What Is an Airline Pilot?

An Airline Pilot is a professional aviator responsible for operating large commercial aircraft that carry passengers or cargo under FAA Part 121 regulations. They manage every phase of flight—from preflight planning to landing—while ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Airline pilots must understand aircraft systems, weather, navigation, automation, crew resource management, and emergency procedures at a professional level.

Airline pilots fly aircraft such as:

• Narrowbody: Airbus A320/A321, Boeing 737, Embraer 175, CRJ-700/900

• Widebody: Boeing 767, 777, 787, Airbus A330, A350

• Cargo variants: 767F, 777F, A300F, 747F

Their responsibilities include:

• Reading dispatch releases, weather reports, NOTAMs, MEL/CDL items

• Calculating takeoff/landing performance and weight & balance

• Programming FMS/autopilot systems

• Communicating with ATC during all phases of flight

• Monitoring engine parameters, flight controls, electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems

• Handling abnormal and emergency situations with standard procedures

• Ensuring passenger safety, crew communication, and operational coordination

• Logging flight time and maintaining strict FAA compliance

This career demands professionalism, discipline under pressure, strong communication, and mastery of aircraft systems.

How to Start Your Journey as an Airline Pilot

1. Meet basic eligibility requirements

Airline pilots must have:

• First-Class Medical Certificate (highest medical standard in aviation)

• Minimum age 23 for full ATP certificate

• Clean background check for SIU/PRIA review

• Strong skills in math, physics, multitasking, and situational awareness

2. Begin flight training

A typical training path includes:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)

Learn fundamentals of flight, navigation, weather, regulations.

• Instrument Rating (IR)

Learn to fly solely by reference to instruments—required for airline operations.

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Certified to be paid for flying; advanced maneuvers and precision.

• Multi-Engine Rating

Learn to fly aircraft with more than one engine; critical for airline training.

Flight training can be done through:

• University aviation programs (ERAU, UND, Purdue, MTSU)

• 141 academies (ATP Flight School, CAE, Skyborne)

• Local flight schools under Part 61

University programs provide structure, degree options, and airline partnerships.

Academy programs offer fast, focused pathways.

3. Build flight time (Time-building phase)

To qualify for airline minimums, pilots must accumulate hours. Most build time as:

• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)

(Most common and efficient pathway)

• Aerial survey pilot

• Banner towing

• Pipeline/oil field patrol

• Skydive pilot

• Part 135 charter pilot

Standard ATP requirement:

• 1,500 total flight hours

Restricted ATP (lower hour requirements):

• 1,000 hours — Aviation degree from approved universities

• 1,250 hours — Two-year degree aviation programs

• 750 hours — Military pilots

4. Complete the ATP Certification Requirements

To fly for an airline, every pilot must:

• Complete the ATP-CTP Course

A multi-day advanced course with:

• High-level aerodynamics

• Jet aircraft systems

• High-speed flight

• Automation theory

• Crew Resource Management (CRM)

• Level-D full motion simulator sessions

• Pass the ATP Written Exam

• Complete the ATP Practical (Checkride)

Often conducted during airline training.

5. Get hired by a regional or major airline

Entry pathways:

• Regional First Officer (most common starting point)

• Direct-Entry FO (for high-time applicants)

• Airline cadet/flow programs

• Military pilot transitions

Regional Airlines (first job for most pilots)

Examples:

• Envoy Air

• SkyWest

• PSA

• Endeavor Air

• Republic Airways

Major Airlines (long-term career goals)

Examples:

• Delta

• United

• American

• Southwest

• Alaska

• JetBlue

Pilots advance based on seniority, which determines schedule, aircraft type, pay, and home base.

6. Career Progression (Seniority System)

Airline pilot careers progress through levels:

• First Officer (FO)

Second-in-command; assists captain with all flight duties.

• Captain

Pilot-in-command (PIC); ultimate authority for the flight; higher pay and responsibility.

• Line Check Pilot / Instructor

Trains new pilots on the line.

• Check Airman / Training Captain

Conducts simulator evaluations, proficiency checks, and new-hire training.

• Management Roles

Chief pilot, fleet captain, safety officer, training department, or flight operations leadership.

Career Pathways Within Airline Aviation

Regional Airline Pilot

Pilots short- and medium-range routes in dense traffic and challenging weather.

Typical aircraft: Embraer 175, CRJ-700/900.

Key duties:

• Frequent takeoffs and landings

• Fast-paced turnarounds

• Daily schedule flexibility

• High ATC workload in terminal airspace

Major Airline Pilot

Flies larger aircraft on domestic or international routes.

Typical aircraft: A320, B737, A220, 757.

Key duties:

• Medium to long-range flights

• More predictable schedules

• Higher pay and better benefits

International / Long-Haul Pilot

Operates widebodies across oceans and continents.

Typical aircraft: 787, A350, 777, A330.

Key duties:

• ETOPS and oceanic procedures

• Crew rest management

• Monitoring long-haul fuel strategies

• Complex weather/route planning

Check Airman / Instructor Pilot

A leadership and training role.

Key duties:

• Conducting simulator checks

• Teaching aircraft systems

• Certifying new captains and FOs

• Ensuring safety and SOP adherence

Top Schools for Airline Pilot Training and How to Get Involved

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach & Prescott)

Industry-leading pilot training, Level-D simulators, large training fleet, and strong airline pipelines.

• University of North Dakota (UND)

Massive aviation program, advanced simulators, strong recruiting connections.

• Purdue University

High-quality professional flight program with strong academic integration.

• Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

Large training fleet, structured courses, and airline partnerships.

• Western Michigan University (WMU)

Respected aviation program with cadet pathways.

• ATP Flight School

Fast-track training with standardized airline partnerships.

Tip: Choose a program with flow-through agreements—it significantly speeds up reaching the majors.

Trends & Opportunities in Airline Aviation

• Massive demand for pilots due to retirements and fleet growth

• Airlines rapidly expanding domestic and international networks

• Modern fleets with improved technology (A321XLR, 737 MAX, 787, A350)

• Increase in pilot hiring classes across all airlines

• Higher starting pay at regionals and majors

• Strong long-term job security due to seniority system

• More direct-entry programs and cadet pathways

• Growth of low-cost carriers and global aviation markets

Final Thoughts

Airline pilots carry one of the highest levels of responsibility in aviation. From commanding advanced jet aircraft to making critical decisions in complex weather and airspace environments, they play a central role in global transportation. With structured progression, strong career stability, and expanding opportunities, airline flying is an exciting and rewarding path for students seeking a high-impact career built on technical skill, professionalism, and leadership.