Training and qualifications
Develop the knowledge, certificates, ratings and English relevant to your program and starting point.
Training in the United States
Pilot training in the United States
Begin or continue your professional development with Aerolíder programs. Your license, flight hours and experience determine your entry level and the preparation you need to complete.
Your starting point
Five levels of entry into our U.S. programs
These are entry levels, not five consecutive qualifications. We review licenses, ratings, hours and English before confirming the training you need; previous qualifications are not automatically equivalent across aviation authorities.
- 01
ROOKIE
For beginners preparing for initial flight training, experience development and later professional stages.
Explore ROOKIE - 02
ICAO/EASA CPL
For pilots with a commercial license issued outside the FAA system. Recognition and remaining requirements are reviewed individually.
- 03
FAA CPL
For pilots with an FAA commercial pilot certificate who want to continue their training and professional preparation.
- 04
FAA CFI
For pilots with an FAA flight instructor certificate preparing for further development, based on their hours and experience.
- 05
EXPERTS
For pilots with advanced experience. Training is defined by their professional goal, background and program requirements.
Training and experience
Continue from your existing training
Your previous preparation is part of the starting point. The program connects the training you still need with your next professional goal.
Previous qualifications
Review your license or certificate, ratings, hours, English and relevant experience.
Remaining requirements
Define the training, assessments and documentation needed for the next stage.
Training and experience
Develop skills and prepare for opportunities to gain relevant experience, subject to applicable conditions and authorizations.
Advanced preparation
Programs that provide for it may include progression toward ATP, subject to the student's eligibility and requirements.
Professional outlook
Preparation for your next professional stage
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 16,400 annual openings for airline and commercial pilots from 2025 to 2035. This national projection is market context, not a forecast of an individual student's employment.
Experience and preparation
Build documented experience, sustain your performance and prepare for the requirements of the role you want to pursue.
Employer assessment
Operators make their own decisions based on qualifications, experience, authorizations and selection performance. Training does not guarantee employment.
Official references: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
F-1 in eligible programs
Student status and applicable requirements
Certain programs provide for F-1 student status. After admission, an institution authorized to enroll F-1 students may register the student in SEVIS and issue Form I-20. The student applies for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Neither Aerolíder nor the institution grants or guarantees the visa.
Admission and documentation
The authorized institution handles program admission, applicable SEVIS registration and Form I-20 for eligible students.
Practical training
CPT or OPT may be available in eligible programs. They depend on the curriculum, student eligibility and the required DSO or USCIS authorizations; they are not automatic permission to work.
Student responsibilities
Complete the visa application and required documentation, attend an interview when required, and maintain student status and program requirements.
Official references: U.S. Department of State, student visas, SEVP, practical training
Before we meet
Questions about U.S. pathways
Can I start without flight experience?
Yes. ROOKIE is the entry level for beginners. We review the sequence, requirements and initial preparation with you.
What if I already hold a commercial license?
We review the issuing authority, ratings, hours and English to confirm your entry level and remaining training. Recognition is not automatic across aviation authorities.
Can the program include ATP?
Some advanced programs provide for progression toward ATP. Inclusion, requirements and eligibility depend on your background and the confirmed format. ATP-CTP is a separate training program, not the ATP qualification itself.
Who issues the F-1 visa?
The authorized institution may issue Form I-20 after admission. A U.S. embassy or consulate decides the visa application; admission and Form I-20 do not guarantee approval.
How much does it cost, and how long does it take?
Cost, duration and academic components depend on your starting point and program. We confirm current details during the meeting.
Continue training from your current experience
Tell us about your licenses, flight hours and professional goal. We will reply by email to coordinate a meeting about the program and its requirements.