Airline Academy Hints & Tips Training

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Commercial Pilot?

  • Article by L3Harris Flight Academy
  • Published
  • Duration 2 minute read

The answer to this is no. In order to become an airline pilot or commercial pilot, you are not required to have a bachelor’s degree.

After successfully passing a checkride and receiving your commercial certificate, you will have met all the criteria set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), so from then on you can apply and work as a commercial pilot.

Students may wish to combine their flight training with a degree, however, in order to further their knowledge and experience in aviation.

Airline pilot vs. commercial pilot

An airline pilot typically operates passenger aircraft for a regional or major airline.

A commercial pilot could have a variety of duties. Commercial pilots could have roles such as aerial photography, private flights and aerial tours. Putting it simply, flying that provides you, the pilot, income.

Becoming a pilot with L3Harris

At L3Harris we offer a wide range of programs and courses. If you are concerned about how to finance these pilot programs, read our resources for funding your pilot qualifications here.

There are plenty of options for financing:

Take your first step towards becoming a commercial pilot and apply today or get in touch and our team of experts will provide you with more information on how to start your journey to becoming a commercial pilot.

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What's next?

If you are feeling inspired by this article then we have several others that could be of interest to you. Excited for the next step? Feel free to look at our guides on ‘How to become a pilot’ as well as our FAQs.