The dream of flying for a major airline is alive and stronger than ever in 2025. Although airline hiring has slightly slowed due to geopolitical issues, which is only making the long term pilot shortage worse. The ongoing global pilot shortage isn’t going away. Airlines will soon again be hiring pilots at record pace, and aspiring aviators are asking one of the most common questions:
“How long does it actually take to become an airline pilot?”
The answer depends on your training path, commitment, and career goals. Here’s a realistic step-by-step breakdown of the journey from your very first flight to the airline cockpit.
Step 1: Private Pilot License (PPL) –
3 to 6 Months
Your first milestone is earning a Private Pilot License (PPL). This allows you to fly small, single-engine aircraft but not for hire.
- FAA Requirement: Minimum of 40 flight hours (most students need 60–70).
- Training Includes: Basic flight maneuvers, navigation, takeoffs/landings, and solo flights.
- Timeframe: If you train full-time, 3–4 months; part-time, 6+ months.
Step 2: Instrument Rating (IR) –
2 to 4 Months
Next, you’ll train to fly safely in low-visibility and poor weather conditions.
- Focus Areas: Advanced navigation, instrument procedures, and weather flying.
- Timeframe: Typically 40+ hours of instrument flight. Most finish in 2–4 months.
Step 3: Multi-Engine Rating –
2 to 6 Weeks
Simultaneous with Commercial Pilot License (CPL) –
6 to 12 Months
Your Commercial License allows you to get paid as a pilot.
- FAA Requirement: 250 total hours of flight time.
- Career Path Options: Banner towing, flight instructing, skydiving flights, and aerial photography.
- Timeframe: 6–12 months depending on training pace and flight frequency.
Step 4: Build Flight Hours –
6 to 24 Months
To fly for the airlines, you’ll need to log 1,500 total flight hours (sometimes reduced for certain university programs).
- Most Common Method: Working as a flight instructor.
- Other Options: Charter flights, cargo runs, aerial survey.
- Timeframe: Full-time instructors may reach 1,500 hours in 1–2 years.
Step 5: Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) –
6-7 days
Before you can take the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) written exam, you must complete the ATP-CTP course.
- Course Includes: High level aerodynamics, multi-crew procedures, advanced systems, and jet simulator time.
- Duration: About 3 weeks.
- LVFA Advantage: Las Vegas Flight Academy is one of the leading ATP-CTP providers in the Western U.S., offering hands-on jet simulator training.
Step 6: Type Rating (Boeing 737 Example) –
1 Month
To fly a large transport category aircraft(anything over 12,500 pounds), you’ll need a type rating for that specific jet.
- Most Popular Option: Boeing 737, the world’s most widely used passenger aircraft.
- Duration: Around 4 weeks, including simulator sessions and checkride.
- Career Benefit: Having a 737 type rating makes you highly marketable to airlines hiring today.
Total Timeframe: How Long Does It Take Overall?
- Fast-Track Path (Full-Time Student): ~2.5 to 3 years
- Average Pace (Balancing Life & Training): ~4 to 6 years
While the biggest variable is flight-hour building, those who train full-time and instruct right away can move into the airline world in under three years.
Why 2025 Is the Best Year to Start Training
The pilot shortage isn’t slowing down, major airlines are offering signing bonuses, increased pay, and clear upgrade paths. Starting your training in 2025 means you’ll hit peak hiring windows just as the demand remains strong.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an airline pilot requires dedication, time, and significant training, but the reward is a high-demand career with global opportunities.
At Las Vegas Flight Academy, we specialize in the two final steps that move you into the airline world:
???? Ready to fast-track your airline career? Contact LVFA today at 818-489-1738 and take the next step toward the cockpit.