Earning a CPL is an important milestone, but pilots may need additional experience, ratings, training, and airline preparation before entering professional airline operations. This guide explains the steps after CPL training, including hour building, additional ratings, airline assessments, aviation English, and preparation for airline-style flying.
Earning a Commercial Pilot Licence is an important milestone, but it is not always the final step before joining an airline. After completing CPL training, pilots may need to build additional flight experience, complete further ratings, meet airline-specific requirements, and prepare for recruitment assessments.
Building Flight Experience After the CPL:
A CPL gives pilots the ability to work in commercial flying roles within the privileges and limitations of their licence. However, airlines may require additional experience before a pilot can join a flight crew. New CPL holders can explore opportunities that allow them to build relevant flight experience while continuing to develop their professional skills.
Common areas for building experience can include:
- Flight instruction: Working as a flight instructor where permitted can provide regular flying experience.
- Charter or aerial work: Depending on local regulations and available opportunities, these operations can provide professional experience.
- Multi-engine flying: Additional multi-engine experience can support progression toward more advanced operations.
- Instrument flying: Maintaining and developing instrument skills is important for professional pilots.
Completing Additional Ratings:
Many pilots continue their training after obtaining a CPL. Additional qualifications can help them meet the requirements of specific flying roles. Instrument and Multi-Engine training can be particularly relevant to pilots planning a professional career. The exact ratings required depend on the licence pathway and future employer.
Pilots should review the requirements of their target aviation authority and airlines before deciding which additional training to complete.
Building Toward Airline Experience Requirements:
Airlines do not all require the same amount or type of flight experience. Requirements can vary according to the airline, aircraft, position, country, and recruitment program. Some airlines and cadet programs may accept pilots with relatively limited experience and provide additional training, while other positions may require significantly more flight time.
Preparing for Airline Assessments:
Airline recruitment can involve several stages beyond checking flight experience. Depending on the employer, candidates may complete aptitude tests, technical assessments, interviews, simulator assessments, or other selection stages.
Developing Aviation English Skills:
Clear communication is essential in professional aviation. Pilots should continue developing their aviation English even after completing their initial training. Strong communication skills can support radio communication, cockpit coordination, technical discussions, and future airline training. Maintaining the appropriate language proficiency for the intended licence and operation is also an important part of professional development.
Exploring Type Rating Requirements:
A type rating is specific training and qualification for operating a particular aircraft type where required. Aircraft such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 have their own type rating requirements. Pilots should not assume that completing a type rating automatically leads to an airline position. Whether a candidate needs a type rating before employment depends on the airline, recruitment pathway, and applicable regulations.
Keeping Your Documents and Qualifications Current:
After completing the CPL, pilots should maintain their licences, medical certificates, ratings, logbooks, and other required documentation. Keeping accurate flight records is especially important when applying for future positions because airlines may request detailed information about a candidate's training and flight experience.
