What courses do i need to become a commercial pilot captain? How long?

Question

aviation pilot captain

Answer 1

I'm a Western Michigan University student in the aviation flight program. This program gives you a bachelor in aviation science along with a private pilot license, the instrument rating, then the commercial license (single engine or multi engine) followed by either the single or multi add on accordingly. These are requirements for the degree but you can also get your flight instructor certificate, float plane training, and they have a CRJ simulator for some big jet training. A good number of people who graduate get their flight instructor cert. and work for WMU as a flight instructor to build up hours before getting hired by an airline or large company.

It seems that most of the instructors only stay for about 6 months to a year before being hired to an airline or other job. Every employer is different but lately I've been hearing of upgrades to Captain happening within as little as 1-5 years. Air travel is going up and the need for pilots is steadily increasing. Also, to be a first officer you only need a commercial license and a second class medical but to become a captain you must have a first class medical and an Airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate. You can get these when your company wants to upgrade you and may pay for them. Thats my best understanding of the whole process.

Answer 2

You take flight training to become a pilot.  You don't train to be captain.  The years of experience will gradually promote you to captain.

How Long?  That also depends on your training background.  Usually the ex-military pilots are the best trained so the get to be captains the most often and the fastest.  But how fast is dependent on many variables.

Good Luck...

Answer 3

You become a Captain by gaining seniority with your company.  It takes anywhere from 10 to 25 years.

But there is a lot of fun to be had in the meantime.  Go for it.