How to Become an Airline Pilot: The Path, the Hours and the Cost
Quick answer: private → instrument → commercial → (usually) flight instructor → build to 1,500 hours → airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate → regional or major airline. Some pilots qualify for a restricted ATP with fewer hours (for example 1,000 or 1,250 hours through approved college degree programs, or 750 for certain military pilots). You must be 23 for a full ATP (21 restricted).
The typical path
| Step | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Private pilot | ~60–75 hours for most students |
| Instrument rating | 40 hours instrument time + cross-country requirements |
| Commercial pilot | 250 total hours |
| Flight instructor (optional, most common) | Paid hour building |
| Multi-engine rating | Required for most airline jobs |
| ATP certification | 1,500 hours (or restricted minimums) + ATP training course + tests |
Cost and time
Getting from zero to commercial with ratings commonly costs tens of thousands of dollars, often around $70,000–$100,000+ at accelerated academies, less if you train part-time and instruct to build hours. Timelines range from about 2 years (full-time academy + instructing) to much longer part-time. Many pilots offset costs by working as CFIs.
Starting young
You can begin lessons at any age, solo at 16, earn a private at 17, and a commercial at 18. See every FAA age limit.
Airline hiring, minimums and pay change with the industry. Check current FAA rules and airline requirements when you plan.