How to become a pilot

The usual path from zero experience to a commercial pilot licence.

1. Choose a licence path

Recreational, then private, then commercial. Most career pilots aim for a commercial licence and then build hours toward an airline transport licence.

2. Pass an aviation medical

A class 1 medical is required for commercial flying. Check eligibility before you spend on training.

3. Pick a school and regulator

In Australia that means a CASA-certified school, in the United States an FAA Part 141 or Part 61 school. Integrated programs run end to end, modular programs let you progress licence by licence.

4. Build hours and ratings

Add an instrument rating and later type ratings for specific aircraft. Cadet programs can connect training directly to an airline.