Becoming an airline pilot is not a career you can jump into on a whim; it requires dedication and a substantial financial commitment. How much does it cost to become an airline pilot? The exact cost of becoming an airline pilot varies depending on a variety of factors, including the type of aircraft you fly, the quality and length of your training, and more. Ready for takeoff? Let’s get started!
The Cost of Flight School
Assuming you want to become a commercial airline pilot, there are a few things you need to do. The first is get your Private Pilot License (PPL), which usually costs around $10,000. Then, you’ll need to get your Instrument Rating (IR), which lets you fly in bad weather and usually costs another $10,000.
After that, you’ll need to get your Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which allows you to fly for-hire and costs around $15,000. Once you have your CPL, you can start working as a flight instructor to build up your flight hours (typically 1,500 hours is the minimum required by airlines).
Or, if you have the money, you can attend a Flight academy which will cost between $40-$60k and provide all the necessary training to get your CPL in about a year.
Once you have your CPL and the required number of flight hours, you can start applying to airlines. The average starting salary for a first officer at a regional airline is around $30-40k per year. At a major airline, the starting salary is usually around $60-70k per year.
The Cost of a Pilot’s License
There are many factors to consider when budgeting for a pilot’s license. The most important factor is the cost of the training itself. Depending on the type of training you receive, the cost of your pilot’s license can range from $10,000 to $100,000. The second most important factor to consider is the cost of living while you attend training. Housing, food, and other necessary expenses can add up quickly. Finally, you will need to factor in the cost of insurance and equipment. While not required, most pilots choose to purchase their own flight gear, which can be expensive. However, if you are planning to become a commercial airline pilot, the costs associated with obtaining your license will pale in comparison to the cost of your career.
The Cost of a First Officer’s Salary
The average first officer’s salary is $36,000. This is the starting salary for most airlines. The cost of living has increased over the years, and this has caused the salaries of pilots to increase as well. First officers typically have a four-year degree, and some airlines require pilots to have a bachelor’s degree. Training costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000. The total cost of being an airline pilot can range from $100,000 to over $1 million.
The Cost of a Captain’s Salary
The average salary for an airline captain is $121,408 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual salary for all airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $127,820 in May 2019. The bottom 10% made less than $58,760, while the top 10% made more than $208,000.
In order to become an airline captain, one must first be a commercial pilot. To become a commercial pilot, one must have a minimum of 250 hours of flight experience and a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The cost of flight training varies depending on the type of training and the location. However, it typically costs between $10,000 and $50,000 to obtain a commercial pilot’s license.
There are many factors that affect an airline captain’s salary, such as the size of the airline, the geographical region where they are employed, and their level of experience. For example, captains who work for major airlines in metropolitan areas tend to earn higher salaries than those who work for regional airlines or small commuter airlines in rural areas. In addition, captains with more experience usually earn higher salaries than those with less experience.
How to Save Money as an Airline Pilot
Becoming an airline pilot is a costly endeavor, but there are ways to save money. Here are a few tips:
1. Get your private pilot’s license. You can do this at any flying school and it will cost you around $10,000. But, if you want to be an airline pilot, you’ll need to have a commercial pilot’s license, which requires 250 hours of flight time. If you get your private pilot’s license first, you can build up your flight time while working as a flight instructor or chartering planes.
2. Don’t go to an aviation college. There are many schools that offer aviation programs, but they can be very expensive and may not be necessary for becoming an airline pilot. Instead, look into online courses or community college programs that offer the same training for a fraction of the cost.
3. Join the military. If you have your heart set on becoming an airline pilot, joining the military is a great way to get started. Not only will they pay for your training, but you’ll also gain invaluable experience flying in different conditions and environments. Plus, once you’re done with your service, you’ll have an edge over other civilian pilots when applying for jobs with airlines.