Golden Epaulettes Aviation - A globally recognized, top-ranking institute for ground training in aviation.

Exploring the Requirements for Airline Pilots

Airline pilots are among the most highly trained and skilled professionals in the sky. To be hired as an airline pilot, a person must have the appropriate qualifications and certifications. These include a commercial pilot’s license, medical certificate, instrument rating and a type rating. The latter is a certification that enables the pilot to fly a specific type of aircraft such as the Boeing 737 (B-737). To obtain the B-737 type rating, a pilot must pass a rigorous ground and flight training program that covers the aircraft’s flight systems, handling, performance and other specific procedures. Once the training is completed, the pilot must pass an FAA practical test that evaluates their knowledge and ability to safely operate the aircraft. With a B-737 type rating, pilots can be hired by airlines to transport passengers and cargo safely and efficiently.

4.9 out of 5 based on 800+ Review

4.8/5

Workshop Registration

4000+ Pilots Trained

World-Class Instructors

Live Online / Classroom

20+Countries & Counting

Video News

Program Name

Class Type

Batch Start Date

Enroll Now

DGCA Ground Classes
Preparatory Classes

Online/Offline

19th June, 2025

Enroll Now

INDIGO CADET PROGRAM
Preparatory Classes

Online/Offline

21st June, 2025

Enroll Now

Overview - Exploring the Requirements for Airline Pilots

Exploring the Requirements for Airline Pilots: An Overview of the Qualifications and Certifications Necessary to be Hired as an Airline Pilot, with a Focus on the B-737 Type Rating

Becoming an airline pilot is a lifelong dream for many aspiring aviators, but it is not an easy path to take. There are a number of qualifications and certifications that must be met in order to be considered for a job in this highly competitive field. This article will provide an overview of the qualifications and certifications necessary to become an airline pilot, with a focus on the B-737 type rating.

To begin, in order to be considered for a job as an airline pilot, an individual must have a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The CPL requires the completion of a minimum of 250 hours of flying time, including 40 hours of cross-country time, 10 hours of night time, 15 hours of instrument time, and 5 hours of complex airplane time. Additionally, the individual must pass a written knowledge test, a flight test, and a medical exam.

In addition to the CPL, there is the B-737 type rating. This type rating is required by all major airlines in order to fly the Boeing 737 aircraft. The course consists of approximately 150 hours of ground study and 20 hours of simulator training. The individual must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the aircraft systems, as well as the ability to safely and efficiently operate it in a variety of situations.

Once the individual has met the requirements to obtain the CPL and the B-737 type rating, they must then demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills in order to be hired by an airline. This involves passing a comprehensive written and flight test, as well as an interview. The individual must also have a minimum of 500 hours of flying experience, with at least 100 hours in a multi-engine aircraft.

Overall, becoming an airline pilot is a challenging process, but the rewards are great. With the right qualifications and certifications, an individual can pursue a career in the aviation industry and fulfill their dreams of becoming an airline pilot. The B-737 type rating is a critical component of the process, and it is essential that individuals understand what is required in order to obtain it. With the right training and dedication, anyone can soar to new heights as an airline pilot.

Drop us a Query

Enroll now for Best Science Course

Full Name

Phone number

Course

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

One-on-One Counselling Sessions

Choosing to become a pilot is a life-changing decision—and you shouldn’t have to make it alone.
At Golden Epaulettes, we offer personalized one-on-one counseling sessions with experienced airline captains who’ve helped thousands of students make the right career move.

Book a 1-on-1 Pilot Career Counselling Session

Your Career Deserves Clarity, Not Confusion

Choosing to become a pilot is a life-changing decision—and you shouldn’t have to make it alone. At Golden Epaulettes, we offer personalized one-on-one counseling sessions with experienced airline captains who’ve helped thousands of students make the right career move.

Assessment of your academic background & eligibility
Custom roadmap for Cadet or CPL path based on your financials and timeline
Clarification on DGCA medicals, flying schools, exams, and type ratings
Honest advice about scholarships, loans, and affordability for middle-class families
Mindset coaching to overcome fear, doubt, or misinformation

Complete Information - Exploring the Requirements for Airline Pilots: An overview of the qualifications and certifications necessary to be hired as an airline pilot, with a focus on the B-737 type rating.

Airline pilots are highly trained and skilled professionals who command tremendous responsibility. They must be able to make quick decisions in times of crisis and be able to handle complex aircraft systems. Before an individual can be hired as an airline pilot, they must meet a variety of requirements and certifications. This article will provide an overview of the qualifications and certifications necessary to be hired as an airline pilot, with a focus on the B-737 type rating.

To be hired as an airline pilot, an individual must first possess a valid commercial pilot license. This is usually obtained by completing a flight training program from a certified flight school. During training, students must complete a minimum of 250 hours of flight time, including at least 100 hours of cross-country flight, 10 hours of night flying, and 10 hours of instrument flying. In addition to this, pilots must also pass a medical exam and obtain a first-class medical certificate.

Once the commercial pilot license has been obtained, pilots must then obtain the appropriate type rating. Type ratings are specific to a certain aircraft and demonstrate that a pilot has the necessary knowledge and experience to fly a certain type of aircraft. For the B-737, pilots must obtain the B-737 type rating, which typically requires between 15 to 20 hours of flight time. This training includes operating the aircraft’s systems, flying maneuvers, and emergency procedures. In addition, pilots must also pass a practical exam in order to obtain the type rating.

In addition to the type rating, pilots must also obtain a number of other certifications, including an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, a multi-engine rating, and an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) rating. The ATP certificate is the highest certification a pilot can obtain and requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time, including 500 hours of multi-engine time and 100 hours of night time. The multi-engine rating is required for aircraft with more than one engine and the IFR rating is required for flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Finally, pilots must also obtain a number of endorsements and authorizations, including a security background check and a first-class medical certificate. The security background check is designed to ensure that pilots have not committed any serious crimes or acts of terrorism, while the first-class medical certificate demonstrates that the pilot is physically and mentally fit to fly.

Overall, obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications to be hired as an airline pilot is a lengthy and intensive process. Pilots must possess a valid commercial pilot license, obtain the appropriate type rating (in this case, the B-737 type rating), and obtain a number of other certifications, endorsements, and authorizations. While the process may seem daunting, the rewards of becoming an airline pilot are great, and with the proper training and dedication, individuals can pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in the aviation industry.

Drop us a Query

Enroll now for Best Science Course

Full Name

Phone number

Course

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Social Media

Join India’s Fastest-Growing Pilot Community – Learn Directly from Airline Captains!

Join the Golden Epaulettes Pilot Community—India’s fastest-growing network for aspiring aviators. This mentorship-driven platform connects you with experienced airline captains, including Capt. Deval Soni and Capt. Tomar Awdhesh. Whether you're just starting or preparing for your cadet pilot journey, this community is your gateway to expert guidance, peer connections, and real industry knowledge.

Join the GE Pilot Community

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead

Become part of the fastest-growing pilot mentorship group in India.The Golden Epaulettes Community is where aspiring pilots connect, learn, and grow—guided by experienced airline captains.

Get notified about exclusive webinars, career updates & DGCA changes
Connect with fellow aspirants, alumni, and mentors
Access curated study tips, updates, and aviation news
Engage with Experts and receive insights from Capt. Deval Soni & Capt. Tomar Awdhesh
Be Part of a Network of thousands of like-minded future aviators
Early Access to webinars, workshops.

Join the GE Community

Are you planning to pursue a career in aviation but unsure where to begin?Gain actionable insights from Capt. Deval Soni, an A320 Commander and mentor to over 3,500 aspiring pilots across India.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Books Preview

This comprehensive subject encompasses Air Law, Operational Procedures, Human Performance and Limitations, and Communications. Air Law covers international and national aviation laws, regulations, and licensing requirements. Operational Procedures include standard operating protocols and emergency procedures. Human Performance and Limitations examine the physiological and psychological aspects affecting pilot performance. Communications focus on standard aviation communication procedures and phraseology.