Earn a Private Pilot License (PPL)
Meet medical requirements for commercial pilots (FAA Class 1 or equivalent, as required)
Ensure you meet the required flight experience for a Commercial Pilot License (per your authority)
Build flight hours through training and logging flights
Complete required ground school and written exams for the commercial license
Complete required flight training for the commercial license (maneuvers, cross-country, precision procedures as required)
Pass the commercial written exams (and any additional knowledge tests required)
Pass the FAA/authority checkride (practical test) for the commercial license
Accumulate additional experience as needed for airline or charter jobs (varies by employer)
Consider adding multi-engine training and earn a Multi-Engine Rating (MEP)
Consider instrument training and earn an Instrument Rating (IR) if required for job goals
Pursue additional ratings/endorsements as needed (e.g., night, high-performance, complex, instructor ratings)
Build total time and multi-engine time targets for your target role (airline, charter, flight school, cargo, etc.)
Maintain proficiency and currency requirements
Apply to employers and complete hiring steps (interviews, background checks, assessments)
If pursuing airlines: complete training toward ATP certification and meet ATP requirements
Obtain ATP License (as required for airline operations) and complete airline selection and type-specific training
Maintain required medical certification and ongoing training/currency throughout your career