Airline Career Pilot Program

near Naperville, IL


Looking For a Career as an Airline Pilot?

Look no further than JA Flight!

You might not find a more satisfying, exciting, lucrative career with rising demand than a job as a professional airline pilot. Not many people can say they have the ability to operate a huge commercial airplane or helicopter. Beyond that, earning your pilot license means you get to travel to many exciting places, and once established, you can often choose the flights you want and make your own schedule! Many are drawn to the fascinating lifestyle offered by becoming a pilot, but might not know where to begin.

By getting some information and choosing the right flight school, you can determine if becoming a professional pilot is right for you. You might be surprised by how obtainable this career actually is!

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Choose Your Starting Point

Choose Your Starting Point

Routes to Become a Career Airline Pilot

Becoming an airline pilot is a road that starts with getting your Private, Instrument and Commercial Pilot ratings. Once completed with these ratings students typically have 250 - 300 of total flight time. The requirement to fly "jets" is 1500 total hours.... how do you get there?


Our accelerated path to Southern is one way and the other is becoming a Certified Flight Instructor. JA Flight Training offers all Instructor ratings and hires our Instructors from from within.

From Zero Experience

Start your career pilot journey by earning your pilot's license.

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From Private Pilot Certificate

Already have your pilot's license? Jump into our career airline pilot program.

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Airline Pilot Salary:
How Much Do Pilots Make?

Before committing to an airline career pilot school, many people want to know how much pilots make. It’s a reasonable question since you will have loans to pay back or have to come up with your tuition upfront.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for airline and commercial pilots at $134,630 as of 2021. While it will take time and experience to reach this level, a good program will help you get there. It’s also important to note that the median amount means you can potentially make more depending on your employer, the cost of living in your area, and tenure.

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Requirements To Become an Airline Pilot

To become an airline pilot, you must first enroll in a school certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You will start by obtaining a private pilot's license and progress to a commercial license while also earning instrument and multi-engine ratings. This requires both ground schooling and many hours of flight time with an instructor.


Once you obtain your commercial license, you can begin flying for paid positions in industries such as agriculture and tourism while working toward your final rating, which allows you to fly for commercial airlines. For those with no prior experience, this process typically takes about two years to complete. However, accelerated programs are available for individuals who already hold a pilot's license.


While a bachelor's degree is not mandatory to become an airline pilot, having one may make you a more competitive candidate. The expectations for pilots vary between airlines, with some requiring more experience as a commercial pilot than others.

Explore Our Affiliated Collegiate Programs

Your Local Airline Pilot Program

How To Choose the Right Flight School

Selecting the right flight school is a critical step in pursuing a career as a professional pilot, as it establishes the foundation for your entire career. If you're searching for flight schools in Illinois, J.A. Flight Training is the premier airline career pilot school located in Sugar Grove, just a short distance from Naperville, IL. Our Chicagoland flight school provides an expedient path to a career as an airline pilot.


At J.A. Flight Training, our top-notch instructors and various financing options ensure that you have all the necessary resources to achieve your dream of flying professionally. Additionally, we aim to connect our students with job opportunities immediately upon graduation. Whether you're looking to obtain your bachelor's degree alongside your pilot training or seeking guaranteed employment upon graduation, we have the right program for you.

Google Reviews

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

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"Love training at Ja flight training."

Love training at Ja flight training. Great people and the best instructors. The airplanes are very well maintained, highly recommend.

Faisal Sweiss

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630.549.2152
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