How many years training does it take to become a qualified pilot for a commercial airliner?

Question

How many years training does it take to become a qualified pilot for a commercial airliner?

Answer 1

Depends on how fast you can accumulate flight hours to qualify for the job...  In the USA, you'll need a minimum of 250 flight hours as Pilot In Command (PIC) to qualify for a commercial pilot's certificate.  From there, you'll have to build more hours to the level the airline company will consider hiring you for the position...  Usually somewhere between 500 and 1000 hours for a regional airline.  Even more for a major.

Answer 2

I assume you are asking about flying for a major US airline. Most airlines require 1500 hrs TT. So in theory you could probably do it in 2 yrs. But, and its a big but, to get hired at 1500 TT you would need it to be all jet time and the only way to achieve that is through the military. That will take a 10 yr commitment. A college degree is "preferred" in real life you will need one to get hired, that's 3-4 yrs depending on how much of a load you want to carry. So in answer to your question, going the civilian route, from 0 time to the realistic time requirement 2500-3500hrs it will take any where from 4-8yrs if you are lucky. This makes a ton of assumptions like you fit the airline mold, 5'8"-6' 2" thin and good looking, have lots of money(college,flight training I'm guessing 100k-150k) and lots of luck. That's in todays airline environment. Things change rapidly in the airline biz. Nobody knows what its going to be like next year or 10 yrs from now.

But( great another but) if the airlines are having trouble finding pilots they could pull you off the street and train you themselves.(probably won't happen but who knows, I didn't think I would win the lottery,NOT) What I'm trying to say is its all about timing. I had an uncle who was hired by Delta Airlines back in the mid 60's with a couple hundred hrs flying crop dusters. He retired several yrs ago flying the B-767. There really isn't one perfect way to go about your training if your dream is to be an airline pilot. Good luck if it is your dream and chase it.

Answer 3

You have received great answers from others. Another option since paying for flight time is very expensive and depending on your age the Army has a civilian to Helicopter training program. You can submit a packet and if accepted you will enlist in the Army and go through basic training, then go to the Warrant Officer Candidate program and flight school to fly Army Helicopters. After the training you can get a commercial helicoter certificate through the FAA. You must commit 6 years after flight school. I had about 1000 hours plus after that six years. They pay you and for the flight training. While in or when you get out you can get add-on's for single engine and multi engine but the hour requirement for add-ons is much less. Just a thought.

Answer 4

In my case 3 years from starting the training till flying an airliner (hopefully). If you're in the US you are less lucky, you'll have to fly lots of hours before a commercial airliner will accept you. That will take you a couple of years, depending how fast you get those hours together. Some go flying freight in little aircraft, others go become flight instructor for a couple of years.

Answer 5

18 months with CTC :)