How to Become a Pilot after High School

Do you have what it takes to become a pilot after high school? Here’s what you need to know

If you have ever thought about a career in aviation as a pilot, there couldn’t be a better time than now to pursue that dream! 

Coming out of high school, the world can be daunting with all the options and opportunities in front of you. The most common direction most students out of high school take is the college route, and getting the necessary degrees to take them to their chosen career. 

If flying is your passion and you would like to make a career out of becoming a pilot, our pilot program at Fly Legacy Aviation is the right one for you!

While your friends will be dealing with student loans and stressing over dorm rooms, you could be racking up flight hours and getting paid.  Allow us to explain:

Becoming a Pilot Does NOT Require a College Education

For airlines looking for qualified pilots, flight hours take precedence over a college degree. To fly for a commercial airline or navigate private planes, one of the most important requirements are the hours of flight training. With Fly Legacy, we help you achieve great heights through our pilot programs and racking up pilot hours by becoming a pilot instructor. 

A few other requirements, including having a high school diploma or passing your GED, will be required to get to the next step of becoming a pilot. But if you have a passion for flying, our team at Fly Legacy will help navigate your way.

Your Ultimate Roadmap to Becoming a Pilot

• Finish High School

1. 1. • You can start your flight school training during school, but we recommend you get your high school diploma to ensure you are greenlit to fly.

• Sign up to Fly Legacy’s Flight Program

1. 1. • As an FAA-certified program with financing options, we cater to pilots of all walks of life. With a name that’s synonymous with excellence and experience, your dream can become a reality in no time!

• Get Your Private Pilot License (PPL)

1. 1. • Start at 16, solo by 17. You’ll learn to navigate, land with agility, and handle every scenario mid-air.

• Go Pro with a Commercial License (CPL)

1. 1. • This is where you get paid to fly. Become an instructor and get the necessary 1,500 hours to get your commercial license.

• Aim Higher

1. • Once you’ve got wings, you now have the opportunity to chase gigs at regional airlines or corporate charters. The sky’s literally the limit.

Finding the Flight School That Will Take Your Career to New Heights!

Here are some helpful tips that Fly Legacy can help assist your pursuit of pilot stardom:

• Pay-As-You-Go: Fly Legacy offers fantastic financial help in the form of Stratus financing that will give you easy payment options. Click here to find out more. 
• Try our Purdue University program: This degree program gives you a broad perspective of the aviation industry, from understanding your aircraft to managing aviation operations. Find out more here. 

Here are some other Aviation Industry Careers you can Pursue that aren’t a Pilot

If flying isn’t your thing, there are plenty of positions in the aviation industry. Try your hand at some of these:

• Air Traffic Control: Take control of the day-to-day flight traffic control by guiding planes in the air traffic tower. You can earn up to a six-figure salary and no degree is required. Just pass the FAA tests.
• Aircraft Mechanic: If you have a knack for figuring out complex structures and vehicles, then try your hand at becoming a mechanic. In a niche market just for jets and planes, you can find yourself fast-tracked in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

Why Start Now?

Sure, you’re right about to become a pilot out of high school, and you have the world ahead of you. But what is the rush, and why start now?

• Get a Leg up on Your Peers: Start at 18 and become a commercial airline captain by 30. The opportunities in the aviation industry are endless!
• Pilot Shortage = Job Security: Commercial airlines are desperate for pilots and you can be on your way to aviation greatness in no time.  
• Adventure > Desk Life: Trade Zoom meetings for views of the Grand Canyon at 30,000 feet!

Bottom Line

If you’re ready and serious about a career in aviation, take action now and start applying to flight school today. With the world at your fingertips, take control of your life early and land the job of your dreams in a few years time. If you have a sense of adventure and are ready to conquer the world through flying a plane, now’s your shot!

10 Most Common FAQs on Becoming a Pilot After High School

1. What steps do I need to take right after high school to become a pilot?
   Begin by researching flight schools – choose between Part 61 or Part 141 programs. Then secure funding, take an aviation medical exam, and start training with a private pilot license (PPL).
2. What are the minimum age and education requirements?
   You must be at least 17 to fly solo, and 18 to get your private pilot license. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required; some advances like bachelor’s degrees help for airline careers.
3. How much does pilot training cost after high school?
   Costs vary widely. A Private Pilot License can cost between $8,000-$15,000, Instrument Rating may be $8,000–$10,000 more, and becoming a Commercial Pilot can total $30,000–$50,000. Extra for multi-engine or instructor ratings.
4. What type of medical certificate do I need, and how do I get one?
   To pilot commercially, you’ll need a second-class medical certificate (first-class for airlines). Visit an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for evaluation of vision, hearing, cardiovascular and neurological health.
5. How long does it take to become a pilot after high school?
   For a PPL alone, around 6–12 months. To reach Commercial Pilot (and possibly CFI), it may take 1.5–2 years depending on training pace, weather, and school scheduling.
6. Should I go to a flight school or a university aviation program?
   Flight schools (Part 61/141) offer focused, faster training. University programs provide a degree and aviation credentials – great for airlines – but often at higher cost and longer duration.
7. What’s the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools?
   Part 61 offers flexible, personalized training schedules. Part 141 is more structured with FAA-approved curricula, which can allow for fewer flight hours and sometimes higher efficiency.
8. Can I work while training to become a pilot?
   Yes, many students work part-time or rely on loans and scholarships. Being financially prepared is key since training expenses are front-loaded and time-intensive.
9. How do I build flight hours to qualify for commercial or airline jobs?
   Common paths include becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), banner towing, pipeline patrol, or aerial surveying jobs to accumulate the required hours.
10. Do I need a college degree to become an airline pilot?
    Not strictly, but most airlines prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Your flight experience, ratings, and performance matter significantly; a degree helps you stand out and support career progression.