Summary Obtaining certifications like PPL, CPL, and ATP is essential for aspiring airline pilots. Each certificate has specific age requirements, flight hours, and medical certificate needs. Ratings and endorsements add specific authorizations and limitations to a pilot's license.
There are several certifications one must obtain in order to become an airline pilot. The typical certifications one should expect to get are the Student Pilot Certificate, Private Pilot's License (PPL), Instrument Rating (IR), Commercial Pilot's License (CPL), Multi-engine ratings (multi), and Airline Transport Pilot's License (ATPL). Let's take a look at what each one entails.
If your time is short, refer to the following table: Certificate/Rating Minimum Age Medical Certificate Flight Hours Other Requirements Student Pilot 16 None (needed solo flight) None Written exam, medical certificate for solo Private Pilot 17 Third Class Medical 40 total, including: 20 with instructor, 10 solo, 3 cross-country, 3 night Written exam, practical test Instrument Rating Any with Private Pilot Third Class Medical Varies by experience level Written exam, practical test, instrument proficiency check Commercial Pilot 18 First Class Medical 250 total, including: pilot in command time, cross-country experience Written exam, practical test Multi-Engine Rating Held with Commercial Pilot First Class Medical 10 hours in multi-engine aircraft Practical test Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) 23 First Class Medical 1,500 total W.