How to become a pilot

If you’re wondering how to become a pilot in 2025, this blog post is the place to start!

Some professions have one training route that everyone has to follow. But with flying there are several routes – all slightly different – yet all result in a professional qualification. That’s why finding out your options is an important place to start. 

So, first, what kind of pilot do you want to be?

Private pilot

Learn to fly for fun with a Private Pilot Licence. You can get a PPL aeroplanes PPL(A) or helicopters PPL(H) and they will both allow you to fly as a hobby.

A PPL is also the first stage of commercial pilot training, if you take the modular route (more on that later).

For a PPL, you’ll need to pass some theory exams alongside your flying training. We can help you with that part. Our PPL books will teach you everything you need to be safe pilot and pass your theory exams.

Commercial pilot

If you want to be a professional pilot flying airline passengers, cargo, corporate/business jets or helicopters – getting paid to fly – you’ll need a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or an Airline Pilot Transport Licence (ATPL).

A CPL allows you to act as pilot in command of a charter or corporate flight, while an ATPL allows you to command an airliner with nine or more passenger seats.

Almost all fixed-wing (aeroplane) professional pilot training programmes include the CPL but actually take students all the way through to obtaining a (frozen) ATPL.

With helicopter pilot training it is usual to gain a PPL(H) first , and then a CPL(H). Some also go on to gain an ATPL(H).

What is the training to become a commercial pilot?

So if you’re an aspiring commercial aeroplane pilot, you’ll need to decide on your preferred training pathway to get your ‘frozen’ ATPL.

Remember, whether you choose a modular or integrated course, the theory exams you study for will be the same. So will the qualifications you graduate with. And you’ll be able to apply for the same airline pilot jobs once you’ve graduated.

The two training pathways are slightly different because the training is conducted under different approvals from the authority. So which is better?

Different things suit different people …

Integrated Pilot Training

Option 1: Integrated pilot training.

These courses are sometimes called ‘ab-initio’ (from the beginning) or ‘Zero to ATPL’ or even ‘Zero to Hero’!

An integrated ATPL course is usually the fastest way to become a qualified commercial pilot. It’s full time, intensive, and usually starts with ground school before the flying training starts.

There may be extras built into the course, like employment support and professional development. Some integrated courses have links with airlines, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are funded by the airline. Check the specific details of each course.

For the first time in many years, due to the expected pilot shortage, there are currently some fully-funded airline training programmes too, which are mostly integrated courses (although some are airline-specific MPL courses) and are highly competitive. 

However your integrated ATPL course is funded, you will graduate with a collection of licences and ratings (CPL/MEIR/APS MCC) which are colloquially known as a ‘frozen’ ATPL. At this point you are qualified to apply for a role as an airline First Officer. 

(The ATPL becomes ‘unfrozen’ once you have 1500 hours flying hours, including 500 hours in a multi-crew environment).

Modular Pilot Training

Option 2: Modular pilot training. 

Modular courses means that you complete your pilot licences and ratings in stages or modules. It can take longer (although doesn’t have to if you train full time) but the advantage is that it’s more flexible.

You can ‘pay as you go’ and ‘earn as you learn’. You’ll need to be self-motivated and focused, but the modular route allows you to complete your training while also balancing work or family commitments.

Almost all helicopter training is modular.

The modules for this pathway usually follow this order:

• Private Pilot Licence,
• ATPL ground school (theory)
• Commercial flying training (CPL and multi-engine Instrument Rating – MEIR)
• Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT)
• Airline Pilot Standard Multi Crew Cooperation (APS MCC) course.

Some modular programmes also offer extras like professional development, but this is less common, so check with the provider.

As with any pilot training course, do your research and visit every school in person to ask lots of questions. 

As with an integrated course, you finish modular training with a collection of licences and ratings (CPL/MEIR/APS MCC) known as a ‘frozen’ ATPL which becomes a full ATPL once you have 1500 hours flying hours, including 500 hours in a multi-crew environment.

You can apply for your first airline role as a First Officer with a ‘frozen’ ATPL.

What qualifications do I need to begin pilot training?

Despite the high levels of academic and practical training required to become a commercial pilot, you do not usually need a degree – or any particular academic qualifications – to embark on a training course.

Pilot training organisations usually require applicants to have high school passes (eg GCSE in the UK) in Maths, English and Science.

Most will also assess your potential through a formal assessment process before you can enrol. During these tests you’ll need to demonstrate an aptitude for flying and non-technical skills such as communication, resilience and decision-making. 

Pilots will also need to obtain a security pass to go ‘airside’ which involves submitting a 5 year employment history and a clean criminal record. 

To prepare for entry to a flight school, do this:

It’s important to obtain a medical certificate before you begin any training. If you want to fly with a PPL you’ll need a Class 2 Medical.

If you want to fly commercially you’ll need the more rigorous Class 1 certificate. These medicals are conducted by an approved AME (Aeromedical Examiner) and an initial Class 1 medical assessment takes several hours. You’ll have a very thorough physical check-up at the initial medical and then a yearly check-up.

Choosing a flight school

This is a big decision so do your own research. Try not to be swayed by the marketing (or lack of).

Excellence in training can be found in schools of all sizes. Look for quality, results and a career focus. Invest time in your research, talk to current students and ask the instructors lots of questions – including which ground school materials they use for the classroom phase of training, of course. (Hint: use Padpilot theory materials!) 

You can browse our international directory of Padpilot partner schools here.

We also recommend attending independent careers events such as Pilot Careers Live, Pilot Expo, Careers in Aerospace and EATS. Here you’ll meet pilots, airlines and training providers who can help you gather the information needed to decide on the right course and school for you.

You can also download our Pilot Foundation Course which covers careers information and training options, and do check out all the free resources from The Airline Pilot Club.

Next steps

If you’d like to read more about the typical routines of different commercial pilots, check out this ‘Day in The Life‘ section from one our partner school’s websites.

And for more help with choosing a pilot training academy or ground school, read our blog on ’How to choose a flight school‘. Good luck on your journey to the flight deck!