What type of training do I have to go through to become a commercial pilot and fly for the airlines?
USFA offers an ab-initio (from zero time) flight training package, which trains you from your private up through your commercial certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings. When you have completed one of our TX flight training schools, the most common career path for our students is to become flight instructors. As an instructor you can build necessary flight experience before you start applying for a job with regional and commuter airlines. If you already have a private, we will merge you into the program and start with your instrument training.
What facilities are offered at Denton Municipal Airport? USFA conducts its non-degree flight training out of its flight training facility at Denton Municipal Airport (DTO).
640 foot elevation
6,000 x 150 foot runway
50 ft. semi-parallel taxiway
Global Positioning System (GPS) approaches
Instrument Landing System (ILS)-109.1
Non- Directional Beacon approach
VASI II - Runway 35
VASI IV - Runway 17
Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) - 119.32
UNICOM 122.7
I want to train for an airline transport pilot certificate (ATP). Can I do that at USFA? USFA offers the necessary training for the ATP. However, one of the critical points for obtaining an ATP is to meet the aeronautical experience Part 61.159 which states that you need 1,500 hours of flight experience. Most people choose to obtain the additional time after having completed a commercial certificate by becoming flight instructors. To be eligible for an ATP certificate you also need to meet the requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61.153 which include being 23 years of age, and be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
My vision is not perfect. Can I still become a pilot? Yes, as long as you meet the requirements of an FAA Class 1 or 2 medical your vision will not be an issue. It is necessary that your vision is correctable to 20/20; however, it is not necessary to have perfect uncorrected vision. Each airline has specific requirements for their employees.
Does USFA offer a Part 141 program? Yes! USFA is now a FAA Approved flight training school, certified by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 141 for Private, Commercial, Instrument, Single and Multi-engine Land airplanes, and all three Instructor Programs.
What kind of medical examinations do I have to go through to qualify for the program? USFA requires at a minimum, its students to hold an FAA Class III to train with the school; however we highly recommend a Class I medical for all professional pilot program students. It is necessary that you have obtained your medical prior to starting training, which can be done either locally or by accessing Federal Aviation Administration Office of Aviation Medicine Civil Aeromedical Institute.
What are the minimum requirements for low-time hire airlines? Based on information published in April 1998 the low-time hire airlines require between 1,000 and 1,500 hours of flight time. Certain companies require you to have a specific number of multi-engine time accumulated or other experience.
I don't have a college degree. Can I still become a commercial pilot? Most airlines require their pilots to have completed a four year degree from an accredited college.
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