What to Know
Airline pilots carry passengers or freight on scheduled routes. The captain and first officer work as a team, sharing flying and monitoring duties. Both need to speak up, notice problems, and make careful decisions.
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SKY RIDERS GATEWAYUnderstand the work, training, and next steps.
CAREER PATH
Airline Pilot
Fly passengers for major or regional airlines while working through structured training, experience, and FAA certification requirements.
Major and regional airlinesATP certification and experienceCrew coordination and decision-making Book-informed guide · official sources linked below
What the work is like
Picture a departure delayed by weather: the crew reviews the updated plan, coordinates with dispatch, and keeps safety ahead of the timetable. Flying is only part of the work; briefings, checklists, and recurring training are part of the profession too.
Could this fit you?
You may enjoy this if you like structured teamwork and learning complex systems. Nights away, changing schedules, and the location of your assigned base affect daily life. Regional flying does not automatically mean being home every night.
Training and routes into the field
The route usually involves earlier pilot certificates, substantial flight experience, and airline transport pilot qualifications. A commercial certificate alone does not make someone ready for an airline job. Check each employer's current requirements and compare college and independent flight-school routes.
This guide focuses on U.S. pathways. Use the linked sources and current job or course listings to check the requirements for your situation.
Terms you will hear
- ATP
- Airline Transport Pilot: an advanced pilot certificate.
- First officer
- The other qualified pilot working alongside the captain; often called the copilot.
Try a first step
Read two airline pilot job postings and make separate lists of required qualifications and preferred qualifications. Mark the steps you would need to reach each.
A question to ask someone in this field
How do your base, schedule, and time away from home affect your week?
Sources and further reading
Career exploration builds on Ishitha's Cleared for Takeoff, “Careers in the Aviation Industry,” pages 32–42, with additional explanations and suggested activities from Gateway. Official sources reviewed September 13, 2026.