If you’re considering a career as an airline pilot, you’ve likely wondered, “How long does it take to become a pilot?” This question is crucial for aspiring pilots since the duration of training affects both the cost and the time it takes to realize your dream. In this article, we provide a detailed overview of the pilot training program at EPST, a prestigious training institution offering comprehensive commercial pilot training. This will give you a clearer understanding of the duration and the various stages involved in the process.
Stages of the pilot program
To understand how long pilot training takes, it’s important to grasp the different stages of the program. At EPST, the commercial pilot course comprises three main phases:
Theoretical lessons and examinations
The first phase focuses on acquiring theoretical knowledge on subjects like meteorology, aviation law, navigation, aerodynamics, and aircraft systems. During this phase, you attend classes, study the course materials, and undergo various exams to test your knowledge.
Practical lessons and flight hours
Once you have a handle on the theory, you proceed with practical lessons and accumulate flight hours. You begin with basic flying skills and gradually progress to more complex maneuvers and procedures. This phase includes both dual flights (with an instructor) and solo flights to further develop your skills.
Advanced training
EPST offers an advanced supplementary course, the MCC/APS course, consecutive to the basic flight training. This prepares students for successfully completing a Jet Type Rating with an airline. It covers teamwork in a cockpit and handling scenarios a commercial pilot might face. This phase lasts for 6 weeks.
Type rating and line training
After successfully completing the education and obtaining a CPL ME/IR license, you continue your education with the airline you join. Here, you achieve a type rating and undergo line training. A type rating certifies you for the specific aircraft you’ll operate as a commercial pilot. Line training involves flying alongside an experienced pilot to understand how to apply your skills and knowledge in a commercial setting.
In the following section, we delve deeper into the duration of each stage.
Duration of the various phases
To better grasp how long it takes to become a pilot, it’s useful to examine the duration of each phase at EPST:
Theoretical phase
The duration of the theoretical phase is flexible but will last up to 30 weeks. Including attending classes, self-study, and taking the required exams.
Practical phase
The entire training, including the theory phase, spans 18 to 20 months. During the practical phase, you accumulate a minimum of 150 flight hours, comprising both dual and solo flights.
Type rating and line training
The duration of the type rating and line training varies based on the specific aircraft type and the airline you’ll be working with. Generally, this phase lasts about 2 to 3 months. Please note that the availability of type rating and line training depends on the job market and the demand for pilots among airlines.
In the following section, we’ll discuss factors that can influence the overall duration of a pilot course.
Factors that can influence the duration
While we’ve provided a general overview of the time it takes to become a pilot, there are several factors that can affect the total duration of the education.
Some key indicators to keep in mind:
Full-time vs. part-time study
It largely depends on whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. Studying full-time allows quicker completion. EPST only offers a full-time program, not part-time or modular options.
Personal circumstances and learning capacity
Your own learning capacity and personal circumstances can also influence the duration of the education. Some students might grasp the material more quickly and progress through the different phases of the training, while others might need more time to master everything.
Availability of training aircrafts and instructors
Although seldom delayed, in theory, the availability of aircrafts and instructors can also play a role. EPST aims to provide resources and instructors to ensure the training proceeds as efficiently as possible.
In the next section, we’ll discuss EPST’s overall duration of the education and compare it to other institutes.
Overall duration of training at EPST
Considering various stages and factors, EPST’s pilot program lasts from 16 to a maximum of 20 months, from start to being ready to fly away as an airline transport pilot. EPST stands out by completing the training faster than peers. This accelerated program demands high capability; hence, EPST has an extensive selection process before commencing the school as a student.
It’s vital to remember that the duration is just one part of becoming a pilot. Other factors, like cost, commitment, flight time, and the pilot job market, also play a role. Nonetheless, investing in EPST’s commercial pilot program is an excellent choice for those wishing to fulfill their dream to obtaining a commercial pilot license.
Are you ready to chase your dream?
Have you ever dreamed of soaring through the skies, feeling the freedom of flight and embracing the thrill of aviation? If so, are you ready to take the leap and face the exhilarating challenge of becoming a student pilot at EPST! Embarking on this path is not easy but with passion, dedication, and the right guidance, it’s an attainable goal. To learn more about our comprehensive training programs, and to get a firsthand glimpse of what it means to train with us, we invite you to sign up for an introductory session. Our team of expert flight instructors, coupled with our dedicated support staff, are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring your success. From the moment you step through our doors to the day you earn your wings, we’ll be there to guide, mentor, and celebrate every milestone with you. Reach out to us today, and let’s embark on this extraordinary journey into the world of aviation together.
