How long does it takes to become a Commercial Airline Captain?
Promotion from First Officer (Co-Pilot) to Captain (Pilot) can take between 4 to 20 years after joining an airline, depending on the type of operation and the pilot's competency.
To become a Captain of a commercial aircraft, you must log at least 1,500 flight hours and hold a full Air Transport Pilot's License (ATPL). However, in practice, most short-haul airlines require a minimum of 3,000 hours before considering pilots for promotion, although smaller regional turboprop carriers might require fewer hours.
Given a maximum of 900 flight hours per year, it is possible to be promoted to Captain within 4 to 5 years at some airlines, particularly short-haul low-cost carriers that are expanding or have high pilot turnover. In contrast, at flag carriers, the time to promotion is typically longer due to limited expansion and lower pilot turnover.
Meeting the hour requirement is just the beginning. The airline will then review your training record and performance before conducting a 'command assessment,' which may include an interview, a simulator check, or both. If you pass this assessment, you will enter a command course, but passing this course is not guaranteed, and many do not succeed.
In conclusion, becoming an airline captain, depends on various factors, but the dedication and effort invested are ultimately rewarding, making it a highly fulfilling career milestone.
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Captain at GoJet Airlines and Talent Acquisition Specialist
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