THE CIVILIAN PATHWAY
So, what’s the "civilian" pathway all about? It’s the route where regular civilians—just like you—leap into aviation without joining the military. Instead of getting your training through the Air Force or Navy, you enroll in flight school, pay for your lessons, and work your way up to earning your wings on your own terms. It’s all about building hours, getting certified, and making your own schedule while chasing your dream of flying. Whether you want to fly for a commercial airline, start your own business, or just have fun as a hobby pilot, this path lets you take control of your journey!
(Amelia Earhart) The first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
How can I become a pilot without joining the military?
Similar to Amelia Earhart, you won’t have military officers and colonels guiding you every step of the way. Learning to fly and get certified on your own can feel tricky and overwhelming, which is why I’ve broken down the basic steps to follow if you choose this path!
Step 1: Flight Training and Ground School
The first step in the civilian route to becoming a pilot is enrolling in a flight school. You’ll start with ground school, which provides the "theoretical" foundation for aviation. During ground school, you’ll learn topics like aerodynamics, navigation, weather patterns, airspace rules, and aviation safety. This prepares you for the written exam required to earn your Private Pilot License (PPL), which allows you to fly an aircraft for personal use. You’ll also need to complete a minimum of 40 flight hours (often closer to 60-70), including both flight training with an instructor and solo flights. After completing these requirements, you’ll pass a check ride (a flight test with an examiner) to demonstrate your abilities. The process seems hard, but a good comparison is the process in which you must take to get your driver's license!
Step 2: Build Flight Hours
Once you've earned your Private Pilot License, the next step is to build flight hours to qualify for more advanced certifications. To get a Commercial Pilot license (CPL), you'll need at least 250 total flight hours. Many pilots build these hours by flying solo after receiving their PPL, but others also gain hours by working as a flight instructor and flying smaller aircraft for purposes such as transporting cargo or banner towing. The more hours you log, the more experience you'll gain, which will also make you stand out when applying for jobs later.
Step 3: Gain Commercial and Instrument Ratings
With the necessary completed hours in hand, you'll move on to receiving your Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which allows you to get paid for flying! To qualify for the CPL, it is required that you pass both a written exam and a flight exam---much like the process of getting your PPL. In addition to the CPL, most pilots also work towards getting an instrument rating. What is an instrument rating? This is a certification that allows you to fly in various weather conditions such as low visibility, by relying on your instruments instead of what you see (like when there is a bad storm and the pilot cannot see more than a couple yards ahead of the aircraft). This rating requires additional flight hours, training, and exams. It's worth it, though, because it betters your flying skills and opens up more opportunities in commercial aviation!
Step 4: Get Additional Certifications and Apply for Jobs
After obtaining your CPL and any necessary ratings, you can go on to additional certifications to expand your career opportunities. For example, you could earn a multi-engine rating if you want to fly larger, multi-engine aircraft. If your goal is to work for an airline, you'll eventually need to earn the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, which requires a minimum of 1,500 flight hours and passing... you guessed it! A series of more exams. With your CPL and ratings, you can start applying for aviation jobs such as flight instructor or flying for smaller companies to build more experience. As you accumulate more hours and qualifications, you'll be in a stronger position to apply for commercial airline pilot roles and other advanced aviation jobs!