Training Pathways to the Flight Deck

Which training pathway is right for you? We’ll examine the two most common pathways in the U.S. and Canada: civilian and military. Both require significant commitments of time and resources, and each has pros and cons. 

Civilian

Training and certificates are earned through flight training schools and programs.

 U.S.     Canada 
 

Military

Apply your military flight training toward earning the proper commercial certificates.

 U.S.    Canada 
 

Ab Initio

In the U.S. an airline hires and trains candidates with no prior experience (not recommended). In Canada it's in development.

Multi-Crew Pilot License

First officers operate with little training/knowledge, not available in the United States nor currently used by Canadian airlines.