BECOME A COMMERCIAL AIRLINE PILOT

To qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which is mandatory for flying commercial airliners in the U.S., pilots must:

Accumulate 1,500 hours of flight time.

Be at least 23 years old.

Hold a commercial pilot license and instrument rating.

Complete an ATP training program and pass all required tests.

At the Academy of Aviation, we are proud to be one of only four flight schools in the United States partnered with Delta Air Lines through their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Career Path under the Delta Propel Program. This exclusive partnership offers qualified students a clear and accelerated pathway to a career with Delta Air Lines.

Age: Must be at least 16 years old to solo and 17 years old to obtain a Private Pilot License.

Language: Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

Medical Certificate: Must obtain at least a Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

U.S. citizens must provide valid proof of citizenship (e.g., passport or birth certificate)
Non-U.S. citizens must complete TSA security clearance (AFSP approval) before beginning flight training.

The Career Program is designed to be completed in about 17 months, but motivated students with open availability can accelerate their training and finish in as little as 12 months. While this is not typical, students who attend six days a week, stay on top of ground school assignments, and complete written exams promptly can achieve this faster timeline.

Earn your PPL, IR, CPL, and CFI/CFII/MEI in just over a year, then spend 12-18 months building your flight hours to 1,500—finishing the Career Program in about 3 years and stepping into your aviation career.

The following are average completion times for each stage of our Career Program:

• Private Pilot License (PPL): 3-4 months
• Instrument Rating (IR): 3-4 months
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 2-3 months
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII), Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI): 3-5 months
• Flight Hour Building: 12-18 months (to reach 1,500 total hours)

Total estimated time: approximately 3 years.

As part of enrollment, you'll complete an availability form so we can create the most effective schedule for you. Full-time students typically have at least five training sessions per week, while part-time students average three to four sessions. No matter your pace, staying consistent is the key to reaching your goals.

New students begin with orientation twice a month on the first and third Monday. After completing orientation on that first day, they immediately start the specific training program they enrolled in.

Sallie Mae Student Loans are available to cover your training costs. You can choose to pay partially with a loan and partially out of pocket, based on your preference. If you prefer to pay out of pocket, we offer monthly payment plans, which vary depending on the program you enroll in.

Ground school is a comprehensive learning environment that combines classroom-based instruction, one-on-one sessions with an instructor, and online self-study. It provides students with a strong foundation in core aviation theory, including: Airspace and Navigation, Weather Systems and Interpretation, Aerodynamics, Flight Planning and Decision Making. We offer free daily group ground school every day from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. (Schedule may vary based on student rating.) Attendance is optional but strongly encouraged.

Our flight training is one-on-one with your own instructor. This means you get personal attention and lessons designed just for you. You'll learn at your own pace with support every step of the way, helping you build confidence and skills safely.

Students enrolled in career-oriented programs are required to attend a minimum of four times per week with two-hour sessions to ensure consistent progress and meet program milestones, Part time students are given four lessons a month, depending on the program type—vocational or avocational.

You will receive your training schedule every month after the 15th, six weeks in advance.

Our fleet includes the Cessna 172 G1000 (glass cockpit) for single-engine training, and the Diamond DA42 for multi-engine training. Both aircraft are equipped with modern avionics and maintained to the highest safety standards.