How to Become a Corporate Pilot

The path requires time and hard work, but there are exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the field.

Andrew Chen

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 10:14 AM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

Many corporate pilots work for charter companies that operate private aircraft. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Corporate aviation offers an alternative pilot career, flying for non-aviation companies, wealthy individuals, or charter services, distinct from airlines with varied aircraft and destinations.
The path to becoming a corporate pilot requires obtaining a Private Pilot Certificate, followed by a Commercial Pilot Certificate, and accumulating significant flight experience, typically 1,500 hours for entry-level roles, with some positions requiring an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
While initial flight training can cost around $100,000, corporate pilot salaries are competitive, ranging from $70,000-$100,000 for new first officers to over $300,000 annually for senior captains.

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Beyond the hustle and bustle of a busy airport terminal, there is a whole other world of passenger aviation in our skies. Corporate aircraft and their pilots serve travelers all around the globe each and every day.

Although it is easy to assume that being a pilot means working for an airline, corporate aviation also offers exciting careers for aviators. Corporate pilots have unique opportunities when it comes to their lifestyle, workplace, and travel destinations. Here is what you need to know about becoming a corporate pilot.