How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot? (2025 Ultimate Timeline)

One of the most common questions aspiring aviators ask is: how long does it take to become a pilot? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the type of pilot license you’re aiming for—private, commercial, or airline transport—and how intensively you plan to train.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through realistic timelines for each pilot license, from student pilot to full-time professional. We’ll also cover the factors that can speed up or delay your progress, such as weather, flight school scheduling, and FAA exam readiness.

If you’re mapping out your aviation journey, this article is your go-to timeline. transfer directly due to differences in curriculum and FAA tracking requirements. It’s best to consult the flight school before making the move.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Private Pilot?

If you’re just getting started in aviation, your first major milestone is earning a Private Pilot License (PPL). It’s the foundation for every other certification and also qualifies you to fly solo or carry passengers—though not for pay.

So, how long does it take to become a pilot at the private level?

Estimated Timeline:

• Full-time students typically complete training in 3 to 6 months
• Part-time students may take 6 to 12 months, depending on schedule and availability

The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, but most students log 55 to 70 hours before they’re ready for the final checkride. You’ll also complete ground school, pass a written knowledge exam, and demonstrate your skills in a practical flight test.

Factors That Impact Your Timeline:

• Consistency of flying (fewer gaps = faster progress)
• Weather conditions and flight school scheduling
• Your ability to pass FAA exams on the first attempt

For many, the private pilot license is the first step toward a commercial career. For others, it’s a ticket to fly recreationally or travel personally. Either way, it’s where the path begins—and the first answer to “how long does it take to become a pilot?”

How Long Does It Take to Become a Commercial Pilot?

If your goal is to fly professionally, then your journey doesn’t stop at the private level. Becoming a Commercial Pilot means you’re licensed to get paid to fly—whether that’s for charter flights, aerial photography, cargo, or airlines later on.

So, how long does it take to become a pilot at the commercial level?

Full Training Timeline:

If you’re starting from zero experience, it usually takes 12 to 18 months to become a commercial pilot with full-time training.

The full path includes:

1. Private Pilot License (PPL)
2. Instrument Rating (IR) – required for flying in low visibility or under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – authorizes paid flight operations

Flight Hour Requirements:

• Part 141 schools: minimum 190 total flight hours
• Part 61 schools: minimum 250 total flight hours

The time it takes depends heavily on how often you can fly, how quickly you pass your checkrides, and even seasonal factors like weather delays or aircraft availability.

If you’re serious about aviation as a career, this stage is critical. It answers the deeper version of the question: how long does it take to become a pilot who can fly professionally—not just recreationally.

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Pilot?

One of the most common misconceptions among aspiring aviators is that a college degree is required to fly professionally. In reality, the FAA does not require a college degree to issue any pilot certification—not even the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), which is the highest level of certification in the U.S.

So, how long does it take to become a pilot if you skip college entirely? The answer: about the same, or possibly faster, depending on the intensity of your flight training program.

Focus on FAA Certifications—Not Academics

When it comes to getting hired as a pilot, what really matters are your FAA licenses and total flight hours. The path typically includes a Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating (IR), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and ultimately, the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP).

However, while a degree is not required, some major airlines may prefer candidates who have one—especially for senior or international roles. That said, many regional airlines and charter companies do not require a degree at all, especially given the current pilot shortage. In fact, many professional pilots begin working in the industry without a traditional academic background and later complete a degree part-time, if needed.

Flight Academy vs. Aviation University

There are two main training paths:

1. Flight academies offer focused, accelerated training programs without a university curriculum.
2. University-based aviation programs blend flight training with a college degree, often over four years.

If your primary goal is to become a commercial pilot as quickly and affordably as possible, an FAA-approved flight academy like the Florida Flyers Flight Academy is often the faster route.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Airline Pilot?

If your long-term dream is to fly for a major airline, you’re probably wondering: how long does it take to become a pilot who sits in the cockpit of a commercial jet? The answer depends on how fast you can build hours and pass your certifications—but most pilots reach the airline level in 24 to 36 months.

From Flight School to Airline Cockpit

The FAA requires airline pilots to hold an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), which comes with a minimum of 1,500 flight hours (or 1,000 for those in specific structured training programs, like university-based or military pathways).

Here’s a typical timeline:

• 0–12 months: Earn your PPL, IR, and CPL
• 12–24 months: Build flight hours—often by working as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), flying for small charter companies, or joining a time-building program
• 24–36 months: Reach 1,000–1,500 hours and apply for regional airline roles

To shorten the process, many flight schools partner with airlines through cadet programs, which offer structured pipelines from training to employment. These programs often provide mentorship, guaranteed interviews, and accelerated training schedules—sometimes helping pilots reach regional airline hiring minimums in under 2.5 years.

For those asking, “How long does it take to become a pilot at the airline level?”—the general answer is about two to three years, assuming you train full-time and commit to hour-building immediately after certification.

Whether you choose a traditional route or a fast-track program, the journey to the airlines is achievable with focus, discipline, and consistency.

What Factors Affect How Long It Takes to Become a Pilot?

While most flight schools will give you an average timeline, the real answer to how long does it take to become a pilot depends on several variables. From where you train to how often you fly, small details can make a big difference in your overall progress.

Weather and Location

Training in a location with reliable flying weather is one of the biggest time-savers. States like Florida offer year-round VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions, meaning fewer cancellations and more consistent training. Students at Florida-based schools often complete their licenses faster than those in colder or storm-prone regions.

Flight School Structure: Part 61 vs. Part 141

Your choice of flight school can also impact how long it takes. Part 141 programs follow an FAA-approved curriculum with structured lesson plans, which can shorten the required flight hours—190 hours for commercial pilot eligibility, compared to 250 hours under Part 61. That can save both time and money, especially for students flying full-time.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Training

Your weekly flying schedule has a major influence on progress. A full-time student flying 4–5 days a week could complete training in a year or less, while a part-time student flying once a week might take 18 to 24 months—or longer. Consistency is key.

Ground School and Exam Prep

Don’t overlook ground school. Delays in passing your FAA written exams or rescheduling oral checkrides can stall your progress. Online or accelerated ground school options can help you stay on pace.

International Student Processing

If you’re coming from outside the U.S., expect additional steps like visa processing, TSA approval, and sometimes extra paperwork for medical certificates. While these don’t affect flight hours, they can extend your timeline before training officially begins.

In short, the answer to “how long does it take to become a pilot?” depends on the speed of your training, how often you fly, and whether you’re navigating the system as a domestic or international student. With the right plan, many students move from zero to commercial pilot in less than two years.

Conclusion: How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot?

Becoming a licensed pilot doesn’t take as long—or cost as much—as many people assume. With full-time commitment, structured training, and a favorable flying environment, most students can go from their first flight to commercial certification in 12 to 24 months.

If you’re still asking how long does it take to become a pilot, the truth is: it depends on you. But with the right school and schedule, it’s absolutely possible to fast-track your aviation career.

Florida Flyers Flight Academy offers FAA-approved Part 141 programs designed to get you there faster—with year-round flying conditions, expert instructors, and proven training pathways that save you time without compromising safety.

FAQ: How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot?

How long does it take to become a pilot in the USA?

In the U.S., most students can become private pilots in 3 to 6 months with full-time training. Reaching commercial pilot status takes about 12 to 18 months, and becoming an airline pilot generally requires 24 to 36 months, depending on flight hours and experience. Your pace directly affects how long it takes to become a pilot at each stage.

Can I become a pilot in one year?

Yes—if you’re training full-time at a Part 141 academy, it’s possible to earn your Private, Instrument, and even Commercial licenses within 12 months. Your actual timeline depends on consistency, weather, and passing your exams on the first try.

How long is flight school full-time vs part-time?

Full-time flight school can take 12–18 months to complete full commercial training. Part-time students often need 18–30 months or longer, especially if they can only fly once or twice a week. This is a major factor in determining how long does it take to become a pilot.

Does it take longer under Part 61?

Yes, typically. Part 61 flight schools require more flight hours (250 vs. 190 for a CPL), which usually extends the timeline unless you train very aggressively. However, they offer more flexibility for part-time students.

How do international students complete pilot training?

International students must apply for an M-1 visa, pass TSA security checks, and complete the same FAA-approved training as U.S. students. Most international students complete their training in the same 12–24 month window, though visa processing may add some lead time.

Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at (904) 209-3510 to learn more about how to do the foreign pilot license conversion in 4 steps.