How to Become a Professional Pilot: Your Step-by-Step Path to the Skies

Have you ever looked up at an airplane carving across a clear Arizona sky and thought, “That could be me”?

Whether you're chasing the thrill of flight or aiming for a career at 30,000 feet, every pilot’s journey begins with the right foundation.

At Desert Wings Flight School, we guide aspiring aviators from their very first flight through every stage of training needed to become a commercial pilot. This isn’t about choosing one certificate and stopping there — it’s about progressing through each step with purpose. Here’s how it works.

Your Pilot Journey Explained

Becoming a professional pilot follows a clear path. Each certification builds on the one before it, expanding your abilities and moving you closer to your goals.

Private Pilot Certificate

This is where every pilot begins. The private pilot certificate allows you to fly most single-engine airplanes in good weather, carry passengers, and explore the skies for personal enjoyment.

Training includes ground school and flight lessons with a certified instructor. You’ll log at least 40 hours of flight time while learning essential skills such as takeoffs, landings, navigation, weather interpretation, and emergency procedures. This certificate is also the foundation for all future training, whether you plan to fly recreationally or professionally.

Instrument Rating

After earning your private certificate, the next step is the instrument rating. This qualification allows you to fly in poor visibility or through clouds by relying solely on cockpit instruments.

Instrument training improves your precision, confidence, and decision-making. You’ll learn to operate in more complex airspace, handle challenging weather conditions, and communicate effectively with air traffic control — all of which are essential for commercial and airline flying.

Commercial Pilot Certificate

With strong visual and instrument flying skills, you're ready to pursue your commercial pilot certificate. This license allows you to be paid for flying and is required for most aviation careers.

To qualify, you’ll build more flight hours, master advanced flight maneuvers, and gain a deeper understanding of FAA regulations and commercial flight operations. Many pilots also earn multi-engine ratings or become flight instructors to gain additional experience and career opportunities.

The Full Path to a Career in Aviation

If your goal is to fly professionally, your training typically follows this sequence:

Private Pilot Certificate → Instrument Certificate → Commercial Pilot Certificate → Certified Flight Instructor → Multi-Engine Add On 

At Desert Wings, we support you at every stage of this journey with tailored flight instruction, flexible scheduling, and a team of experienced professionals committed to your success.

How to Get Started Becoming a Professional Pilot

Take a Discovery Flight Experience the thrill of flight with one of our certified instructors. You’ll get a hands-on introduction and a feel for what training will be like.

Meet the Requirements Our team will help ensure you meet the FAA's medical, age, and English language standards to begin training.

Start Private Pilot Training This is your first major milestone. We’ll help you build a strong foundation with structured lessons and personal guidance.

Progress With Purpose As your skills grow, we’ll prepare you for each next step with the support and resources you need to succeed in aviation.

Let’s Take Off

At Desert Wings Flight School, we’re passionate about helping future pilots reach their goals. Whether you're flying for fun or working toward a career in aviation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule your discovery flight and begin your journey to becoming a professional pilot.