PROFESSIONAL PILOT PROGRAM
Become a Professional Pilot
Go from zero flight experience to the certifications and ratings needed to begin your professional aviation career.
Why Become a Professional Pilot?
Strong Career Outlook
The aviation industry continues to need qualified pilots across airlines, corporate aviation, charter operations, cargo, flight instruction, aerial survey, and other specialized operations.
Competitive Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for commercial pilots is $122,670, while airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers earn a median annual wage of $226,600. Actual earnings vary based on experience, employer, aircraft type, and seniority.
Your Professional Pilot Journey
1START HERE
Private Pilot
Certificate
Certificate
Learn the fundamentals of flying and earn your first FAA certificate.
2ADVANCE SKILLS
Instrument Rating
Expand your skills by flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
3GET PAID TO FLY
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Earn the FAA certificate required to be compensated for flying.
4BUILD FLIGHT HOURS
Flight Hour Requirements
Gain the experience required for your next career milestone. Many pilots pursue their CFI to gain experience while getting paid to fly.
5LAUNCH CAREER
Professional Flying Careers
Use your training and experience to pursue careers with airlines, charter operators, corporate aviation, and more.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the Professional Pilot Program are prepared to begin building professional flight experience and pursue careers across the aviation industry, including:
Regional Airlines
Major Airlines*
Corporate Aviation
Charter Operations
Cargo Operations
Flight Instruction
Aerial Survey
Agricultural Aviation
Government & Public Service
Scenic & Tour Operations
*Airline positions require additional flight experience and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) eligibility.
Building Better Pilots Since 1977
Choose Your Professional Pilot Program
Choose the training package that best aligns with your career goals. Every level builds upon the previous one, allowing you to continue your training as your career progresses.
* These are the financing packages available through Stratus Financial
Flight Level 1
$79,900
Great for students pursuing the core certifications needed to begin building flight time as a Certified Flight Instructor.
INCLUDES:
- Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Flight Level 2
$89,900
Adds your Multi-Engine Commercial Rating to prepare for additional career opportunities.
EVERYTHING IN LEVEL 1, PLUS:
- Multi-Engine Commercial
Flight Level 3
$92,900
Includes everything in Levels 1 & 2, plus your CFII rating so you can teach instrument students.
EVERYTHING IN LEVELS 1 & 2, PLUS:
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
Flight Level 4
$99,900
Our most comprehensive program, adding your MEI rating and preparing you for the broadest range of instructor opportunities.
EVERYTHING IN LEVELS 1, 2 & 3, PLUS:
- Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
What's Included
- Structured curriculum and lesson plans
- Knowledge test fees
- Access to modern aircraft and simulators where applicable
- Flight and ground instruction
- Initial Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) fees
- Flexible scheduling across five locations
Program pricing is based on FAA Part 61 minimum flight hour requirements. Additional flight or instructor time beyond program minimums is billed at current rates. Students who already hold a Private Pilot Certificate may qualify for reduced pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Professional Pilot Program provides a structured training path with coordinated scheduling, bundled pricing, and a clear progression through each certificate and rating. While students can train one certificate at a time, many choose a professional program to simplify planning and stay on track toward their long-term career goals.
Training timelines vary based on your schedule, lesson frequency, weather, and individual progress. Students who train consistently can often complete their professional pilot training in approximately 12–18 months, while others may take longer depending on their availability and training pace.
Program pricing ranges from $79,900 to $99,900, depending on the training package you choose. Each Flight Level includes additional certificates and ratings that build upon the previous level.
Program pricing is based on FAA Part 61 minimum flight hour requirements. Additional flight or instructor time beyond program minimums is billed at current rates. Students who already hold a Private Pilot Certificate may qualify for reduced pricing.
No. The Professional Pilot Program is designed for students starting with no prior flight experience. You’ll begin with your Private Pilot Certificate and progress through each certification in sequence.
Flight times vary by package and location. Most Discovery Flight experiences include approximately two hours at the airport, with 30 to 60 minutes of flight time depending on the package you choose.
Each Flight Level builds upon the previous one by adding additional certifications and ratings. Students can choose the level that best aligns with their career goals and continue advancing as their experience grows.
Yes. Financing options are available for qualified students. Contact our team to learn more about available payment and financing solutions.
No. While many students choose a complete Professional Pilot Program package, you can also complete training one certificate or rating at a time.
The Professional Pilot Program prepares you with the certificates and ratings needed to begin building professional flight experience. Most aspiring airline pilots continue building flight hours—often as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)—before meeting Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) eligibility requirements.
Our team can help you compare each program and recommend the training path that best fits your career goals, timeline, and budget.
Still have questions about the Professional Pilot Program?
Ready for Takeoff?
Our team is here to help you compare Flight Levels and build a training plan that fits your goals, timeline, and budget.