How many years does it take to become a commercial pilot?

As we mentioned before, it will take you between two and three years to become an airline transport pilot if you start pilot school without having any prior flight experience. Every time that you start working for a new airline, you will need to begin as a first officer. You can then focus on working your way up.



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The FAA requires 1,500 hours to fly as an airline pilot, which can be earned in two years.

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While a college degree is not an absolute prerequisite, many major airlines prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in aviation, aeronautical science, aerospace engineering or air traffic management.

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Meet the age requirements 16 years of age to obtain your pilot certificate. 17 years old to earn a private pilot certificate. 18 years old to be eligible for a commercial pilot license. 23 years old to qualify for an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate.

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If you are under the age of 35, you will likely be able to become a professional aviator and progress to a substantial seniority level in the industry over your lifetime. You will more than likely never become the most senior pilot at your airline, but you will be able to become a senior captain.

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There is also no maximum age to earn or renew your commercial pilot license, although you will need a second class medical certificate. You can continue working as a commercial pilot as long as you meet the medical requirements and stay in good standing with the FAA.

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One of the major benefits of being a pilot is you can expect a hugely rewarding career; from taking your first solo flight, completing your first landing, flying to a new destination to overcoming challenges, every day is rewarding as a pilot in the cockpit.

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While commercial airline pilots are currently mandated to retire at 65, these same pilots that are forced to retire can still fly corporate and charter jets beyond the age of 65, said Representative Troy Nehls, a Republican, adding the change could help address a pilot shortage.

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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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Commercial pilots will be allowed tattoos in some airlines as long as they are covered. This means if a pilot has a sleeve-type tattoo on their arm, they must wear a long sleeve shirt to cover it. Most major airlines do not allow tattoos that cannot be covered.

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In most cases, pilots are required to have vision correctable to 20/20 or better in each eye with or without glasses or contact lenses. As long as your vision can be corrected to meet these standards, you are eligible to become a commercial pilot. Myth 3: It takes a long time to become a pilot.

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