Becoming an airline pilot is one of the most exciting and rewarding career paths in aviation. Whether your dream is to fly for Delta, United, Alaska, or any major carrier, the journey begins with choosing the right flight school — and the right training environment.
At Aces High Aviation in Long Beach, California, we specialize in helping students transition from their very first discovery flight to becoming confident, competitive airline applicants. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps you’ll take to go from the ground to the right seat of a commercial airliner.
Step 1: Earn Your Private Pilot License (PPL)
The Private Pilot License (PPL) is your first certification and the foundation for everything else. At this stage, you’ll gain the essential skills and knowledge to safely operate an aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Here’s what you’ll learn in more detail:
Basic Flight Maneuvers: How to take off, climb, descend, turn, and land smoothly and safely. You’ll master fundamental aircraft control and flight coordination.
Navigation: Learn to read sectional charts, plot courses, use GPS, and perform visual and radio navigation to fly between airports.
Radio Communication: Understand how to communicate clearly with Air Traffic Control (ATC), including proper phraseology, clearances, and traffic advisories.
Weather Theory: Learn to interpret aviation weather reports and forecasts (METARs and TAFs), understand cloud formations, wind patterns, and how weather affects flight safety.
FAA Regulations: Study Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) that govern private pilot operations, airspace classifications, pilot responsibilities, and safety procedures.
(This is just an example of a few of the items there is a lot more included.)
At Aces High Aviation, you’ll train in Cessna 152 and 172 aircraft and get hands-on experience in Southern California’s complex airspace — perfect prep for airline operations. View our Private Pilot License training cost breakdown here.
Step 2: Add Your Instrument Rating (IFR)
Airlines require pilots who are confident flying in all weather conditions and controlled airspace. The Instrument Rating is your gateway to becoming a more professional and safety-conscious aviator. With this rating, you’ll be trained to:
Fly Using Only Instruments: Learn to control the aircraft without outside visual references by relying entirely on cockpit instruments. This is critical for flying in clouds, at night, or in low-visibility conditions.
Navigate in Adverse Weather: Gain skills to interpret weather systems, avoid hazardous conditions, and operate in complex environments using IFR charts and procedures.
Master IFR Procedures: Understand and apply procedures such as instrument departures, arrivals, holding patterns, and instrument approaches — the same systems used in airline operations.
You’ll train in both our Cessna aircraft and our Redbird MCX full-motion simulator, giving you exposure to real-world instrument flying in a risk-free environment. This experience prepares you for the rigors of airline training and builds a solid foundation for your Commercial Pilot License and beyond.
You can see pricing for our simulator and IFR training options on our cost overview page.
Step 3: Earn Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
This is where you go from flying for fun to flying professionally. With your Commercial Pilot License, you’re legally authorized to:
Be paid to fly
Carry passengers for hire
Fly for commercial operators
You’ll refine your flight skills, develop precision, and complete cross-country flights to meet FAA requirements.
Learn what our Commercial Pilot License training involves and how much it typically costs on our program pricing page.
Step 4: Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Most aspiring airline pilots build flight hours as Certified Flight Instructors. This is the most efficient way to:
Build the 1,500 flight hours required for airlines
Get paid while flying
Master the knowledge you’ll need to pass airline interviews and simulator checks
At Aces High Aviation, we offer CFI, CFII, and MEI training to fully prepare you.
Step 5: Build Time & Gain Experience
Once you’re a CFI, you’ll begin flying daily, logging:
Cross-country hours
Night hours
Instrument time
Complex and multi-engine time
With our high student demand and diverse fleet, you can build time efficiently and purposefully.
Step 6: Apply to Regional Airlines
Once you reach 1,500 hours, you’re ready to apply to the airlines. We help our graduates prepare for:
ATP-CTP program enrollment
Airline interviews
Simulator evaluations
Many of our students go on to fly for airlines like SkyWest, Envoy, Horizon, and PSA — the perfect stepping stones to the majors.
Why Aces High Aviation Is the Right Place to Start
Located at Long Beach Airport (KLGB) — Class D airspace with real-world traffic
Training in both traditional and G1000-equipped Cessna aircraft
Full-motion Redbird MCX simulator for advanced IFR practice
Friendly, highly experienced instructors who know the path to the airlines
Structured programs to help you progress efficiently from PPL to CFI
We are one of the top-rated Southern California flight school designed to get you to the airlines.
FAQ: Becoming an Airline Pilot
How long does it take to become an airline pilot?
Typically 2.5–4 years depending on your training pace and schedule.
How much does it cost?
You can expect to invest between $60,000 and $80,000 from zero to CFI. We offer flexible pay-as-you-go pricing.
Do I need a college degree?
No, they used to require it at the Major airlines but no longer do
Can I really start with no experience?
Absolutely. Most of our students start from zero. We take care of everything from your first flight to your last logbook entry before airline interviews.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book your Discovery Flight today and see if flying is the path for you.
Still have questions? Visit aceshighaviation.com or call/text us at (562) 726-3719. Let’s get you on track to the airlines.