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

How to Become an Airline Pilot

Piloting an aircraft is an exciting and unique profession and requires a great deal of training and practice. There are several different types of pilot licenses. Private Pilots are licensed to fly for recreational purposes and operate aircraft without compensation. They must pass a written test and pass a check ride with an instructor pilot. Commercial Pilots are licensed to fly for compensation or hire and must pass a written exam, a medical exam and a check ride with an instructor pilot. Instrument Pilots are certified to fly solely by reference to instruments, such as GPS and navigation systems, and must pass a written test, a medical exam and a check ride with an instructor pilot. Airline Transport Pilots are licensed to fly for large airlines and must pass a written test, a medical exam and a check ride with an instructor pilot. Each license has its own specific requirements and must be renewed periodically. Understanding the different types of pilot licenses is important for those interested in becoming a pilot.

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 - How to Become an Airline Pilot

Pilot licenses are a vital part of the aviation industry and there are a variety of licenses available to those who wish to pursue a career as a pilot. There are different licenses for different levels of expertise and the requirements for each license vary. Understanding the different types of pilot licenses is essential for anyone who is interested in flying and becoming a pilot.

The most basic type of pilot license is the private pilot license. This license is necessary for those who are looking to fly for recreational purposes or to fly a small, single-engine aircraft. To obtain a private pilot license, applicants must pass a written examination, obtain a medical certificate, complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight training and pass a practical flight test.

The next level of pilot license is the commercial pilot license. This license is necessary for those who are looking to become a professional pilot, such as an airline or charter pilot. To obtain a commercial pilot license, applicants must have a minimum of 250 hours of flight experience, a valid medical certificate and pass both a written and practical flight test.

The third level of pilot license is the instrument rating. This license is necessary for those who are looking to fly in bad weather conditions, such as low visibility or instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). To obtain an instrument rating, applicants must have a minimum of 50 hours of instrument flight time, a valid medical certificate and pass both a written and practical flight test.

Finally, the fourth level of pilot license is the airline transport pilot license. This license is necessary for those who are looking to become an airline captain or a first officer on an airliner. To obtain an airline transport pilot license, applicants must have a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience, a valid medical certificate and pass both a written and practical flight test.

In addition to the different types of pilot licenses, there are also different ratings that pilots can obtain. These ratings include the multi-engine rating, the rotorcraft rating, the tailwheel rating and the seaplane rating. These ratings are necessary for those who are looking to expand their piloting skills, such as flying a multi-engine aircraft, a helicopter or a seaplane.

No matter what type of pilot license you are looking to obtain, it is important to understand the different types of licenses and their requirements. With the right knowledge and preparation, anyone can become a successful pilot. For more information on the various types of pilot licenses and their requirements, visit Pilot Career, Pilot Training, Airline Pilots, Aircraft Pilots and Commercial 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 - Understanding the Different Types of Pilot Licenses â€“ This article will provide an overview of the different types of pilot licenses, such as private, commercial, and instrument, and their requirements.

Pilot licenses are required to fly airplanes and helicopters, and are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has several different types of pilot licenses, each with its own set of requirements. Understanding the different types of pilot licenses and their requirements can help you decide which type of license to pursue.

Private Pilot License

The private pilot license is the most basic type of pilot license and is required for most recreational flying. To obtain a private pilot license, a person must be at least 17 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and pass an FAA medical exam. They must also pass a written exam and complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight time. The private pilot license allows the holder to fly an aircraft for personal use, such as sightseeing, or to transport passengers or cargo for non-commercial purposes.

Commercial Pilot License

The commercial pilot license is a more advanced type of pilot license, and is required for any type of paid flying. To obtain a commercial pilot license, a person must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and pass an FAA medical exam. In addition, they must pass a written exam and complete a minimum of 250 hours of flight time. The commercial pilot license allows the holder to fly an aircraft for commercial purposes, such as charter flights or air taxi services.

Instrument Rating

The instrument rating is a specialized type of pilot license, and is required for any type of instrument flight. To obtain an instrument rating, a person must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and pass an FAA medical exam. They must also pass a written exam and complete a minimum of 50 hours of instrument flight time. The instrument rating allows the holder to fly an aircraft in low visibility conditions, such as clouds, by relying solely on the aircraft’s instruments.

Multi-Engine Rating

The multi-engine rating is a specialized type of pilot license, and is required for any type of multi-engine aircraft. To obtain a multi-engine rating, a person must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and pass an FAA medical exam. They must also pass a written exam and complete a minimum of 20 hours of multi-engine flight time. The multi-engine rating allows the holder to fly a multi-engine aircraft, such as a twin-engine plane or a four-engine jet.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of pilot licenses and their requirements can help you decide which type of license to pursue. The private pilot license is the most basic type of license and is required for most recreational flying. The commercial pilot license is a more advanced type of license and is required for any type of paid flying. The instrument rating is a specialized type of license and is required for any type of instrument flight. And the multi-engine rating is a specialized type of license and is required for any type of multi-engine aircraft. No matter which type of license you decide to pursue, the first step is to pass the FAA medical exam.

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.