What education is required to become an airline pilot?

The profession of airline pilot

The airline pilot, whether captain or first officer, prepares each flight with great thoroughness. Safety being an absolute priority in passenger transport, every detail is meticulously checked.

Before the flight

Before taking off, the pilot establishes a flight plan, taking into account the weather, the route, and its specificities. He determines the necessary fuel quantity, checks the navigation instruments with his co-pilot, and enters the data into the onboard computer.

During the flight

In flight, he constantly monitors the aircraft's parameters, communicates with air traffic controllers, and manages fuel consumption. He must also be able to react quickly to unexpected situations. As all aeronautical communications are in English, proficiency in this language is essential.

A demanding profession

Being an airline pilot is a prestigious profession, but it requires great physical and mental endurance. Irregular hours, night flights, jet lag, and the pressure associated with passenger safety are constant challenges.

To ensure their physical fitness and responsiveness, pilots must regularly undergo medical examinations and aptitude tests, particularly to ensure they can handle emergency situations.

Before becoming a captain (CDB), responsible for the entire crew, a pilot must accumulate several years of experience as a first officer (OPL). Training can be completed at ENAC, among other places.

Other career opportunities for a professional pilot

The pilot profession is not limited to commercial airlines. A professional pilot can also work in various fields:

• Freight transport
• Humanitarian missions
• Air rescue
• Towing advertising banners
• Aerial photography
• Agricultural operations
• Parachutist dropping
• Flying club training
• State civil service (example: customs aviation)

Becoming a pilot in the military

The military also recruits pilots within its various branches:

• Air and Space Force: fighter pilots, transport and heavy aircraft pilots, specialized navigator pilots
• French Navy: fighter pilots, multi-engine pilots, airborne early warning pilots
• French Army: pilot officers assigned to Army Light Aviation (ALAT), specialized in air combat and capable of operating in various conditions (combat flight, night flight, instrument piloting)

Regardless of the sector, the pilot profession requires passion, discipline, and commitment.

Airline pilot salary

An airline pilot's salary varies according to several criteria: the airline, the size of the aircraft, the type of flight (national, medium-haul, long-haul), and experience.

• A first officer (airline pilot) starts at around €4,500 gross per month in a major airline like Air France. After 10 years of service, they can reach €11,000 per month.
• A long-haul captain can earn up to €20,000 per month.
• In smaller companies, salaries are more typically between €3,000 and €8,000.

How to become an airline pilot?

To work as an airline or commercial pilot, it is essential to obtain a European Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).

Once hired, pilots undergo specific training for the company and the aircraft they will operate.

The two training pathways

There are two main routes to obtain the ATPL license in civil aviation:

1. The State pathway (ENAC)

The École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC) is often considered the royal road. It offers free training for airline pilot students (EPL), accessible via a highly selective competitive examination.

The three EPL competitive examinations:

• EPL/S (Scientific) → Open to students from bac+1 (preparatory classes, bachelor's degrees, BTS, BUT, etc.) between 16 and 23 years old. The training lasts 24 months.
• EPL/U (University) → Accessible to scientific bac+3, BTS or scientific BUT holders, with an EASA license (LAPL, SPL, or theoretical ATPL). Age: 17 to 28 years old.
• EPL/P (Practical) → For holders of a commercial pilot license (CPL) and the theoretical ATPL. Age: 18 to 30 years old.

A candidate can attempt the EPL examination a maximum of 3 times, across all pathways combined.

2. The private pathway

Around fifty DGAC-recognized schools train professional pilots, with two types of training:

Integrated ATPL:

• Accelerated training (2 years) for beginners.
• Accessible from 17 years old, with good English proficiency and a scientific baccalaureate recommended.
• Allows obtaining the CPL license (commercial pilot), IR (instrument flight), MCC (multi-crew cooperation), and theoretical ATPL.
• Cost: between €85,000 and €100,000.

Modular ATPL:

• More flexible training, adapted for pilots who already hold a private pilot license (PPL) and the theoretical ATPL.
• Allows progressing at one's own pace and according to one's financial means.

After initial training, the pilot obtains a "Frozen ATPL". To obtain the definitive ATPL and become a captain, they must:

• Complete a UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training) course
• Obtain a Type Rating (TR) on a specific aircraft
• Accumulate 1,500 flight hours as a first officer or captain under supervision
• Pass a flight test

Other training opportunities

Air France Cadet Pilots
Air France regularly organizes cadet pilot selections for 100% covered training. See registration dates here.

Dual University Program
The BUT GEII (Electrical Engineering and Industrial Computing) program at CYU Cergy Paris Université and the École Supérieure d’Aviation allows students to obtain a university degree while also earning an airline pilot license.

Continuous training throughout the career

Obtaining a pilot's license is just the beginning. Throughout their career, pilots must undergo regular training to maintain their qualifications and adapt to technological and regulatory changes.

With this information, future pilots have all the keys to choose their path and launch their careers! 

Career paths for an airline pilot

Over the years, a pilot can progress towards new opportunities within civil aviation or the aeronautical sector.

From First Officer to Captain
The most natural progression is from First Officer (OPL) to Captain (CDB), after accumulating sufficient flight hours and experience.

Retraining and other opportunities
With experience, a pilot can also choose to reorient themselves towards other roles:

• Trainer in a flight school or instructor within an airline.
• Test pilot to test new aircraft and avionics systems.
• Expert or technical advisor for airlines, manufacturers (Airbus, Boeing…), or assistance companies.
• Management and supervision: operational management positions, flight safety manager, or director of air operations.
• Air traffic control and regulation: working within civil aviation authorities (DGAC, EASA…) to participate in developing industry standards and regulations.

Whatever their choice, a pilot benefits from solid expertise and valuable know-how that opens many doors in aviation!

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FAQ: We answer all your questions

What is the competitive examination to become an airline pilot?

To become an airline pilot in France, you must pass the entrance examination for the École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC) for the EPL (Airline Pilot Student) training or join a private training program leading to an airline pilot license (ATPL). The ENAC competitive examination, which is highly selective, assesses candidates on scientific, psychotechnical, and psychomotor tests.

What is an airline pilot's salary?

An airline pilot's salary varies depending on the airline, seniority, and the type of aircraft piloted. At the start of their career, it is around €3,000 to €4,500 gross per month, while an experienced captain can exceed €15,000 gross per month in a major airline.

Is it possible to become an airline pilot without going through ENAC?

Yes, it is entirely possible to become an airline pilot without going through ENAC by following training at a private flight school, in France or abroad, to obtain an airline pilot license (ATPL). This path requires a significant financial investment, but it allows access to airlines after accumulating the required flight hours.

Is it difficult to be an airline pilot?

Being an airline pilot is demanding, as the profession requires great rigor, advanced technical skills, and a strong ability to manage stress, especially in emergency situations. Irregular hours, jet lag, and responsibility for passengers also add a significant physical and mental dimension to the job.

What is the cost of a school to become an airline pilot?

The cost of training at a private flight school to become an airline pilot varies between €80,000 and €150,000, depending on the institution and the country. This investment generally covers flight hours, theoretical training, and the certifications required to obtain the airline pilot license (ATPL).

What high school diploma is needed to be an airplane pilot?

It is recommended to obtain a scientific baccalaureate, such as a general baccalaureate with specializations in mathematics and physics, to maximize your chances of entering airplane pilot training. However, no specific baccalaureate is mandatory, and some schools accept candidates with other backgrounds, provided they pass the entrance tests.

Is ENAC free?

Yes, airline pilot training at ENAC (Élève Pilote de Ligne - EPL) is fully funded by the state for candidates admitted through competitive examination. However, private training courses offered by ENAC, such as certain modular licenses, are fee-based.

Visit the ENAC website