Becoming an Airline Pilot
Your path to an exciting and rewarding career as a commercial airline pilot starts right here, right now.
Take a Free Young Eagles Flight
EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Program
-
For youth ages 8-17
-
FREE introductory flight given by a local EAA chapter or individual EAA member in your area
-
Young Eagles are given a pre and post flight review of the interior and exterior of the airplane, safety instructions and an overview of airplane controls and operations
-
A 15-20 minute flight
Find a Young Eagles Flight
YoungEaglesDay.org
Register for a Young Eagles flight using EAA's online registration tool.
AeroEducate Calendar of Events ›
Find a Young Eagles rally or other youth events in your area.
Set Yourself Up for Success
You can start preparing to become an airline pilot now:
-
Start talking to your high school guidance counselor as early as your freshman year and let them know that your dream is to become an airline pilot. They can help you identify courses you can take to set you up for success in your future flying career, as well as helping to find training, scholarships, or colleges and universities best suited for you.
-
You can start flight training at any age, although you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
-
Join or get involved in your local EAA chapter.
-
Actively volunteer with local civic or school organizations.
-
Keep working on AeroEducate badging and new activities to learn more about aviation.
Options for Flight Training
Accelerated Professional Flight Training
The fastest path to become an airline pilot. These programs are often intense and require a student to follow a strict curriculum.
An accelerated program allows a student to complete the course, and become an airline pilot on a set schedule at a pre-determined cost.
Post-Secondary with Professional Flight Training
While a college degree is not always required for an airline position, attending a university is a great option to consider.
Attending an aviation university can aid a student with top-notch instruction, high standards, networking opportunities, internship opportunities, and career placement.
Military
Flying in the military is not only a great way to serve your country, it’s also a great way to get your flight training paid for and earn valuable experience.
For more information about military piloting options, visit our Military Pilot Pathway page.
Aviate
Aviate is United Airlines’ industry-leading pilot career development program offering aspiring and established pilots the most direct path to a United flight deck. United Aviate
Time Building
Entry-level airline pilots need an airline transport pilot certificate, which requires 1,500 hours total flight time, though graduates of some universities can qualify with just 1,000 hours. There are many ways to build hours, including right-seat corporate flying, flight instructing, carrying freight, and more.
Career as an Airline Pilot
Once you have the appropriate certification and experience to fly, you’re ready to start looking for jobs as an airline pilot! Take a look at the Aviation Job Search on the EAA Website for information about open flying positions. Or visit United Aviate to explore career options with United Airlines.
Give Back
If you have the opportunity, inspire youth just like yourself to be involved in flight by giving back to your aviation community with your continued involvement in your local EAA Chapter.
Take a Free Young Eagles Flight
EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Program
-
For youth ages 8-17
-
FREE introductory flight given by a local EAA chapter or individual EAA member in your area
-
Young Eagles are given a pre and post flight review of the interior and exterior of the airplane, safety instructions and an overview of airplane controls and operations
-
A 15-20 minute flight
Find a Young Eagles Flight
YoungEaglesDay.org
Register for a Young Eagles flight using EAA's online registration tool.
AeroEducate Calendar of Events ›
Find a Young Eagles rally or other youth events in your area.
Set Yourself Up for Success
You can start preparing to become an airline pilot now:
-
Start talking to your high school guidance counselor as early as your freshman year and let them know that your dream is to become an airline pilot. They can help you identify courses you can take to set you up for success in your future flying career, as well as helping to find training, scholarships, or colleges and universities best suited for you.
-
You can start flight training at any age, although you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
-
Join or get involved in your local EAA chapter.
-
Actively volunteer with local civic or school organizations.
-
Keep working on AeroEducate badging and new activities to learn more about aviation.
Options for Flight Training
Accelerated Professional Flight Training
The fastest path to become an airline pilot. These programs are often intense and require a student to follow a strict curriculum.
An accelerated program allows a student to complete the course, and become an airline pilot on a set schedule at a pre-determined cost.
Post-Secondary with Professional Flight Training
While a college degree is not always required for an airline position, attending a university is a great option to consider.
Attending an aviation university can aid a student with top-notch instruction, high standards, networking opportunities, internship opportunities, and career placement.
Military
Flying in the military is not only a great way to serve your country, it’s also a great way to get your flight training paid for and earn valuable experience.
For more information about military piloting options, visit our Military Pilot Pathway page.
Aviate
Aviate is United Airlines’ industry-leading pilot career development program offering aspiring and established pilots the most direct path to a United flight deck. United Aviate
Time Building
Entry-level airline pilots need an airline transport pilot certificate, which requires 1,500 hours total flight time, though graduates of some universities can qualify with just 1,000 hours. There are many ways to build hours, including right-seat corporate flying, flight instructing, carrying freight, and more.
Career as an Airline Pilot
Once you have the appropriate certification and experience to fly, you’re ready to start looking for jobs as an airline pilot! Take a look at the Aviation Job Search on the EAA Website for information about open flying positions. Or visit United Aviate to explore career options with United Airlines.
Give Back
If you have the opportunity, inspire youth just like yourself to be involved in flight by giving back to your aviation community with your continued involvement in your local EAA Chapter.
