- Your path to becoming a commercial pilot can start right after high school or later through postgraduate routes, with aviation degrees offering access to both pilot licences and broader career options.
- Earning a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and a Frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) involves passing strict medical exams, mastering complex subjects, and gaining hundreds of flight hours under real-world conditions.
- While training costs and salaries vary by country, demand for qualified pilots remains strong worldwide — so explore your options and find the right aviation degree on Bachelorsportal.
Flying isn’t just about chasing clouds — it’s one of the most important jobs in a connected world. As a commercial pilot, you fly passengers or cargo on scheduled routes, helping people and businesses stay connected across countries and continents. It’s one of several career paths in aviation.
Sure, you could also become a private pilot, flying smaller aircraft for personal or recreational use, or a military pilot, flying for national defence. Still, since being a commercial pilot is the most popular career path, in this guide, we will focus on that. You'll learn all the steps on how to become a pilot: what you need to study, how to get your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and what it really takes to launch your career as a pilot.
What does a pilot do?
First thing to think about is "they fly planes". But it is a bit more complex than just that. First of all, they don't fly just planes, they also fly other types of aircraft, like helicopters etc. There are different types of pilots:
- Commercial airline pilots fly passengers on scheduled routes
- Cargo pilots transport goods instead of people
- Helicopter pilots may do rescue missions, news reporting, or medical flights
- Private pilots fly for individuals or companies
Second, they don't just fly planes, they also do a lot of other stuff while the machine is in the air, such as:
- Check flight plans and weather before take-off to make sure conditions are safe
- Inspect the aircraft and its systems before and after the flight
- Communicate with air traffic control to receive instructions and clearance
- Navigate the route, using instruments and GPS systems
- Monitor fuel, altitude, speed, and weather during the flight
- React quickly in emergencies, such as sudden turbulence or technical issues
- Keep passengers informed, especially on commercial flights
What degree do I need to study to become a pilot
To become a commercial pilot, you don’t always need a traditional university degree — but in many countries, combining pilot training with a Bachelor’s is one of the most practical and rewarding routes. It helps you gain strong aviation knowledge, access better funding options, and opens up more career paths in the aviation industry beyond just flying planes.
How to become a pilot with a Bachelor's degree
In countries like the UK, Australia, the US, and many across Europe, you can start pilot training directly after high school.
Many universities offer Bachelor’s degrees in Aviation, Aeronautical Science, or Aerospace Engineering that include pilot training through a partner flight school. These usually last 3 to 4 years and often include preparation for the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), which is required to work as a professional pilot.
This route is ideal if you want a more comprehensive education and flexibility to work in aviation management, safety, or technical roles later in your career.
Explore pilot-related Bachelor’s degrees on Bachelorsportal.
How to become a pilot with a Master's degree
Some students enter pilot training after completing a Bachelor’s in a different subject. In this case, you can apply to a postgraduate aviation programme or go directly into modular or integrated CPL training at a certified flight school.
Postgraduate study may be more common for those who switch careers or want to deepen their knowledge in areas like aviation safety, leadership, or aerospace systems.
While not always required, a Master’s degree can boost your career if you plan to move into aviation management or policy roles in the future.
Explore relevant Master’s degrees on Mastersportal.
Training and experience after graduation
To work as a commercial pilot, you’ll need a mix of technical knowledge, soft skills, and hands-on flying experience. After graduation, your main goal is to earn your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and then build flying hours to qualify for advanced positions.
How to earn your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
To fly a commercial aircraft, you must hold two key certifications: a valid Class One Medical and a frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (fATPL).
- a valid Class One Medical
- an fATPL Licence
, which is a very restrictive medical certificate. You can pass all your other tests with flying colours, but if you fail the Medical, that counts as one of the main reasons you can't be a pilot. The Class one Medical involves is a lengthy medical examination, which needs to be renewed every 12 months and will test you in these areas:
- Medical history
- Colour vision
- Eyesight
- Physical examination
- Hearing
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Spirometry (Lung function test)
- Haemoglobin blood test
- Lipids/Cholesterol
- Urine
Frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (fATPL)
At the end of your training, you will gain a frozen ATPL. With this, you can get hired as a Cadet First Officer (FO), meaning you get to sit in the right-hand seat of the cabin. When you become more experienced, you can become a Senior First Officer (SFO).
Once you have accomplished 1500 flight hours, your ATPL becomes unfrozen, and you can apply for jobs as Captain. In this position, you will be in command of the plane and occupy the left-hand pilot seat. From this, you can advance further to become a Training Captain and teach other aspiring young pilots.
As you train for the fATPL, you need to pass exams in the following subjects, according to UCAS’s guide on becoming a pilot:
- Air law
- Aircraft General Knowledge — Airframe/Systems/Power plant
- Instrumentation
- Mass and Balance
- Performance
- Flight Planning and Monitoring
- Human Performance
- Meteorology
- General navigation
- Radio navigation
- Operational Procedures
- Principles of Flight
- VFR (visual flight rules) Communications and
- IFR (instrument flight rules) Communications
- KSA – Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes
How is becoming a pilot different around the world?
Pilot training and licensing follow international aviation standards, but the cost, structure, and qualifications differ from country to country. In some places, you can earn a university degree alongside your pilot training. In others, flight school is a completely separate route. Entry-level salaries also vary widely, depending on the country, the airline, and whether you start as a cadet or first officer.
Here’s a quick comparison of pilot training routes and starting salaries in key study destinations:
| Country / Region | Main Authority | Training Pathway | Entry-Level Salary (est.) | Notes |
| United Kingdom | UK CAA | Integrated/modular + fATPL via degree | £25,000–£40,000/year | Training often costs £80k–£120k. Degree options common. |
| United States | FAA | Modular (PPL > CPL > ATPL) | $30,000–$55,000/year | Most start with an aviation degree and build hours through instructing. |
| Canada | Transport Canada | Modular or through aviation colleges | CAD 40,000–60,000/year | Postgraduate diploma or degree helps. Regional airlines recruit early. |
| Australia | CASA | Integrated or modular + fATPL | AUD 45,000–65,000/year | Often linked with Bachelor of Aviation degrees. |
| Germany / EU (EASA) | EASA | Integrated/modular + fATPL | €35,000–€50,000/year | Standardised exams across EU. University + flight school model growing. |
| India | DGCA | PPL > CPL > type rating | ₹1.5–3.5 lakh/month | Intense competition. Airlines prefer graduates from DGCA-accredited schools. |
| UAE / Gulf region | GCAA / local bodies | Modular or cadet sponsorship | AED 15,000–25,000/month | Many train abroad. Airline sponsorships available for citizens. |
Final tips to succeed in your pilot journey
Becoming a pilot takes time, focus, and determination — but the rewards are worth it. Stay motivated, seek guidance from mentors or instructors, and make use of every learning opportunity. Start planning early and explore training options that match your goals. Ready to take off?
Discover aviation degrees on Bachelorsportal and start your journey to becoming a pilot.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How long does it take to become a pilot?
It usually takes 18–24 months to earn a commercial pilot licence through flight school, or 3–4 years if you combine it with a university degree. Most Aviation Studies degrees on our portals take 3 or 4 years to complete.
2. How difficult is it to become a pilot?
Training is intense and expensive, with strict exams and medical checks, but it’s achievable with focus and good support.
3. Is pilot a good career choice?
Yes, especially for those who enjoy responsibility, travel, and hands-on work. Demand is strong in many countries.
