
- Instant link recommendations to our content
- Strong questions may unlock a booking or free consultation
Talk to a Real Pilot
- Prefer to skip AI? Use the form
- Your message arrives as an email to our airline pilot team
- We review it ourselves on our days off
- When a call helps, we invite you to a free phone consultation
Why the form? We're usually in the cockpit, not at a call center. A detailed message gives us context so we can call you back with specific, useful guidance and make the most of everyone's time.
Your Step-by-Step Path to the Airlines
Each certificate and rating builds on the last. Click any step to learn more about that phase of your journey.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
Your foundation for all flying—learn to fly visually in good weather. This is where every pilot career begins.
Tap any step above or use arrows to navigate
Already Have Your PPL or IFR?
Skip the basics and accelerate your path to the airlines:
IFR Proficiency & Checkride Prep
Sharpen your instrument skills with airline-style training in our AATD. Practice approaches, holds, and emergency procedures.
View IFR Training →Airline Interview & Training Prep
G1000 proficiency, CRM, and airline SOPs. Show up to your new-hire class ready to succeed—not just survive.
View Airline Prep Program →Non-U.S. Citizen?
TSA approval is required before your second lesson. We do NOT sponsor visas.
We do NOT sponsor visas.
Learn about TSA requirements →Plan Your Career Path
Get personalized guidance from airline pilots who've been where you want to go.