Spanish-language video
¿Cuánto gana un piloto? El país donde trabajas cambia tu carrera
The country where you want to develop your career is part of your training decision. A topic to consider before our next conversation.
Discuss my trainingPilot guide
How to begin commercial pilot training
Your starting point, entry requirements and program planning. A guide to preparing for fixed-wing training and your next step with Aerolíder.
01 / Your starting point
Starting from zero or continuing your training?
You do not need a previous pilot license to explore ROOKIE. If you have already started flying, your training and experience help define another entry point.
- I want to start from zero
ROOKIE is our fixed-wing program in the United States for beginners. It connects flight training, experience development and professional preparation.
Explore ROOKIE- I already have a license or experience
We review your issuing authority, ratings, recorded hours and English to identify the training you still need. Qualifications do not have automatic equivalence between countries.
Explore programs for licensed pilots
We also offer training in Latin America and commercial helicopter pilot training. These are separate programs with their own requirements.
02 / Your professional goal
Commercial pilot training and an airline career are different stages
A commercial qualification is a professional training milestone, not the end of all preparation. These terms help map the path; requirements and privileges depend on the aviation authority.
- PPL
Private pilot
An initial qualification that develops flight fundamentals. It is not a commercial qualification; the FAA uses the term private pilot certificate.
- CPL
Commercial pilot
A professional qualification with requirements and privileges defined by the issuing authority. The FAA issues a commercial pilot certificate.
- CFI
Flight instructor
In the FAA system, a certificate for flight instruction. It may form part of professional development when included in the program.
- ATP
Airline transport pilot
An advanced qualification subject to requirements and eligibility. ATP-CTP is a separate training program, not the ATP certificate itself.
Access to a role also depends on experience, English, authorizations, performance and employer selection. Completing a qualification does not guarantee employment.
03 / Training stages
Training, experience and professional preparation
ROOKIE organizes the path into three stages. The program defines components and progression conditions; students must complete the requirements of each stage.
- Training and qualifications
Initial preparation, English and progressive flight training toward the qualifications included in the program.
- Experience development
Apply flying skills and build documented experience with the appropriate qualifications and authorizations.
- Professional preparation
Develop knowledge, experience and English for the next career goals. Advanced milestones are addressed when relevant to the program.
04 / Entry requirements
What should you review before starting?
Our team works with you to prepare your background information and entry requirements. A question about your situation is a useful starting point; you do not need every answer before requesting information.
- English and preparation
Review your current level and the program's communication needs. English can be part of initial preparation or taken as an independent program.
- Documentation and background
Country of residence, identification and academic documentation; licenses and flight records if you have trained before. Specific documents are confirmed for the program.
- Medical fitness
Identify the medical assessment and certification applicable to training. An authorized medical professional, not a website, determines fitness.
- Entry and student status
For the United States, we review program conditions and applicable documentation. Issuing Form I-20, when applicable, is not consular approval of a visa.
Official references: FAA medical certification, I-20 and student visas.
05 / Planning the investment
How should you compare training costs?
Compare proposals that cover the same objective and scope. A qualification name or a single price does not explain all the components of professional training.
- Training scope
Confirm which training, qualifications, assessments and components are included, which are optional and what you must complete beforehand.
- Costs within and outside the program
Ask how English, accommodation, living expenses, transport, documentation and assessments are handled. Do not assume inclusion without confirmation.
- Proposal conditions
Review current prices, payments, availability and how additional training is handled. Request written inclusions and exclusions before committing.
During the meeting, we review the current investment and components relevant to your entry point. There is no single price for different programs and backgrounds.
06 / Planning the timeline
What influences training duration?
Distinguish training and qualification time from the later stages of experience development and professional preparation. These are not one universal deadline for every student.
- Initial preparation
Previous experience, English and remaining entry requirements influence your starting point and the preparation you need.
- Training continuity
Availability, flight scheduling, operating conditions, assessments and student progress influence advancement.
- Further stages
Experience development and professional goals have their own requirements. Plan them separately from obtaining a qualification.
Bring your preferred start date and availability to the meeting. We review anticipated timing and the conditions that may change it.
07 / Training with Aerolíder
Your training with Aerolíder's ongoing support
Our programs integrate entry preparation, follow-up during training and work on the student's next goals. The Aerolíder team participates throughout the process within your program's scope.
- Prepare English, documentation and entry requirements.
- Follow progress and decisions during training.
- Continue planning your next training goals.
Explore experiences and conversations on our channel. Videos retain their original language, and personal stories are not guarantees of outcomes.
Aerolíder on YouTube
Conversations about your pilot career
Spanish-language video
Entrevista a Piloto de Aerolínea en EE.UU. ¿Cómo es realmente volar allá?
A conversation recorded at FIDAE 2026 about an airline pilot's experience in the United States.
Discuss my training
Spanish-language Short
¡Tu consejo después de empezar a volar! #Consejos #Vuelo
A Chilean student shares his advice after starting to fly. A personal experience, not a promise of results.
Discuss my training08 / Your next step
Request information about your program
If you want to begin from zero in the United States, use the brief ROOKIE request form. Our team reviews your details and replies by email to discuss the program and coordinate a meeting.
- Start from zero
Explore ROOKIE and request information on the same page. You do not need a previous pilot license to start the conversation.
Request ROOKIE information- Other training or previous experience
Tell us if you seek further training from your license, Latin America programs, helicopter training or English.
Ask about another program
Submitting the form starts contact. It does not confirm enrollment or automatically book a meeting.