How long does it take to become a captain pilot UK?

Career path and progression When you've completed at least 1,500 flying hours, you can apply for an 'unfrozen' or full Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and qualify as an airline captain. This will usually take 3 to 5 years after you get your full ATPL.



Becoming an airline captain in the UK is a multi-year journey that begins with intensive flight training. Initially, it takes about 18 to 24 months of full-time study to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and a "frozen" Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). After completing this, you can start working as a First Officer. To "unfreeze" your ATPL and be eligible for a captaincy, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires a minimum of 1,500 flying hours. In reality, most UK airlines—such as British Airways or easyJet—typically require significantly more experience, often between 3,000 and 5,000 hours, before a pilot can undergo the rigorous "Command Course" to become a captain. Depending on the airline's growth and recruitment needs, this transition from a new First Officer to a Captain usually takes between 5 and 12 years. Consequently, from the day you start flight school to the day you earn your "four stripes," you are looking at a commitment of approximately 7 to 14 years.

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Pilot training at a glance The minimum age to commence pilot training is 18, but you cannot get an ATPL until you're 21. It can take 16-18 months to qualify as a pilot if you've no previous flying experience. A two-year part-time 'modular' route is also available allowing you to work while you train.

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In 2023 we have seen increased recruitment across a large portion of UK and European airlines. This recruitment need is predominantly being met by experienced pilots, however we are delighted to see a proportion of those jobs being filled by pilots who have not previously held a commercial flying position.

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Total Pay Estimate & Range
The estimated total pay for a Airline Pilot at Ryanair is $166,185 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $111,042 per year.

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Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines are commercial airlines that pay the highest pilot salaries.

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In the U.S., there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certificated under 14 CFR Part 121. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. However, these pilots may stay on with a Part 121 carrier in some other role, such as flight engineer.

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Due to the risks to flight safety posed by ADHD, regulatory authorities worldwide consider ADHD a disqualifying condition for pilots. Unfortunately, pilots sometimes fail to disclose ADHD to their Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

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In the U.S., there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certificated under 14 CFR Part 121. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. However, these pilots may stay on with a Part 121 carrier in some other role, such as flight engineer.

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Traditionally a pilot at a regional airline might start out earning less than $50,000 per year, but get hired on by a major airline and that goes up quickly into the six figures, and well over $300,000 for senior captains flying widebody aircraft overseas. Some earn over $400,000.

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The wages are high. If you're looking for a high-paying job, becoming an airline pilot career is a great option. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pilots earn between $80,000 and $100,000 per year.

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