Commercial Pilot Training (B.S., A.A.S., Certificate)
Degrees and programs for airline and commercial aviation careers
Find your future at Academy College
Be prepared for an airline career with FAA Part 141-approved flight training and aviation education from Academy College. Earn your FAA pilot ratings while building the flight time hours and insights needed for commercial aviation.
Why choose Academy College?
- A fleet of over 30 aircraft
- Convenient evening classes and a selection of online courses
- Experienced, FAA-certified flight instructors and adjunct faculty
- R-ATP approved—graduates qualify for airline employment at 1,000 hours (B.S.) or 1,250 hours (A.S.) instead of 1,500 hours—getting you to the airlines faster
- Small classes with a student-to-instructor ratio of 10:1
- Train with Thunderbird Aviation at two locations and fly among professionals in a Class D airspace
Interested in learning more?
Commercial pilot career outlook
*Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
new commercial pilots needed worldwide over the next 20 years*
median salary for airline pilots and flight engineers*
projected employment growth for airline and commercial pilots*
corporate pilots needed globally in the aviation industry*
Commercial pilot degree options
Choose from three commercial pilot training pathways based on your career timeline and educational goals.
Commercial Aviation (B.S. Degree)
- Duration: 4-year bachelor’s degree program
- Focus: Comprehensive aviation education, including flight training and aviation management
- Outcome: Bachelor’s degree, FAA pilot ratings with a Restricted ATP, and opportunities for technical electives
Commercial Pilot (A.A.S. Degree)
- Duration: 2-year associate degree program—Minnesota’s only two-year flight degree
- Focus: Flight training plus aviation-focused education coursework
- Outcome: Associate degree plus commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates
Professional Pilot Certificate
- Duration: 2-year certificate program
- Focus: Core flight training and pilot certificates
- Outcome: Flight training up to Multi-Engine FAA rating
Commercial pilot training program
Student Fit
The commercial pilot training program is ideal for:
- Aviation enthusiasts turning their passion into a career
- Career changers interested in commercial aviation
- High school graduates pursuing airline pilot careers
- Military veterans transitioning to civilian flight operations
- Working professionals seeking flexible flight school options
Flight Training
Flight training is conducted through our partnership with Thunderbird Aviation, operating at Flying Cloud (FCM) and Crystal (KMIC) airports.
Flight training includes:
- Comprehensive flight hours in single-engine, multi-engine, and advanced aircraft
- FAA Part 141-approved curriculum for accelerated training progression
- Individual aircraft reservations 3–7 days per week based on student preference
- Morning, afternoon, and evening flight scheduling options
- Training in Cessna 172, Piper Warrior, Piper Archer, Piper Arrow, and Piper Seminole
Curriculum Overview
Combine ground school education with intensive flight operations, preparing you for the required pilot certificates.
Pilot certificates earned (depending on your program track):
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
- Commercial Pilot Certificate (single and multi-engine)
- Instrument Rating (single and multi-engine)
- Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI) – available in select programs
- Private Pilot Certificate (single engine)
Ground school topics:
- Aviation safety and flight instructor methodology
- Aircraft systems and performance for advanced aircraft
- Federal Aviation Regulations
- Meteorology and flight operations planning
- Navigation and air traffic control procedures
Career Outcomes
Commercial pilot training graduates’ career pathways:
- Advanced: Major airline first officer or corporate aviation captain
- Entry-level: Certified Flight Instructor positions building flight experience
- Experienced: Charter pilot, corporate aviation, or regional airline first officer
- Leadership: Airline captain, aviation management, or specialized flight operations
Commercial pilot training graduates’ employer options:
- Cargo carriers and freight operations
- Corporate aviation and charter operations
- Flight instruction and pilot training
- Government and military contract flying
- Major airlines and regional carriers
Program Experience
What you can expect:
- Career services support and strong industry ties
- Financial aid options and alternative flight training funding
- Flexible scheduling with day, evening, and online options
- Military-friendly programs with Yellow Ribbon School benefits
- On-campus testing facility for all FAA written examinations
- Small class sizes with personalized attention from aviation faculty
Licensing
Commercial pilot training students must meet FAA medical certificate and licensing requirements.
- English language proficiency for aviation communications
- Maintain good academic standing in your program
- Meet minimum flight time requirements for each pilot certificate
- Successful completion of FAA written and practical examinations
- Valid FAA First-Class Medical Certificate
Get our curriculum, outcomes, and faculty in one place
Download the Catalog
The Upper Midwest's aviation leader for flight training
Thunderbird Aviation is the exclusive training partner of Academy College. Aviation students benefit from professional instruction, diverse aircraft fleets, and operations at Flying Cloud and Crystal airports.
Our commercial pilot students speak up
Accredited and respected programs
Academy College is accredited by ACCSC and authorized by the FAA under Part 141. That ensures our programs meet both educational and regulatory standards for pilot training.
FAQs
Good questions
What type of pilot certificates will I earn?
Students earn Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and Flight Instructor certifications. You’ll be qualified to work as a flight instructor and build hours toward airline employment.
How much flight time will I complete?
Students typically complete 250+ hours of flight time during their commercial pilot training.
What's the difference between the degree options?
The certificate focuses on pilot training. The associate’s degree adds general education. The bachelor’s degree includes comprehensive aviation management coursework.
Do I need any aviation experience to start?
No prior flight experience is required.
What is R-ATP, and how does it help my career?
An FAA Part 141 approved flight school qualifies graduates for airline employment at 1,000 hours (B.S.) or 1,250 hours (A.S.) instead of 1,500 hours—getting you to the airlines faster.
What aircraft will I train in?
You’ll train in a variety of aircraft, including Cessna 172, Piper Warrior, Piper Archer, Piper Arrow, and Piper Seminole, giving you experience in single-engine, multi-engine, and complex aircraft.
How flexible is the flight training schedule?
Very flexible. You can schedule flight training in the morning, afternoon, or evening, and fly 3–7 days per week.
What kind of jobs can I get after graduation?
Most graduates start as certified flight instructors to build flight experience, then advance to charter pilot, corporate aviation, or airline positions.
Speed toward a commercial and multi-engine rating
The Private Pilot Certificate program at Academy College gets you in the cockpit faster, with flexible scheduling. It’s ideal for individuals looking for an accelerated path to commercial pilot employment.
Conduct your commercial pilot training at Academy College