What is needed to be an aviation pilot in the United States?

Are you passionate about flying and dream of becoming a professional pilot? You’ve come to the right place. A career as an airplane pilot is one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding in the world, but it also comes with countless doubts. In this guide, we explain what you need to become an aviation pilot.

What do you need to study to be an airplane pilot?

One of the most common questions is: to be an airplane pilot, what do you have to study? The training of a commercial pilot begins with the study of specialized programs that combine aeronautical theory, flight hours, and training in high-tech simulators.

At Alpha Aviation Group, we offer a structured career path that includes:

• PPL (Private Pilot License): the first step to learning how to fly.
• CPL (Commercial Pilot License): allows you to fly professionally and work for airlines.
• IFR (Instrument Rating): the ability to fly with instruments in adverse weather conditions.
• Multi-Engine: license to operate aircraft with more than one engine.

You can achieve all of this with the support of our guide, certified by the FAA (Part 61) in the United States.

How long is the airplane pilot career program?

Its duration can vary depending on each student’s pace, but here is an average timeline:

• From 12 to 18 months to complete all licenses and accumulate flight hours.
• Around 250 total flight hours to enter the application process for regional or international airlines.

This makes aviation careers more time-efficient, especially if you have specialized consulting like we offer at Alpha Aviation Group, designed to guide you along a career pathway toward flying in the United States.

Do you want to start your airplane pilot career in the United States?

Below, we summarize the main general requirements:

• Be at least 17 years old to start training (18 for CPL).
• Intermediate or advanced English level.
• Good physical and mental health (Class 1 medical certificate).
• Valid passport and availability to travel.
• Commitment, responsibility, and a passion for aviation.

Where to study aviation?

Many students from Latin America choose Alpha Aviation Group to study aviation in the United States thanks to its high-quality training, advanced simulation technology, and the prestige of obtaining an FAA license.

At Alpha Aviation Group, we not only train you as a pilot, but we also provide:

• Immigration and legal advising to obtain your student visa (M1 or F1).
• Support throughout the application, admission, and housing process.
• Certified instructors with experience in international airlines.
• A multicultural environment that connects students from all over the world.

Learn about our “The Airline Career Pathway” program

Alpha Aviation Group offers you “The Airline Career Pathway” program, a direct path to success that consists of:

• Step-by-step support: we guide you through your entire process, from obtaining your student visa to getting a job at an airline in the U.S.
• Three simple phases: we help you get your license, accumulate flight hours, and find employment.

Phase 1: Competencies

• Start your university career at the best aviation university in the world.
• Complete your flight training from the Private Pilot License to the Commercial Multi-Engine License.

Phase 2: Experience

• Complete your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) course and your Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) course.
• Gain paid experience as a Flight Instructor (up to USD $40,000/ year). The minimum hours the industry requires from applicants in the United States is 1,500 total flight hours. Our career program offers students the chance to accumulate more than 2,500 total flight hours.

Phase 3: Job Placement

• Complete the ATP-CTP course.
• Start your professional career with an airline in the United States (earning up to USD $120,000 / year). Accumulate more than 2,500 total flight hours.

With the right support, you can become a commercial pilot in the United States. At Alpha Aviation Group, we focus on raising the quality of instruction and accompanying each of our students on their path to a professional future.

What other careers are there in aviation?

Besides studying to be a commercial pilot, there are other options within aviation careers, such as:

• Aviation Mechanic
• Air Traffic Controller
• Flight Dispatcher
• Flight Instructor
• Drone Operator

Each of these has its own requirements but is connected to the exciting universe of flight.

Your aviation career starts today

Starting a career as an airplane pilot is a major life decision where you will not only learn to fly but also open the door to an international career with great job opportunities.

At Alpha Aviation Group, we turn your dream into a profession. Schedule your personalized consultation and take off towards your future as a professional pilot in the United States.