Career Guide

How to Become a Commercial Airline Pilot

Whether you have always dreamed of flying or are considering a new career, you can become a professional pilot, and we have made the path simple and affordable. Here is exactly how it works, step by step, from your first Discovery Flight to building the hours airlines require.

Why Train at High Flight

The school you choose shapes how fast and how affordably you reach the flight deck.

Here is what sets the path at High Flight apart:

A Full Part 141 Curriculum

We offer a complete FAA Part 141 training curriculum, structured to move you efficiently from first lesson to commercial pilot.

Fly Up to 7 Days a Week

Our large fleet and instructor team mean you are not waiting for a plane or an instructor. More frequent flying means faster progress and better retention.

Commercial and CFI in About 12 Months

Fully committed students can finish with a Commercial Multi-Engine certificate plus CFI in as little as twelve months.

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The Path, Step by Step

Here is the route from no experience to a commercial pilot career.

1
Find the Right Flight School
Choose a school that fits your needs and budget. High Flight offers a full Part 141 curriculum in a low cost-of-living area, good for local and out-of-town students.
2
Take a Discovery Flight
A 1 or 1.5 hour Discovery Flight gives you hands-on time at the controls so you know quickly whether flying is the right career.
3
Get an FAA Medical Certificate
Apply for a first-class medical certificate through an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner.
4
Apply for a Student Pilot Certificate
Your instructor helps with this. You can begin training right away, but you will need it to fly solo.
5
Begin Flight Training
With our large staff you can fly up to 7 days a week, building hours faster. Committed students can finish in as little as 12 months with a Commercial Multi-Engine certificate plus CFI.
6
Pass the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam
When you are ready, schedule this computer-based exam. We provide study material throughout training.
7
Pass the Private Pilot Practical Exam
A Designated Pilot Examiner gives a verbal exam and a flight test. Pass, and you are officially a private pilot.
8
Build Your Hours
Work as a paid flight instructor to reach the hours airlines require. After 500 hours instructing, you may qualify for tuition reimbursement.

Timelines vary with weather, scheduling, and how often you fly. Your instructor and our Chief Flight Instructors build a plan around your goals.
Call 724-481-1359 to talk it through.

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Ready to Start Your Pilot Career?

We will help you map the full path from your first flight to the airline flight deck, including financing. Reach out with your questions or book a Discovery Flight to begin. Call 724-481-1359.