Airline Career Pilot Program

near South Elgin, IL


Looking For a Career as an Airline Pilot?

Look no further than JA Flight!

Enroll in JA Flight Training's Airline Career Pilot Program near South Elgin, IL, and soar towards your dreams of becoming a pilot. With a strategic location just outside the bustling Chicago control area, our Pilot School provides an exceptional learning environment.

Our airline career pilot program offers aspiring pilots in the Chicago area the "Fastest Path to the Airlines," eliminating the need for a degree and allowing you to earn a co-pilot training position with Southern Airways in as little as 12 months. Don't miss this opportunity to join the aviation industry's rapid expansion and secure a fulfilling career as a pilot. Seize the skies and shape your future with JA Flight Training's expert guidance and top-tier training.

Request More Info

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.

Learn More →

From Private Pilot Certificate

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

Learn More →

Airline Pilot Salary:
How Much Do Pilots Make?

Before enrolling in an airline career pilot school, prospective individuals often inquire about pilot salaries. This inquiry is logical given the financial commitments involved, whether in the form of loans to repay or upfront tuition expenses.

As per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for airline and commercial pilots stood at $134,630 as of 2021. While attaining this level will necessitate experience and time, a well-structured program can facilitate your progression towards this benchmark. It's also essential to recognize that the median figure implies the possibility of higher earnings based on your employer, the regional cost of living, and the duration of your tenure.

Request More Info

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

The demand for pilots is soaring to new heights, making today the perfect time to pursue your passion for flying. Our Pilot School, situated on the JA Air Center campus at Chicago's Aurora Airport, offers an ideal setting for learning to navigate complex airspace while benefiting from the proximity to Chicago.

With advancements in technology, flight training has never been more accessible and efficient. Don't just learn to fly – become a part of the aviation legacy and join a dynamic industry that's shaping the future of transportation. Your dream of becoming a pilot starts here – take the first step with JA Flight Training today and launch your career among the clouds.

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. 

View More Reviews →

"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

Location Page - Contact Form

Contact Us

Request More Information

We would love to hear from you!

Request more info or give us a call.

630.549.2152
Contact Us →
Share by: