Commercial Airline Pilot License Requirements
Pilots train for 3 to 5 years before they meet the qualifications for their first commuter airline job. Certificates required to fly for the airlines cost between $50,000 to $60,000, depending on the school and the program.
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Commercial Pilot's Certificate
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The Commercial Pilot's Certificate is the follow on to the Private Pilot's Certificate and is required for anyone who is compensated for flying. A commercial license by itself, however, is not enough to fly for the airlines.
Instrument Rating License
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An Instrument Rating License allows pilots to operate a properly equipped airplane, using the flight instruments as the sole reference. Airlines file flight plans under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), so airline pilots must hold an Instrument Rating License.
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Multi-Engine Rating
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Multi-engine flight training adds multi-engine privileges to a Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate and allows pilots to fly airplanes with more than one engine.
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
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An Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) is a minimum requirement for some airlines, but many regional carriers hire pilots who do not have the flight experience necessary to obtain it. Many pilots take their ATP check ride when they upgrade from First Officer to Captain.
Medical Certificates
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Pilots must pass the appropriate physical examination performed by an FAA authorized physician. A Class II Medical Certificate is required for pilots exercising commercial pilot privileges; however, most airlines hire applicants who hold a Class I Medical Certificate, because it is required for airline captains.
Experience
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Applicants must also meet additional qualifications, which vary from airline to airline. A commuter airline typically requires 750 hours total time and 100 hours of multi-engine time. Major airlines require more. One U.S. carrier requires 1,500 hours in fixed wing aircraft, 1,000 multi-engine hours, 500 turbine-powered aircraft hours, and 100 hours during the previous 12 months. Airlines also view an applicant's driving record as an indicator of judgment, so multiple or serious traffic violations can disqualify applicants.
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