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OVERVIEW
A Direct Pathway to a Professional Pilot Career
The Professional Aeronautics Certificate (PAC) is a structured, non-degree flight-training program for students seeking an efficient and affordable path to professional pilot certification.
Most students complete ground instruction through a participating college and flight training through a local partner flight school, but the option for self-study is available for students seeking an independent and/or accelerated timeline to completion.
Program Highlights:
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Non-degree certificate focused strictly on FAA ratings required for employment
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Part-time (standard program): 15–20 hours per week for 12–16 months
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Full-time (optional): 30–40 hours per week for 6–9 months
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Simple progression: Private → Instrument → Commercial → Instructor Pilot (optional)
PAC is designed for:
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Traditional college students pursuing a degree outside aviation
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Adults preparing for a career change
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High-school students beginning flight training early
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Military veterans transitioning into aviation careers
Part-time students generally train approximately 15–20 hours per week in a cohort-based program with scheduled start dates and classroom instruction, typically completing the core program in 12–16 months. Full-time students follow an individualized training plan requiring approximately 30–40 hours per week, with flexible start dates and an estimated completion time of 6–9 months. Completion time varies with weather, scheduling, instructor and aircraft availability, and individual progress.
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How to Choose a Flight-Training Pathway
There are four primary flight-training pathways, each offering different levels of cost, structure, flexibility and support. The Professional Aeronautics Certificate (PAC) program that PTS offers at participating colleges combines college instruction, local flight training and flexible scheduling without requiring an aviation degree. Compare the options below or contact PTS for a free consultation.
CURRICULUM
Three Core Stages of Professional Pilot Training
The PAC curriculum guides students through three consecutive stages of FAA pilot training. Flight and simulator hours vary by location; consult your selected flight school’s curriculum and cost summary for its planned hours.
Semester 1: Develop the knowledge and flight skills required to operate a single-engine aircraft safely under visual flight rules.
Approximately 60–70 flight hours and 5–10 simulator hours.
Semester 2: Learn to fly by aircraft instruments and operate aircraft safely in clouds, reduced visibility and the national airspace system.
Approximately 50–60 flight hours and 20–30 simulator hours.
Semester 3: Advance your airmanship while building toward the FAA experience requirements for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Students typically complete the core program with 250–300 total hours.
Instructor and Multi-Engine Training Options
Instructor training is optional. Multi-Engine training is included in the core program at some locations and offered as an optional course at others.
Semester 4 (Optional): Earn a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate and a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) rating to pursue paid flight instruction and continue building experience toward airline eligibility.
Depending on your training location, Multi-Engine training may be included with Commercial Pilot training or offered separately. Multi-Engine Instructor training and additional multi-engine time-building are optional.
GRADUATION & CAREER PATHWAY
PROFESSIONAL PILOT PATHWAY
Professional aviation offers strong earning potential and a structured path from commercial pilot certification to flight instruction, charter, corporate, cargo and airline careers.
STRONG DEMAND FOR PILOTS
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of airline and commercial pilots to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035—more than twice the projected average for all occupations. Approximately 16,400 pilot openings are expected each year as air travel and freight activity increase and employers replace pilots who retire or leave the profession.
HIGH EARNING POTENTIAL
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual pay in May 2025 was:
• $123,220 for commercial pilots
• $232,140 for airline pilots and copilots
• $293,240 for scheduled air transport pilots
Individual earnings vary considerably based on qualifications, flight experience, employer, aircraft, location and seniority.
YOUR PATH AFTER PAC
PAC students typically complete the core program with a Commercial Pilot License and approximately 250–300 hours of aeronautical experience, including eligible simulator credit. Graduates may then pursue entry-level commercial flying opportunities; however, individual employers establish their own experience and hiring requirements.
Many graduates continue into the optional Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Instructor course. Working as a flight instructor provides an opportunity to earn income while building the flight experience required for more advanced commercial and airline positions. Students who complete the PAC instructor course receive priority consideration for available instructor positions at participating flight schools.
Most pilots pursuing an airline career must build toward 1,500 total flight hours and meet the additional requirements for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. Certain military pilots and graduates of qualifying FAA-authorized aviation degree programs may be eligible for a restricted ATP certificate with fewer hours.
PAC helps students:
• Earn a Commercial Pilot License
• Add instructor and multi-engine ratings
• Pursue instructor and commercial-pilot jobs
• Build flight experience toward ATP eligibility
• Get corporate, charter, cargo & airline jobs
Employment, compensation and completion time are not guaranteed. Results depend on individual performance, FAA certification requirements, medical eligibility, market conditions and employer qualifications.