How to Become a Pilot in Mexico in 2024

You need to know what pilot training programs are being offered in the country and which among those is the most suitable for you. This is where you should take into account what is your aviation goal. Do you want to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)? Are you seeking to work for an airline? If yes, then an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is for you. Do you aim to attain a college degree at the same time too? Or do you see yourself joining the military, particularly the Air Force?

Did we lose you? Don’t panic! If you’re not familiar with the terms or can’t choose which license is right for you, you can send in your questions and our team will be happy to help you out.

Here are your options:

• Flight School

There are approximately a hundred flight schools in Mexico that offer different pilot training programs that you can choose from. It is important that you create a list of your preferred flight schools so you can compare which is fitting for you. Each school has its own procedures and enrollment requirements. Also, depending on which pilot training courses you decide to take, the tuition fee also varies.

• Aviation-related college degree program

However, if you’re interested in obtaining a college degree accompanied with flight training, you should consider aviation-related college degree programs. These programs allow students to combine a college degree with flight training. With this kind of program, you will earn a college degree together with a pilot license such as Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in most cases. Hence, this will give you the opportunity to have the best of both worlds.

• Airline cadet pilot program

Meanwhile, if your greatest childhood dream is to become an airline pilot, you should consider airline cadet pilot programs. Airlines often sponsor these programs and students are guaranteed employment upon course completion. In this pilot program, you will obtain an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). You can reach out to us to get an insight into the options currently available.

• Join the military

Finally, if you’re interested in serving your country, you can join the Mexican Air Force. The Government will sponsor your flight training but you will have to stay with the military for around 12 years. You can apply to commercial airlines after the completion of your service to the military.

• What is the minimum age to become a pilot in Mexico?

You need to be at least 17 years old to start your pilot training in Mexico.

• What do I need to start pilot training in Mexico?

In order to start your pilot training, you will need to secure a medical certificate. The best way to do this is to speak with the flight school you would like to enroll in and they will help arrange it for you.

• What are the minimum educational requirements to become a pilot in Mexico?

Potential students must have at least a high school degree (class 12).

• What level of English do I need to become a pilot in Mexico?

Since the language of aviation internationally is English, it is recommended to have at least a level 4 English standard before receiving your pilot license. Want to improve your English? You can send us a message and we will give you tips on what courses to take.

• What level of Spanish do I need to become a pilot in Mexico?

The Civil Aviation Federal Agency requires Spanish Proficiency. Hence, you must be able to read, speak, understand, and write in the Spanish language.

• What is the maximum age for airline pilots in Mexico?

The retirement age for airline pilots is 65 years old.

• Student Pilot License (SPL)

The first pilot license you will need to obtain is a student pilot license. This license allows you to start your flight training.

• Private Pilot License (PPL)

This license will allow you to fly solo or fly passengers or cargo but without receiving any money for it. To get a Private Pilot License, you must log a minimum of forty hours, which will include a minimum of:

(a) Twenty hours of flight in dual-control aircraft with instructor under visual flight rules (VFR);

(b) Five hours of solo flight;

(c) Five hours of cross country flight, including a route between points not less than 270 kilometers (150 NM) apart and comprising a minimum of two landings at different route points, and

(d) Five hours of flight recorded and certified by theAeronautical Authority, within the two months prior to the date of the request.

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

License will allow you to earn from flying and be a paid professional pilot. To get a Commercial Pilot License, you must be:

(a) Over 18 years old;

(b) Be a holder of the private pilot license of fixed-wing aircraft with the aeronautical radiotelephone operator’s certificate of competence restricted, current, and have covered the plan and program of licensed commercial pilot.

(c) Have a Pilot Aviator Title;

(d) Log a minimum of one hundred and eighty hours of instruction, having to understand within those hours a minimum of:

(i) One hundred hours as pilot-in-command, within which Twenty hours of cross-country flying will be included as a pilot when command, including a cross-country flight of no less than 540 kilometers (300 NM), comprising at least two landings made at different points on the route;

(ii) Twenty hours of flight alone;

(iii) Fifty hours of instruction in the basic trainer of instrument flight, of which a minimum of twenty will be in multi-engine synthetic trainer and fifteen hours of actual flight under IFR rules, including a minimum of ten landings;

(iv) Five hours of night flight in fixed-wing aircraft of dual command, including five take-offs and five landings as pilot-in-command, under the supervision of a flight instructor;

(v) Ten hours of flight in multi-engine equipment in wing aircraft fixed dual command, under the supervision of an instructor flight, and

(vi) Lastly, ten flight hours recorded and certified by the Authority Aeronautics within the two months prior to the date of application.

• Instrument Rating

Being instrument-rated means that you can fly the aircraft in any weather condition (for example low or zero visibility) using just the instruments. Flight schools offer Instrument Rating along with their commercial pilot training. But this can also be obtained separately.

• Multi-Engine Rating

The multi-engine rating will allow you to fly multi-engine aircraft. Flight schools offer Multi-Engine Rating along with their private pilot training and commercial pilot training. But this can also be obtained separately.

• Airline Transportation Pilot License (ATPL)

Is the highest level of Aircraft Pilot Certificate that allows you to act as pilot in command on scheduled air carriers. To get an Airline Transportation Pilot License, you must be:

(a) Over 21 years old;

(b) Be a holder of the commercial wing aircraft pilot license fixed with certificates of instrument flight capability and multi-engine equipment (piston and/or turbojet aircraft);

(c) Have a Pilot Aviator Title;

(d) Log a minimum of one thousand five hundred flight hours in fixed-wing aircraft, which you must have done as follows:

(i) Two hundred and fifty hours of flight, either as a pilot command, or a minimum of one hundred hours as a pilot I command plus the additional flight time needed as co-pilot;

(ii) Two hundred hours of cross country flight, of which one minimum of one hundred will be as pilot in command or as co-pilot;

(iii) Seventy-five hours of instrument flight, of which a maximum of thirty hours may have been done in a basic instrument flight trainer;

(iv) One hundred hours of night flight as pilot in command or as co-pilot; and

(v) Lastly, twenty-five hours of flight instruction in aircraft or flight simulator.

After doing your research on the type of license you would like to obtain, the next step is to choose which flight school is the most suitable for your budget.

So, how much does pilot training cost?

It is important to note that becoming a pilot requires a certain budget. Your flight training cost depends on the country you do your training, the flight school you pick, and a number of other factors.

There are approximately a hundred pilot schools in Mexico for you to choose from. You can find a list of flight training institutes in Mexico by registering with us on Aviationfly.com. Our flight school directory has a list of all the latest active flight schools in Mexico which includes their available pilot training courses, and schools’ fleet details. Moreover, through their profile on our website, you can check what they can offer to you, advantages,and other relevant information.

On the other hand, if you decide to do your flight training abroad, there are a number of popular countries to choose from. One important thing to note is that after your training, you will have to convert your license to the Civil Aviation Federal Agency (AFAC).

As mentioned above, another alternative is to enroll in an airline pilot program. So, once you have successfully passed your pilot training, you will be employed by the airlines that have set up the program.

Many aspiring pilots have a defined career path they would like to pursue, while others don’t.

Below is a list of options for what you can potentially do with a pilot license.

• Airline pilot for large airlines or smaller regional ones
• Corporate or business aviation pilot
• Cargo pilot
• Charter / Air taxi pilot
• Flight instructor
• Medical/ Air ambulance pilots
• Agricultural pilot and many more options

A frequently asked question with our How to become a Pilot in Mexico in 2021 Guide is: How much does an Airline Captain in Mexico make? The short answer is around 80,000 MXN (USD 3,894) per month plus benefits*!

*This/these number/numbers is/are based on available data and research conducted in the year 2019. There is no guarantee that the number/s provided is/are accurate. Please read our Disclaimer.

Tip 1. Decide on your pilot goals

Firstly, ask yourself – what are your long-term aspirations in aviation? Do you want to become a pilot in your free time (Private Pilot License)? Or do you want to fly in General Aviation (Commercial Pilot License)? Do you want to become an airline pilot through an airline pilot cadet program? Additionally, which airlines are currently hiring? What type of aircraft will be utilized by airlines in the next few years? Which flight schools do the airlines usually hire from? Best to ask flight schools if they have partnerships with airlines. These are critical questions you should list and get answers to when asking yourself “how will I become a Pilot”.

Tip 2. Determine how much you can afford to spend

Secondly, different flight schools have different costs (due to location, number of students, aircraft type and several other factors), and find out the reasons for the price difference. Moreover, do these programs have financial assistance/loan programs? Might a part-time program work for you?

Tip 3. Determine how much free time you have

Each flight training school has its own training schedules with some offering flexibility while others want the cadets to train full time and on campus. Note that delaying flight training usually increases your training costs.

Tip 4. Find out what type of aircraft the flight school uses and information of its aircraft maintenance center

This is important from a training point of view, but even more importantly, from a safety aspect. Furthermore, you should also take into consideration the equipment preference of airlines. Aircraft age does not always relate to safety, this is dependent on the aircraft maintenance – ask the flight school in detail about their aircraft maintenance department and safety features of the aircraft.

Tip 5. Visit your shortlist of flight schools

Finally, when possible, speak to the instructors and flight school management to learn about the training, safety policies, history, and graduates of the flight school.

Do you still have questions? Send us a message!

You can also check out How to become a Pilot in the USA or other countries by navigating on our platform or simply just reach out to our team through chat.