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From zero experience to commercial pilot in 9-12 months
Professional Pilot Program
We transform zero-experience students into commercial pilots with flight instructor and multi-engine ratings. Training emphasizes the knowledge and skills necessary to operate aircraft for hire, including airline operations. The program culminates in graduates building flight hours as CFIs toward the 1,500 flight hours required for airline hiring.
Duration: 9-12 months
We are only accepting Professional Pilot Program students at this time, call us to get started!
Program Advantages
Training in Honolulu Class Bravo airspace (busy, complex environment)
Favorable weather conditions year-round
Guaranteed flight instructor position upon completion
Access to local aviation job network
Your Training Roadmap
Six progressive steps from discovery flight to multi-engine rating
Discovery Flight
Take your first introductory flight around the island of Oahu, experiencing firsthand what it feels like to control an aircraft. This 1-hour flight accommodates up to 2 passengers and is designed to confirm your passion for aviation before committing to the full program.
1 hour
Private Pilot
Earn your Private Pilot Certificate through a minimum of 40 hours of flight time combined with comprehensive ground instruction. You will master the fundamentals of aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather theory, navigation, and FAA regulations, preparing you to fly single-engine aircraft as pilot in command.
3-4 months
Key Requirements
- Medical certificate
- TSA approval for international students
Instrument Rating
Develop the ability to fly solely by reference to cockpit instruments when outside visibility is reduced or unavailable. This rating teaches precision approaches, holding patterns, and IFR navigation -- critical skills that every professional pilot relies on daily in real-world airline and commercial operations.
2-3 months
Key Requirements
- Private pilot certificate
Commercial Pilot
Advance to the Commercial Pilot Certificate, which authorizes you to be compensated for flying. Training covers advanced maneuvers, emergency procedures, complex aircraft operations, and in-depth Federal Aviation Regulations, bringing your piloting skills to a professional standard required by employers.
2-3 months
Key Requirements
- Instrument rating
- 250 flight hours
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)
Earn your CFI and CFI-I (instrument instructor) credentials, qualifying you to teach others to fly. As a flight instructor at PFA, you will earn income while rapidly building flight hours toward the 1,500 flight hours required for airline hiring -- the most efficient path from commercial certificate to the airlines.
1-2 months
Key Requirements
- Commercial pilot certificate
Multi-Engine Rating
Gain proficiency in operating multi-engine aircraft through focused training on engine-out procedures, asymmetric thrust management, and multi-engine aerodynamics. This rating is essential for airline careers, as virtually all commercial airliners are multi-engine aircraft.
1-2 weeks
Key Requirements
- Commercial pilot certificate
Compare Programs at a Glance
Find the right program for your goals
| Program | Duration | Min. Hours | Prerequisite | Outcome | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot | 3-4 months | 40 hrs | None | Fly single-engine VFR | |
| Instrument Rating | 2-3 months | 50 hrs | Private Pilot | Fly in IFR conditions | |
| Commercial Pilot | 2-3 months | 250 hrs total | Instrument Rating | Fly for compensation | |
| CFI / CFII | 1-2 months | Varies | Commercial Pilot | Teach others to fly | |
| Multi-Engine | 1-2 weeks | 10-15 hrs | Commercial Pilot | Fly multi-engine aircraft |
Instrument Rating
2-3 monthsMin. Hours
50 hrs
Prerequisite
Private Pilot
Fly in IFR conditions
Commercial Pilot
2-3 monthsMin. Hours
250 hrs total
Prerequisite
Instrument Rating
Fly for compensation
Multi-Engine
1-2 weeksMin. Hours
10-15 hrs
Prerequisite
Commercial Pilot
Fly multi-engine aircraft
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Contact us today to learn more about our Professional Pilot Program and take the first step toward your aviation career.