Can I join an airline after getting a private pilot license (PPL)?

No. To join an airline, you must have an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) which is the highest level of certification an aircraft pilot can have. A pilot can only undergo ATPL training if he or she is already done with Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training. ATPL also consists of ATPL Theory classes, similar to a ground school phase, wherein the outcome of completing this course is an ATPL Theory License or a Frozen ATPL (FATPL). After this, a pilot also needs to do extensive hours building programs to meet at least 1500 flight hours experience and be eligible to work for an airline.

While a Private Pilot License (PPL) is a type of license that allows you to fly in and out of all civil airports, and may partake in hobby or leisure activities. A private pilot can take friends and family for rides, practice maneuvers, or become involved in many of the wonderful programs that introduce people to flying, but you can not generally earn from it. While people may seek the license for hobby or sports reasons, a PPL is the first major milestone on the road to becoming an airline pilot.

Check out our other FAQs related to private pilot license:

What is private pilot license (PPL)?

How long does it take to get a private pilot license (PPL)?

How to get private pilot license (PPL)?

What jobs can I have after getting a private pilot license (PPL)?

Can I be an instructor with a private pilot license (PPL)?

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