Discover the exciting commercial pilot career, its requirements, and its price.

How to become an airline pilot, entry requirements, and how much it costs.

If you’re interested in becoming an airline pilot, we can tell you that this is the perfect time to complete your training. The aviation sector currently needs pilots due to the increase in commercial traffic, globalization, and the natural regeneration of airline pilot workforces.

As a fact to keep in mind, we’ll tell you that in 2023, passenger traffic in Spain will increase by 16.2% compared to 2022, with the Spanish airport network carrying a total of 283 million passengers. This is the sector with the highest growth rate.

According to reports from major aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing, more than 763,000 pilots will be needed worldwide, of which 147,000 will be hired by European companies by 2039. So, if you’re reading this article, pay close attention because it could be an opportunity to train in a prestigious profession with good salaries and a broad career path.

What do you need to study to become a commercial pilot?

The requirements to become a professional pilot or commercial pilot are defined in the European licensing regulations, known as AIRCREW Part FCL, which outlines the entire academic path that pilot schools and student pilots must follow.

The objective of this course is for students to obtain a commercial pilot license (CPL(A). To do this, the student must complete a theoretical training course called Airline Transport Theory ATPL(A) and flight and/or flight simulator training to obtain various qualifications or ratings associated with the flight license, such as instrument rating, multi-engine rating, etc.

Our recommendation is to complete the training through an integrated commercial pilot course that guarantees the student meets all the requirements demanded by airlines under European regulations (EASA) for their future entry into the labor market.

The latest academic developments have included very interesting new concepts such as Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (KSA or Area 100), Performance-based Navigation (PBN), and Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), which significantly improve pilot performance.

The duration of the commercial pilot course under normal conditions is 18 to 24 months, depending on the time spent studying and completing the theoretical subjects, weather conditions, and maintenance work on the aircraft fleet.

Requirements to Be a Commercial Pilot

To be eligible for and receive the training necessary to obtain a commercial pilot license, students must meet the following requirements:

Class 1 Aeronautical Medical Certificate: Before starting the course, students must have this certificate. This initial medical examination includes ophthalmological and hearing tests, an electrocardiogram, and blood tests to monitor various parameters. These tests can take an entire day and cost approximately €500. Subsequently, and depending on age, this certificate must be renewed periodically at least once a year.
Incompatible Conditions: Certain conditions are incompatible with the profession of pilot: color blindness, some types of diabetes, epilepsy, or cardiovascular diseases, among others, are considered unsuitable for the profession of commercial airline pilot.
English Level: To be able to work in the aeronautical sector, a minimum level of English is required. Please note that all study materials, aircraft manuals, daily operations at international airports, etc., are in English. During the course, students are fully immersed in aeronautical language and are assessed at the school. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established six levels of language proficiency; the minimum level a pilot must attain is operational level 4, which must be renewed every four years, and level 6 is the maximum for use in the aeronautical environment.
How many hours of airplane and simulator flight are required to become a commercial pilot?

During commercial pilot training, regulations require students to complete a minimum of 145 hours of flight time in single- and twin-engine aircraft, under visual and instrument rules. These flight hours are mostly accompanied by a qualified flight instructor; however, at least 16 hours of flight time must be completed by the student alone without an instructor on board.

The flight simulator phase encompasses everything from instrument flight training (IFR) to obtaining the instrument rating (IR) to commercial or multi-crew flight during the MCC phase. During the course, simulators are frequently used for additional training before the first flight, emergency practice, or to safely perform certain maneuvers. The minimum required flight simulator training is 50 hours.

Is the airline pilot course difficult?

The commercial pilot course requires high concentration in a short amount of time, given that the theoretical and flight phases are completed simultaneously and in a very short timeframe.

Much has been said about the math and physics requirements for airline pilot course students, but the truth is that a pilot is not an engineer. Pilots fly and operate aircraft systems, for which they must have a good understanding and a solid foundation. They do not design them, so the level of these subjects is not much higher than what is required in high school. However, the school offers students additional training in these areas before starting the course.

How much does the commercial pilot course cost?

The price of the pilot course with the commercial pilot license depends on the option chosen. This varies depending on the flight hours booked and the additional training the student wishes to undertake.

The price of the commercial pilot course is €75,000, including all necessary flight hours, fees, insurance, official exams, and licensing procedures. Various financing options and interest-free installment payments are available (see courses).

The pilot course is sold as a complete package with a fixed price, with no surprises or surcharges during training. In our case, we also offer more than the minimum required number of flight hours in airplanes and simulators for optimal pilot preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a private pilot course and a commercial pilot course?

The private pilot course does not qualify you to work as a pilot; the purpose is to fly for sport or as a hobby. If you want to work as an airline pilot, for executive aviation, for cargo, or for aerial work, you will need to take the commercial pilot course.

Do you have to be a private pilot to be a commercial pilot?

It’s not required. If you want to be a commercial pilot, you can take the commercial pilot course directly; no experience is required. If you already have the private pilot course, you can still enroll in the commercial pilot course with a small reduction in training hours.

How many years of training are required to become a commercial pilot?

The course lasts 18 to 24 months.

What qualifications are required to become a commercial pilot?

A high school diploma or equivalent. Alternatively, you must pass a specific math and physics exam to be taken at school. An intermediate or advanced level of English is required.

How many flight hours does a commercial pilot need?

The legal minimum is 195 flight hours and 900 theoretical hours. At our school, we offer a minimum of 236 flight hours and 1,200 total theoretical hours during the course.

At what age can you become an airline pilot?

The minimum age to begin studying to become a commercial pilot is 17, keeping in mind that you must wait at least 18 to obtain your Commercial Pilot License and be able to work as a pilot.

The maximum recommended age to take the commercial pilot course is 36; after that, the chances of entering the labor market without experience are significantly reduced.

Are there scholarships for commercial pilots in Spain?

Pilot schools don’t offer this option for initial courses. However, at our school, we offer a scholarship to the best student in each class with a significant discount on the flight instructor course.

Where to study to become a pilot?

If you want to receive demanding, high-quality training at a leading school in Madrid and Mallorca, Flyschool Air Academy is your best choice. You’ll feel like an airline pilot from day one, accompanied by highly experienced and highly qualified professionals (see courses).

How much does a pilot earn?

The average salary of an airline pilot is between €30,000 and €150,000 gross per year; for foreign airlines, these amounts can be higher.

The companies that pay pilots the best salaries are generally those with long-haul operations, a large fleet, and sufficient years in the market to allow their pilots and crews to develop professionally.

Other benefits that airlines often offer include reduced hours for childcare, the possibility of taking leave and choosing schedules, insurance against loss of license or medical conditions, per diem on international trips, etc.