The 5 real steps to your Pilot's License
We get many potential students asking what steps they will have to take to become an airline pilot, and we would like to demystify the process.
If you have any questions about any aspect of flight training, please tap on the Chat bubble at the bottom of this page and we will respond right away.
One of the most compelling comparisons between Academy of Aviation and a community college is the time factor.
Unlike a four-year college course, we get you into the air for the full duration of your training.
If you’ve got your heart set on a career as an airline pilot, our career-oriented programs will put you on a direct course to your goal in much less time, and for less money.
A central distinction between an independent FAA-certified instructor and the Career Pilot track at Academy of Aviation is determined by our ACCSC Accreditation.
You can train at a school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
ACCSC serves as the designated institutional accrediting agency for 700 trade and technical schools that provide quality vocational education to over 150,000 students each year.
As an enrollee of Academy of Aviation's Career Pilot program, you will be guaranteed a Certified Flight Instructor job upon graduation.
Your guaranteed position as an AOA flight instructor is a crucial career step to build the experience and flight time you need; in about 18-22 months, you will build the flight experience required for the ATP Certificate and 1500-hour airline hiring minimums.
The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is the highest level of aircraft pilot certificate and is needed to fly for a Commercial Airline.
A Full student financing option is available for our Career Pilot program.
Step 3: Commercial Pilot License
You can be compensated for transporting people and property.
Your CPL:
Step 4: Gain Employment
Academy of Aviation graduates are guaranteed a Certified Flight Instructor job.
Your CFI License:
Step 5: Advance in the Field
We participate in Cadet Programs with all major regional airlines.
Cadet Info:- Scroll to Flight Training
- Scroll to Services and Information
- Scroll to Locations and Contact
- Ask about Financil Aid
We've compiled a fun list of some of our favorite flight training and aviation articles for you to enjoy (tap here to go directly to our Flight Training courses).
How Much Do Pilots Make? Salaries From the Regionals to $400,000 Captains in Asia - Read about how and where you can make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year doing what you really love; flying airplanes.
Insider Series: How Are Major Airlines’ Pilots Trained? - A fun read about the complexities of learning to fly a 747 and the disaster training that you'll most likely never need in the real world.
What do long haul airline pilots do during cruise? - Wondering if your five-hour flight is all cockpit time, or is there a free moment for coffee? Read this interesting chat session and see what down-time on a flight crew is really like.
Here’s Why It’s a Great Time to Be an Airline Pilot - Here are some real facts about why it's a job-seekers' market in the aviation industry today.
Q&A With The Pilot - Squealing noises? 3/2 seat configuration? Deadheading? Read answers to questions you probably never thought about.
Q&A With The Pilot, 2 - We loved the first one, so here's the second installment. And what's up with Seat 13A??
Q&A With The Pilot, 3 - Back for more. Find out when and why a 757 cockpit's side window is opened for fresh air.
Q&A With The Pilot, 4 - These Q&A sessions too good to resisit for aviation enthusiasts. Our caps off to Patrick Smith for his amazing blog.
How To Speak Airline: A Glossary for Travelers - Pretty self explanatory, although we think flight training students would get a kick out of this also.
Thank You, Pilots - A personal story about knowing you're in good hands.
How Becoming A Pilot Improved My Non-Aviation-Related Career - A different take, but an intersting one none the less.
Boeing Powers Up 777X Test Aircraft's Systems - One for the techies... a first look and final-body-join video. Awesome stuff from Boeing!
JANET, America’s Most Secret Airline, Is Hiring - Career goals: fly the non-existent skies!
In Focus...
Preferred School Partnership
Academy of Aviation and ExpressJet Airlines have partnered to offer you the ExpressJet Airlines And Academy of Aviation Preferred School Partnership program.
You will receive opportunities for future employment at ExpressJet Airlines after completing your training at Academy of Aviation.
Change Your Life...
Step 1: Choose a Flight School
Learn to fly in a small aircraft with a flight instructor at your side.
AOA Advantages: