How Much Does It Cost to Become a Professional Pilot 

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I just started back on my flight training to complete my commercial license at 36. I got my private pilot and instrument in college and joined the air force being selected to go to AF pilot training, unfortunately things went south and I wasn't complete, so I served as a maintenance officer. Got out of active duty just before covid hit, and spent the next 3 years as a stay-at-home dad and reservist. Finally got the courage to get back in the air, and peruse my airline dreams, using my veteran benefits. Thank you for these videos you have been an inspiration.

Watching your progress closely and rooting for you man! You can do it!

Good luck with the sponsorship journey! Thanks so much for making this series

Thank you for continuing to document your journey.

Dude, this is awesome. I’m 45. Got my private at 21 but shelved the pilot job cause I got an electrician apprenticeship. Now getting tired of electrical work and considering picking back up my pilot plans. Your story is very inspirational. Keep it up and I look forward to watching.

I'm 53 plus 4 days and watching every move you make. I like how you said don't reinvent the wheel. I'll be watching closely and cheering you on Trent. This might be my career 2.0. Thanks again so much Trent for igniting the fire once again to keep the blue side up !

I love your content Trent! Please keep producing.

Trent, I cant say enough about the content you are putting out. Thank you so much for reigniting this fire for me. I have been flying for a few years with the idea of doing it professionally at some point. Unfortunately, its been hard to balance that with family and work life. The silver lining is that my wife is in a stable career that she loves, and the kids are transitioning to grown up life - Only one left in high school, yeah! With that said, we are starting to look at the possibility of being able to shift focus the same way.I am aiming at getting Single and Multi Engine Commercial, as well as CFI and CFII by next spring, and maybe considering full time instructing after. One thing that I have not heard you talk about that may be worth mentioning is in addition to getting ratings, the possibility of owning your own aircraft to build time/ instruct in. This is the route that I am considering as I already own a PA-28, and am also an A&P/IA, so I can do my own maintenance. I was curious if you had considered this route, or would it be considered a distraction/ in-necessary added expense. If you or anyone else here in the comments has questions about that particular path, I would be happy to share what I know. Disclaimer - I do not work GA Aircraft for a living and have nothing to sell. I have found that aviation in general is best when we all help one another. Happy to share what I know. Follow on question: Would it maybe be possible to have a forum section on your website for such discussions? Thanks again!

WOW. Great information, please keep it up!! I just took my introduction to flight today. CFI was very welcoming. I walked away on the fence of continuing. I enjoyed it, but felt very overwhelmed in the left seat. No rubber necking here, eyes on instruments, hands felt like they were two slabs of meat on the yolk. I was intentional not to be heavy handed,alas it was small corrections that felt we would do a barrel roll if I were to twitch one half of a degree more. My wife is on board with me continuing, however it will set our family to far back financially to finish. I understand ROI, but our kids are not in college yet. And going into debt is not on the table. We enjoy a debt free life, and teach our kids the same. Trent, I will continue to live through your VLOGS. Please do keep it up.

I’m just starting my instrument rating at age 35, and also planning on going into the airlines. Your videos are very inspiring!

Great videos. Thank you! I’m 51, and totally inspired by your content. I just talked to a close friend today who is a recently retired Delta captain. As you noted, he said there has never been a time in history like now to do what you’re doing, and I’m considering doing. I’ll be watching closely.

Great Content, Trent. I love following your journey.

Thanks for this Trent! Great information as always.

Thank you so much for breaking everything down. This really really helps!!

You’ve got my subscription and I’m looking forward to seeing what you put out!

The goals for this channel are so wholesome!

Went ahead to the website and signed up whether sponsorship is there for people or not. You are living my dream and if I can't do it at least I get to watch someone who is and is excelling!!! Great content sir.

Nice VDO very informative! Thank you Trent !

Super interested to see this series through to the end. Good luck and best wishes on accomplishing your goal.

Great info... I will definitely join your community

Hi Trent, I'm taking my CAX test shortly. I am 54 @ 442 with Rotorcraft add-on , also skywest Cadet. Thank you for doing the video.

Trent, you’re inspiring me to pick this up again. I’m also 53 but ran out of money. Will be watching to see if you are able to get the Sky(west or other) to rain down some $$$. Thanks for all you are doing for future pilots.

Thank you Brother @Fry with Trent😊, this was very informative buddy. I will follow in your footsteps definitely 😊

Hi Trent. I am looking forward to watching your progress. I am 51 and dreaming of doing something similar. Not with the airlines, but perhaps charter or lifeflight. Clear skies and keep the greasy side down. 👍

I’m really glad I found you. I have been struggling to get the VA to pay for anything. I won’t go on here about it but let’s just say I am looking to fund my training in other ways. I look forward to seeing you progress.

Thank you Trent. Very good information.

Subscribed! I'm definitely about ready to quit everything and go get my pilots license as well. Been wanting to do since i was a kid, and as you said. Now is the best time to do it!

Part 61 allows you to tailor your training specific to you - it's a great way to go if you already have significant flight experience. I made the switch to an airline career via Part 61 training when i had 400 hrs and a glider certificate. once i made the decision to become an airline pilot - my path to an airline took 12 months - single engine airplane add-on to my commercial glider certificate, instrument rating, multi engine airplane. I was working on CFI/CFII/MEI when i got hired by my first airline - I was the "old" pilot since everyone else in new hire indoc class only had 200-250 hrs and i had 550hrs... i quit working on the instructor certificates. I find this amusing - you're 53 and looking to get in ... nothing wrong with that. i am 55 and looking to get out... one thing you can do at Skywest after you get comfortable with line flying and decide that that's where you want to stay (not moving up to a major/legacy carrier - though Skywest is considered a major carrier btw) is get into the training department - that is a whole different career than just being a line pilot - start as line check airman or a simulator check airman and work your way up to getting an APD designation (you issue type ratings and ATPs to pilots that don't have an ATP certificate - you are a designated FAA examiner except you work for the airline) - once you have a training resume, you can network and try to get into Flight Safety / Simuflite / CAE etc and keep working there after the 65 retirement age... anyways with 10 years to go - i am looking at getting the CFI/II/MEI instructor certificates that i put on hold 20 years ago so that I can start ramping down the line flying and go do something else (within 5 years hopefully) and leave the flying to the younger peeps - who are annoyed that im in their captain seat anyway... lol only reason i don't want to get into the training department is that you lose a lot of schedule flexibility as a check airman - you fall into different relative seniority - seniority among other check airmen - which determines your quality of life - something i probably wouldn't have minded when i was younger, but now that im older - i just don't want to give up my seniority as a line captain. Once you get your instrument rating, the part i found most helpful was going out and doing cross country IFR flying with another pilot - using the atc system and working with enroute and terminal controllers. i learned more from doing that than anything any instructor could teach you about flying IFR. **just when you call for clearance - don't say "Clearance On Request to XYZ airport" - "Clearance on Request" is what the controller says when you call for clearance. - if a pilot says "Clearance On Request" - it's a dead giveaway they came from the ChAir Force... lol

Thanks for doing these videos! I'm jist a couple of years younger than you headed on the same direction. You have inspired me to lock it down and get it done!

I really appreciate each of your videos. I am encouraged by other’s comments and information on career paths to becoming a pilot and an instructor with experience rather than just a line pilot. At 58 I’m going to jump into it and push through until I hear a “no way, man!” I cannot be any more excited for this than I was at being a firefighter/rescue diver for 32 years. I have never been a “sit in a rocking chair and sip some sweet tea” kind of guy. The worst that can happen is I still become a pilot and just fly for FUN!!!💁🏽‍♂️💁🏽‍♂️💁🏽‍♂️🛩️🛩️🛩️🛩️🛩️

Hi Trent. I just discovered your channel. Excellent stuff. Your journey is hitting a nerve with many to inspire them to fly. Thanks for motivating potential pilots. I got my PPL at age 72 and, at 75, am working on my instrument rating. It is all for FUN, as I think I'm past the age for the airlines (smile). It would be very helpful if you would chronicle your IFR check ride, including the oral part. The nuts and bolts of check ride prep and the check ride itself would go a long way in relieving the stress level. Oh, one other thing, regarding the cost--I had to get insurance for myself. Shouldn't insurance be included? Keep up the good work and please continue with your videos. We are all cheering you on.

Awesome as always!!

You are an inspiration to us all. May God bless you brother! Looking forward to seeing you achieve your dreams. Blaze a path for us to follow! 💫💥💯😊

Thank you for sharing the journey. I am a pilot and owner (C172) located in central Ohio, if you ever need anything while you are out this way. Best wishes and have fun!!

Thanks for the useful information. Please let us know when the website is live!

That’s a sweet intro graphic Trent! Love seeing your videos come out, I was in the middle of this whole decision process when I saw your first video. I am now securing financing and just completed my medexpress to get my 1st class medical knocked out. I live in the Denver area and I too hope to fly right seat for SkyWest down the road. I can’t wait to work a trip with you! Blue Skies my friend, thanks for the encouragement!

I’m at a similar age and am seriously considering making the leap in the next 12-24 months. Although I worked in aviation for most of my adult life, I never earned my certificates, so I’ll be starting at zero. Thanks for the tips so far (e.g., get the written exams done early); I look forward to more!

Only recently came upon your videos, they're very encouraging. No matter your age you can still attain your dreams. I'm looking to resurrect mine for becoming a pilot.

Thank you for these videos. My husband and I have been researching him becoming a pilot and your videos have really helped guide us on how to go about it. I will go back and try searching for other videos regarding the 1500 flight hours but in case it hasn't been brought up I would love to hear if you have a fast-track approach on how to get them. Thank you!

Great content! Very informative.

Thank you so much for sharing ❤❤❤

Trent, we really appreciate the videos documenting your process, I'm currently awaiting acceptance for watchmaking School, if I don't get approved I'm going to use my savings to earn my private pilot license. the plan was always to get a stable enough job to earn the license on my free time but I may end up fast tracking! Once again thank you for the insight and keep the videos coming, you've got a new subscriber!

Trent, I'm 48, have a successful & rewarding corporate career, and seeking Career 2.0. After extensive soul-searching, aviation is becoming a viable and exciting path. You're an inspiration to me! All my best in your endeavor! I'll see you in the skies!

Trent, I love your content! I am on the same path as we speak. Just a quick note - CFI - Certified Flight Instructor. Although - “Chief” has a nice ring to it!

Great video

Great update! I'm going with a 141 because my company offers tuition reimbursement, and I'm not in a hurry (kinda).

Super idea!

Trent this is some insane progress. Your channel is growing at a very high rate, and I hope everything goes well for you and you can keep posting!

Hey Trent, I'm a CFII here in California. The route your going is great just remember everyone's hours will vary due to experience and comprehension. Another thing about part 141 and part 61. Being an Air Force veteran myself, if you served you can look into having the GI bill pay for your part 141 if the college accepts the bill to have it paid for. One example is California Aeronautical University. I see some in the comments served. So this is good information for them

You've helped me make the choice to swap careers. Im 39 and feel stuck in my engineering career. I've never had a job where i wanted me managers position, and the M-F 8-5 doesn't give me hardly any spare time. My dad was an AA pilot, and when he passed he left his Cherokee 140, so I'll have my own plane to rack up hours in, but finding time for everything while working full time will be the challenge. The pilot's schedule and no office drama is (plus the $$) is pretty motivating.

Thanks!

Great info, thanks for sharing! I have no idea how much I've spent since 2009... But it's certainly cheaper to compress it like you have. One thing to note: It's expensive these days, but DOING IT TODAY IS CHEAPER THAN IT WILL EVER BE! The cost only goes up, so do it now.

Oh man, I am super glued to your channel. Just had the talk with the wife. She's all on board, but I have a lot to think about. I just did the math, and for me, the cost would be 31k since I have my ppl and halfway through instrument training along with 250 hrs so far.

Super into this series, thanks for doing it. What's the very general salary range you expect to start at Skywest? I'd definitely want to fly the west coast as well. Alaska or Horizon would be a blast as far as routes but I don't know how all the pay compares. Keep up the good work!

Trent, great videos, awesome how you are breaking the whole process down for a sector of the market that needs pilots. What is the Flight School that you are going to? Can you provide some coverage about them and the types of aircraft they use?

Hey Trent, enjoying your content. As a 35-year-old who dreads going to the office most days, I've thought on several occasions about a similar career path. I don't think I have heard you talk about this yet: pilot lifestyle / scheduling. Once you make it to Skywest, my understanding is you will often be away from home for 5 + nights at a time until you have gained some significant seniority as a captain (which obviously takes years). I've got a pilot friend in his 2nd year with a regional that can be away from home for up to 10 days. You mentioned in this video that you don't like being away from family during your intensive training, how do you / your family feel about being away so much for the foreseeable future? My situation is a little different as I have little kids currently in the home, but I'm guessing you have still had to have a similar conversation with your family. You could answer in the comments, or perhaps this topic could be part of a video. Good luck in your pursuits!

Starting off my workday with Trent!👍 Good update bro. ATP is definitely a business first, and a flight school second. That said, l'm not entirely opposed to them, and many people swear by them. But it's definitely hard to just find 90K laying around...🤣🤷‍♂️😆

I’ve just found your videos so informative thank you so much I’m a 31 year old Zimbabwean Architect who is looking to relocate and start flying and you’ve just motivated me so much thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻

I'm a 49 year old engineer at a large aerospace company. I had my discovery flight today. I started out as an A&P many years ago. So I've struck a deal with the owner, I'll be trading 100 hr inspections, tire & brake replacemnet, etc. for the flight time. Thanks for all the great info!

Hey! Loving your videos man, they offer more than just helpful information, but also a real time line as you go through this journey 🤘🏻 I am about to be 31 and want to become a pilot, I am a veteran but have no college whatsoever, I have been a truck driver for the last almost 9 years. Where would I find a mentor? With so many paths I get stuck over analyzing them all. Do I go and get my bachelors? If I do so I worry I will be putting flying on the back burner, missing out on the pilot shortage, or do I just go for it and find an accelerated program? All questions I'd love to ask a mentor, or even yourself. Anyways thank you for the content! Loving this channel 🤘🏻🤘🏻

Excellent video Trent! Sorry of this has been asked or I missed it, did you go to a part 61 or 141 flight school? Thanks Jon

CONGRATULATIONS and good luck. 👍🇨🇦👍 CYQT

Trent, super excited to see how your journey progresses! I am also in the process of a career change to aviation at 42...And, I live in Boise! My situation is very different, I am a single dad and have limited savings. So, while my private license shouldn't be too much of a headache, I need to figure out the commercial side of things. Wondering who you were able to get your PPL and hours through prior to getting signed up with SkyWest and what that experience was like for you?

Thanks very much

Im 26 and a single mom of 2. Flying has been my dream since I was a little girl. I didnt know until recently that funding was an option outside of the military or college. Your videos have been a huge help to me. Trying to navigate this from zero is hard. Just want to be able to accomplish my dreams and show my kids they can also set out and reach their dreams.

Timing is everything... at the age of 37, I was told I was too old to ever think of making the majors. You're going to be getting there at 53 - 54, that's amazing. 👍

The numbers that you mention do sound reasonable. The only difference is the added expense of having fewer hours to put toward the commercial license.

Hey , just wanted to say great video & great channel! Flying rates where you are seem extremely cheap! In London, 🇬🇧 it’s approx $300 per hour for instructor training & about $250 hr without an instructor. Private pilots licence runs about $18k with average 50h training.

Thanks for the great video! I might point out that CFI is Certified Flight Instructor.

Hey Trent, many thanks for all the videos a. I just started my PPL, I want to finish that part and hopefully, I'll go full-time training by that time. Does the Skywest Cadet program basically give you the flexibility to go to any Part 61 school out here? Maybe in the future, you can talk a bit more about the cadet program and how it affects you (until the end goal which would be an interview for SkyWest)

Hello Trent, your content is amazing! Currently finishing up my private and debating whether or not to go to ATP. What flight school are you at?

Hi Trent, great videos! Thanks for the great information. Do you mind sharing which flight school you are with? If one had the time and money, would they be able to complete the training at another part 61 school? THanks!

Greetings Trent. I am same age as you. Also private pilot. Had to put flying on the back burner for about 20 years while raising a family. Your videos have inspired me to try and make a career change and follow my passion. Is there any contact information you can provide for someone at the flight school you are attending that I might be able to get in touch with to discuss my situation with in more detail? Really interested in following your lead and doing what I have always wanted to do for a living. Thanks again for the great and inspirational videos.

That’s awesome you are looking into sponsorship! I don’t understand why they allow federal student loans and grants for other professions but not for a commercial pilots (outside of a university). If I could figure out the money I would be all over it!!

52 here watching you closely. If you pull this off, the wife can’t say a thing about my hopes and dreams. Thank you and I hop to met you one day.

I'm 45 and would love to make a career change to become an airline pilot. I have found the biggest hurdle for me would be the hour building I would need after getting my ratings and having enough hours for my ATP. From everything I find becoming an instructor full time would be a decent pay decrease and be unsustainable for my family and not many place around me would being a part time instructor allow me to build hours in a timely enough manner. I am fortunate that the local community college has an agreement with the FBO 5 miles from my house and the school your attending is only 45 minutes from my house. I'm going to keep researching to hopefully find a path forward but may just be a dream at this point.

Hello Trent! Would love to see your flight sim setup!

Great videos! What school did you go to?

Hi Trent, I am start learning on my own as part 61. Very interested in your videos. May you assist me with the following questions please? I appreciate alot❤ 1. Would you like to share what kinds of textbooks and pilot supplies you used for each stage please? I thought you only studied from Sporty with only $49/month for all your exam! 2. Where/which website did you use to make an appointment for those exams? And how to plan and make your schedule for those exam appointments? 3. You also mentioned about Sheppard Air. So, what parts did you study from it? And What flight school did you go for flight hours earning? 4. For Multi, CFI, CFII, and MEI, where did you learn for those courses?

Trent, I'm 48 almost 49 and I am trying to do the exact same thing you are with Skywest, what school are you going to in Ohio out of curiosity? Thanks for continuing to make videos they've been inspiring and motivational.

Just had a question and wanted your opinion. I want to take the leap and start my road to become a commercial pilot. I just took a nice job with an electric wholesale company with a 50k base and 70k top end. Should I put money back and just work on my private license then take the leap and go to pilot school? Or should I just save up around 50-70k, which would take around 4-5 year then start flight school at 0 hours . That would put me at age of 31. I’m 26 right now and love the aspect of flying. Love your videos man keep it going!

Could you do a discussion on medical considerations - I see that as a non zero risk for an older pilot

I love your ambition. I’m subscribing just to see if you can make it in your allotted time frame and budget. I’m rooting for you but the odds are against you. Some errors in your video I noticed is that your commercial requirements are missing the other commercial aeronautical experiences required specifically for commercial training. (You can’t double dip them) They are listed under 61.129 and would make your estimates much higher. 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in §61.127(b)(1) - Flight Proficiency of this part that includes at least- 10 hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device, including attitude instrument flying, partial panel skills, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, and intercepting and tracking navigational systems (note that instrument training for a commercial certificate must be done by a CFII, and simply having an instrument rating does not satisfy this requirement if your logbook does not clearly reflect the completion of these tasks); 10 hours of flight training in a complex airplane, a turbine-powered airplane, or a technically advanced airplane (TAA); One 2-hour cross country flight during daytime conditions covering a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; One 2-hour cross country flight during nighttime conditions covering a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and 3 hours of flight instruction with an authorized instructor during the preceding 2 calendar months before the practical test. 10 hours of solo flight time or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command with an authorized instructor, on the areas of operation listed under §61.127(b) that include- A cross-country flight of at least 300 nautical miles total, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point; and 5 hours in night VFR conditions, including 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern - not “touch and goes”) at an airport with an operating control tower. You’re also missing the part of delays coming up whether they be due to weather, dpe scheduling, or plane maintenance, or health. The other part you aren’t considering is there is a big CAPTAIN shortage. There is NO shortage of low time pilots to pilots with 1500 hours trying to get to the regionals. There are tons of pilots sitting on a few 100 hours trying to get to the magic 1500. Those jobs are hard to get. Sure there’s the CFI route but that takes time too depending on where you teach. The ones with 1500 hours are stuck because SkyWest (and others) have paused their new classes because they have too many first officers and not enough captains. Everyone is hoping that it evens out soon but nobody has a crystal ball so everyone is still grinding it out. Good luck to you sir and i look forward to seeing your progress.

Love the videos! Quick question, the school your attending is the ATP school in Cincinnati Ohio correct? Reason I ask is, I live kinda close and I’ve been considering converting from the medical field after 17 years. Figured at 41, I better do it while I’m still young lol. Thanks and good luck.

Hey Trent, I’m curious as to why you chose the school you chose? Just want to make sure I choose the right school myself!

I really appreciate. Can I please know from which flight school did you get your training please because it's my dream to become pilot. And please make more videos on pilot training, career and pilot life We really love ❤️ it.

The scholarship is a great idea. Would also be cool to give away some Bose A30’s too!!

Did your projections cover the cost of fuel as well? I assume so but just wanted to ask as I am trying to price out my 3 options for getting the same licensure. would love to accomplish it in a similar time frame and price as you.

Hey Trent, I know your done now with your ratings. Has your estimates of costs laid out here proven pretty accurate? How much did end up spending on each rating? I’m about to take money out to pay for my instrument rating. (Doing this one rating at a time). So this video has bee really helpful. Thanks!!

What flight school are you going to? Maybe you work out a referral system with them ;) I’m at a point in my life I’m just burnt out in my job - although lucrative, it is very unfulfilling and have cash on hand to chase a dream with full support from my family. I’ve looked at ATP and other flight schools so I’m still in the research phase regarding that! Great videos and keep it up! -David

Trent can you double-check or verify the 40 hours instrument time, specifically regarding Simulator time. I thought regs stated that you could do at most 20 hours of Simulator time and the other 20 hours had to be in an actual aircraft.

We should have a conversation about how to get your PPL in the minimum time... (Simulation and Online ATC is a HUGE help!)

hey trent, i’m trying to become a pilot also. love your pilot videos, but these numbers don’t seem entirely accurate. there is the airplane rental fee (wet rate with fuel usually 130-200) + CFI or CFII (usually 50-70) i don’t see how you're getting $133 for dual private unless you’re splitting time? $4k / 30 dual private hours = $133? then it says 5 solo private hours x $600 = 3k? you also have to pay a CFII to be present in the flight sim i believe for those hours to count, unless i’m mistaken. so i believe the $2.4k / 40 instrument sim hours = $60, would be more like $120 bucks each tbh. i hope i’m wrong on that according to the FAA, you can only log 2.5 sim hours for private, 20 sim hours for instrument, and 50 for commerical, so on and so forth… like i said, i love this pilot series, please keep the videos coming. my part 61 school is about $60-70k for all the ratings and tests, etc. i’m sure there will be more fees that i’m not accounting for properly

Times have changed. In the 90’s the examiner a lot of us used (old B-24 pilot) charged a Benjamin….

Hey which flight school did you do your flight training and where? Thanks

How hard is it to get the hours you need post gaining all the certs coming out of part 61? It looks like a lot of the bigger schools have CFI gigs available for that, but I was wondering your plan. Lower hours with Skywest cadet program?

You have to hook up with Mike Patty you guys have similar missions from different ends of the aviation spectrum.

What Part 61 flight school did you attend? I am 43. I have approximately 100 hours with a Private Pilot Cert and complex endorsement. I am wanting to take your path to the MEI and ATP. Thanks for helping out.

Hello Trent. I’m enjoying your videos. I’m 49 and I’m set to retire from law enforcement in about 3 years. I just enrolled in Liberty University’s BS in Aviation, professional pilot and I start flight training on Monday at the local FlyGateway affiliate. What are your thoughts on a program like this? I work full time and have a family, so I’m expecting it to take longer. Is this an efficient way to accomplish this in my situation?