The Zero to Airline Path

A structured, transparent roadmap from zero experience toward the certificates and flight time usually needed for airline eligibility.

Your Aviation Roadmap

We help students understand the entire pathway early on, so every lesson and Checkride makes sense in the context of the bigger picture.

Step 1

Private Pilot

Learn the fundamentals of flight and earn your first certificate.

Step 2

Instrument Rating

Learn to fly in the clouds strictly by reference to instruments.

Step 3

Commercial Pilot

Build time to 250 hours and learn professional-level precision to fly for hire.

Step 4

Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine Add-On

Learn to fly multi-engine aircraft and build 15 hours of Pilot in Command time in the multi-engine — a key step toward airline and charter eligibility.

Step 5

CFI & CFII

Become a flight instructor to teach others and get paid while building your hours.

Step 6

Build Flight Time

Work as an instructor or in other commercial operations until you reach 1,500 hours.

Step 7

ATP Eligibility

Meet the requirements for the Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

Step 8

Airline First Officer

Apply and interview at regional airlines to start your career.

A Note on Airline Hiring

Reaching 1,500 hours and becoming eligible for an ATP certificate is the major milestone. However, airline hiring also depends on:

Total flight time and specific types of experience
A solid training record with minimal checkride failures
First-class medical certification
Current market conditions and specific employer requirements