How to become an Airline pilot

Becoming an airline pilot is a marathon, not a sprint. The pathway is well-defined but requires a significant investment of time, discipline, and money.

Becoming an airline pilot in Europe (under the EASA regulatory framework) is different from the U.S. FAA model. While the U.S. emphasizes building 1,500 flight hours, Europe focuses on high-intensity integrated training that can get you into a jet cockpit with as few as 200 hours.

Here is the 2026 roadmap for becoming an airline pilot in Europe.

Here is the step-by-step breakdown of how to go from "zero time" to the cockpit of a major airliner.

Our Modular Ab-initio, zero to frozen ATPL pilot programs offer comprehensive yet affordable pilot training from Private (PPL) to Commercial pilot licenses (CPL) with Multi-engine Instrument rating (ME-IR) and smooth transition to Airline Type ratings and to the job market after completion of commercial pilot training and multi-crew cooperation courses.

ADVANTAGE OF MODULAR FLIGHT TRAINING

Going the modular route for your EASA pilot license is often described as the "pay-as-you-go" approach to aviation. Unlike integrated courses—which take you from zero to hero in one continuous, intensive program—modular training allows you to break the process into bite-sized chunks.

Welcome to all student pilots! Your old flight school went bankrupt or is unable to finish you training?

What to do if you are not happy with your flight instructor?

Talk to us! We are happy to welcome you at our modern airline training academy. Our goal is that you can continue your studies, where you left. Thanks to our Modular course.

Airline Flight Academy Training Overview and Steps

Airline Pilot Modular Certification Programs

Prerequisites & Initial Steps

Ground School

Before you spend a time on flight hours, ensure you meet the legal and physical requirements.

Medical Certificate: You must pass a physical exam by an EASA authorized Aero Medical Center (AeMC).
Education: A high school diploma is required. Strong grades in Math and Physics are highly valued by airline instructors and assessors.
Age: You can start training at any age, but you must be 21 for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

Skills

Flight Simulators

Utilize our state-of-the-art flight simulators to practice maneuvers and emergency procedures in a safe environment, enhancing your flying skills before actual flight training.

Support

Mentorship Program

Join our unique Jetline mentorship program where experienced pilots guide you through your training journey, providing valuable insights and support to help you succeed in your aviation career.

Steps

Become a Pilot

Follow our Modular structured steps: enroll in PPL to ME-IR CPL courses, complete ground school, log flight hours, pass exams, and gain your pilot license to start your aviation adventure.

Modular Training ("Pay-As-You-Go")

You complete each license (PPL, Night, IR, CPL) as separate modules.

PPL Theory, Flight instruction and examination
Night VFR
Time building
ATPL Theory Distance learning
Multi-Engine and CPL
Mulit-Engine Instrument rating and Final examination
Best for: Those who need to work while training or want to save money.
Pros: Is 30% cheaper than an integrated or MPL training; you can pause between modules to save up.
Cost: €55,000 – €90,000.

being a pilot? How much does a pilot earn?

Typical fringe benefits for pilots.

High and growing salaries

Airline pilots salaries are very high compared to other professions within Europe or Asia. They also include a lot of fringe benefits or notable benefits and grow in line with experience and flown hours, such as Airline participation shares, a free car or free housing with a maid and free transport or a private driver to and from work. The approximate salary of a First Officer at a regional carrier is 55,000 - 80'000 €/year and up to 310,000 €/year of a Captain at a major airline.

Free Travel to see the world

You can expect to travel the world and actually get paid for doing so. See how the list of countries you have visited is growing fast.

Improve your skillset

Pilots work in a very challenging environment, yet the satisfaction that comes from seeing your knowledge and skills improve in aviation, and even seeing your personal attitude is changing is priceless. Two flights will never be the same. This makes you gain new experience rapidly. Rigorous training and re-training in simulators and aircraft will give you the skillset to handle the most complex scenarios, while having the best "office view" one could imagine!

Maintain the balance

Many pilots have found a good balance between their professional and personal life. Instead of working from 9 to 5 or even extra hours attending countless online meetings, you will have a more less dense and strictly pre-planned work schedule. Thus you will be able to plan your time off and gatherings with family and friends will be made very easy during your days off. At most airlines you work only 15-20days per month! The rest is time off with no phone calls or emails to takle. Go do sports or have a second life aside aviation.

In Summary

Being a pilot is a genuinely meaningful and highly responsible career that will never go out of style, offering you many advantages.