How To Become a Career Airline Pilot


How Long Does It Take?

Become a Commercial Pilot in as little as 12 months

As a Cessna Pilot Center (CPC), JA Flight utilizes the King School on-line curriculum for the Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi programs. All of our ground and flight training is done one-on-one with your instructor. We tailor our flight training programs to your specific needs and schedule.


We are open at 7am seven days a week. For those students wanting an accelerated program and can commit to full-time at least five days a week, we can get you from first flight to a commercial rating in under 12 months! Call us today to set up a meeting with an FAA Certified Flight Instructor to start your training.

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What Does It Cost?

The cost of flight training can vary depending on the ability of the student to train on a regular basis. Students that commit to coming in 3-4 times per week can get from first flight to commercial rating under $70,000.00.


JA Flight Training offers some ways to help reduce training costs. By utilizing our Cessna 150's for both the Private and Commercial ratings students can see a substantial savings. Additionally, by selecting the Part 141 option for Instrument training, up to 40% of the rating can be done in one of our FAA Approved AATD Simulators. This also offers a substantial savings.

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Finance Your Training

Step-by-Step Guide


What are the steps to become a commercial pilot?

1

 Earn Private Pilot Certificate

2

Add Instrument Rating

3

Earn Commercial Pilot Certificate

certificate-solid

4

Earn Flight Instructor Certificate

5

Add Multi-Engine Rating

6

 Gain Experience & Interview

7

Commercial Pilot Job

Certifications You Earn

Private Pilot License

Earning your Private Pilot rating will allow you to fly yourself, friends and family to any of the thousands of airports throughout the country.

Instrument Rating

An instrument rating can be completed in as little as 30 days and is a rating that allows pilots to fly in "the clouds". With a fleet of glass cockpit aircraft and approved simulators we help keep the cost down.

Commercial Rating

A Commercial Pilot Rating allows you to fly for hire. It's the first step to getting to the airlines which requires an additional 1200 hours of flight time to attain.

Continued Training Needed for Airlines

Multi-engine Rating

Though not required for a commercial rating, the multi-engine rating is required to fly for the airlines.

Additional Flight Experience

Learn More About Southern Airways →

Most Airlines require 1500 hours of total flight time in order to apply. We have several ways to get there.... flight instruction or our Southern Airways program.

What Can & Can't Be Done as a Commercial Pilot?


Commercial pilots can flight instruct. Our programs include CFI, CFII and MEI.

Commercial Pilots can't just hop in a jet once they get their rating. A multi-engine rating is required as well as 1500 hours of flight experience.

Many commercial pilots find jobs as ferry pilots, crop dusting, banner towing and dropping skydivers as away to build time.

Student Testimonials

Achieving and maintaining a consistent record of 5-star reviews demonstrates our school's dedication to delivering top-notch aviation education and creating a supportive environment for students to thrive. 

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  • "I worked with great instructors throughout the entire duration of my pilot training."

    I started at JA Flight Training in October of 2019 and finished all of my flight training in November of 2020. During my time at JA Flight Training, the curriculum was tailored to my own needs from the program and I worked with great instructors throughout the entire duration of my pilot training. I started the program as a student and progressed all the way to being one of JA’s own instructors. All of the staff at JA, want students to succeed and progress in their careers and that’s exactly what got me to where I am today. I am currently a First Officer at a regional airline called JSX, based in Phoenix, Arizona. Completing my training at JA taught me experience that made my transition into the commercial airline world seamless!


Lauren Cain

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How To Become A Pilot - Contact Us

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630.549.2152
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