How to Become an Airline Pilot in 2025

Step 1:

(These can be done in just about any order)

Get an FAA Medical Certificate

Get a medical before making any major decisions. This could be a barrier. If it is contact us. We may have other options for you.

Find a CFI

Build a relationship with someone who will mentor you from start to finish.

Make sure you actually like flying. An into flight can help decide if a career as a pilot is truly for you.

Take an Intro Flight

Figure out how you’re going to pay for your license.

Step 2:

It’s pretty simple either finance or pay cash. Here at Myotis Aviation we have financing options for those you are looking to work with an Independent Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Work with your CFI to understand the cost.

Step 3:

Work with your CFI. But generally speaking here at the steps to a private pilot.

  1. Start flying and start ground school. Most instructors recommend doing ground school and flying together. It makes ground school more immersive and easier to understand. Putting concepts and practical flying together.

  2. Take FAA written exam. All of ground school needs to be completed.

  3. First Solo. You and your CFI will work together to make sure it’s time.

  4. Cross Country Solo. This is when you go flying by yourself for at least an hour.

  5. Prep for your Checkride. Your CFI will likely go through a mock checkride multiple times.

  6. Checkride. Once you pass Congratulations you are a pilot. There are restrictions on what you can and cannot do.

    This is generally the order. At Myotis Aviation we are all about doing what is best for each and every pilot. The order might be a bit different.

Private Pilot

Ratings, Endorsements, and Time Building

Step 4:

After a private pilot license attention turns toward a commercial pilot license. At a minimum each pilot needs 250 hours before becoming a commercial pilot license.

Work with your CFI or Myotis Aviation to figure out how to make the most of the 250 hours. Future employers see different types of hours and generally have requirements. Example most airlines want at least 100 hours at night.

INsturment Rating

This one is critical. This allows a pilot to flying in conditions of low visibility.

This has rating has a written test and a checkride. The steps are typically similar to a private pilot, but a lot less hours.

Multi-Engine rating

This rating allows pilots to fly with more than one engine as suggested by the name. There is a checkride but no written exam.

Complex endorcment

This is allows pilots to fly with retractable landing gear, flaps, and controllable pitch propeller as defined by 14 CFR 61.31(e).

Endorsements don’t have checkrides. Work with your CFI who will give a one time endorsement once your training is sufficient.

There are other endorsements available to pilots. Work with your CFI or Myotis Aviation to see if other endorsements would benefit you.

Step 5:

Commerical Pilot Licsense

Once all requirements are met the next step is to take the FAA written exam and Checkride. After that a pilot can make money as a pilot.

This is different from an airline pilot (Airline Transport Pilot aka ATP). In order to be obtain an ATP you must first have 1500 hours. Most pilots will get a job as a pilot to build hours. Work with your CFI to find which job options work best for your needs.

This is also a great time to apply to programs that help with hiring for the airlines. Work with Myotis Aviation and your CFI. We have lots of recommendations and connections.

step 6:

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

Once all requirements have been met. Take an FAA approved course including ground school and simulator time.

Some airlines have programs and may even pay for this training. Work with Myotis Aviation and your CFI to find the best options for you.