Ask an Explainer
How can I become a commercial pilot?
First, a commercial pilot is different than an airline transport pilot. A commercial pilot is authorized to do things like agricultural applications, banner towing, photography, and flight instruction. An airline transport pilot is authorized to act as a member of a flight crew in scheduled airline operations.
To get your commercial pilot's license you'll need to be at least 18 years old; hold a private pilot certification; be able to read, write, and understand English; accrue at least 250 hours of piloting time; pass a 100-question test; and pass an oral and flight test administered by an FAA inspector.
Start by looking around local airfields for classes and doing research about local flight schools. You should also get a four-year college degree. Regional airlines in the U.S. don't necessarily require a college degree, but major airlines do.
