Pilot training for an airline career can vary in duration depending on your starting point. Based on information from ATP Flight School, the training program for aspiring airline pilots can take between 9 and 12 months.
The specific timeline depends on whether you are starting with no prior flight experience (Zero Time) or if you already hold a Private Pilot license.
Pilot Training Duration Breakdown
Here is a detailed look at the duration for each stage of pilot training, leading up to becoming a Certified Flight Instructor with a Multi-Engine Rating, according to the provided source:
| Stage | Starting from Zero Time | Starting with Credit for Private |
|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot | 3 Months | - |
| Commercial Pilot & Instrument Rating | 4 Months | 4 Months |
| Certified Flight Instructor & Multi-Engine Rating | 2 Months | 2 Months |
| Total Duration | 12 Months | 9 Months |
Source: Training | How Long to Become a Pilot / ATP Flight School
Starting from Zero Time
If you begin pilot training with no flight experience, the program typically starts with obtaining your Private Pilot License (PPL), which is estimated to take about 3 months. Following this, you progress through the Commercial Pilot and Instrument Rating stages (4 months), and finally the Certified Flight Instructor and Multi-Engine Rating (2 months). This comprehensive path results in a total training duration of 12 months.
Starting with Credit for Private
For individuals who already hold a Private Pilot License, you can bypass the initial PPL training stage. You would begin directly with the Commercial Pilot and Instrument Rating portion (4 months), followed by the Certified Flight Instructor and Multi-Engine Rating (2 months). This streamlined approach allows you to complete the program in a total of 9 months.
These durations represent the typical timeframe for completing these specific programs aimed at an airline career path.
