Commercial pilots
How to become a commercial pilot
What are the steps to go from zero time to a commercial airline job?
1/3/2026, 7:25:20 AM · Thommer22
The approximate timeline for the commercial pilot roadmap typically spans 2 to 3 years for a student flying consistently (full-time), or longer for part-time students.
Here is the updated breakdown with timelines:
The roadmap:
Private Pilot (PPL) – Months 0–3: Learn to fly basics (visual flight).
Instrument Rating (IR) – Months 3–6: Learn to fly in clouds/low visibility.
Commercial Pilot (CPL) – Months 6–9: Learn precision maneuvers and regulations (requires 250 hours total).
Time Building (CFI) – Months 9–24+: Most become Flight Instructors to build from ~250 hours to the 1,500 hours required for airline transport pilot (ATP) certification.
1/3/2026, 7:49:04 AM · Aferna
This is assuming working on this full time. This is a fast-track schedule.
1/3/2026, 7:54:40 AM · Aferna
