Zero to Hero: This is how you become a commercial pilot at E-Flight Academy!

At E-Flight Academy, we often receive the question: "Can I also become a commercial pilot with you? And what are the steps?" The answer is a resounding 'Yes'! And for the steps to be taken, we have created this page for you.

We offer a clear and structured program that takes you from zero flight hours to a professional commercial pilot. Our mission is to make your dream of becoming a pilot as sustainable as possible and to prepare you for a successful career in aviation. We have outlined the steps as clearly as possible in the chart below, where we take you from Zero to Hero!

⚠️ Do you already have a PPL? Or are you even further? Then you can of course just jump in and become the Hero from there. 

☝️ Attention! The aviation world is full of abbreviations. In other words: Aviation = Abbreviations. On this page, we have explained them as much as possible. Do you still have questions? Feel free to let us know!

Fastest Route

You start your adventure by obtaining your Private Pilot License (PPL) with a minimum of 45 flight hours. Immediately after, you begin with the ATPL theory. You accumulate your flight hours by renting our aircraft. You also obtain your Night Rating (5 hours) and Multi Engine Piston (6 hours). After completing the ATPL theory, you start the Instrument Rating (IR) course. Once you have completed this, you begin with the Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which includes 15 flight hours. You may only take the exam if you have achieved a minimum of 200 flight hours. After that, you will follow the 30-hour Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) training through a partner, and you will be ready for a job as a pilot with an airline.

At E-Flight Academy, we guide you at every step, from your first flight hours to your first commercial flight. Our mission is to make your dream of becoming a pilot as sustainable as possible.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

Hours: Minimum 45 flight hours + skill test
Costs and detailed description
Theory: Approximately 150 hours + exams
What can you do with it?
With a Private Pilot License (PPL), you are allowed to act as the pilot-in-command of a single-engine aircraft for non-commercial purposes. This means you can make private flights with friends and family, but you are not allowed to earn money from your flights.

Theory for ATPL (+IR)

Hours: Approximately 750 hours
Cost: We help you choose the right way to pass this theory. This can be done, for example, with e-learning or in a classroom. Depending on your choice, we will request the costs from éand one of our partners. 
What can you do with it?
The theory for the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) can be started after obtaining your PPL and must be completed before you begin your IR. ATPL is required to become a captain at an airline.

Night Rating

Hours: 5 hours
Costs and detailed description
What can you do with it?
With the night flying authorization, you are allowed to fly at night. This is an addition to your PPL and enables you to fly more safely and flexibly, especially during the winter months or on longer trips.

Multi Engine Piston (MEP) Type Rating

Hours: 7 hours of theory and 6 hours of flight instruction
Cost: Depending on our partner. Contact us.
What can you do with it?
With an MEP rating, you are allowed to operate an aircraft with multiple engines. This is essential for flying larger and more complex aircraft and can be done in parallel with your hour building, counting towards your total hours for your CPL.

Instrument Rating (IR)

Hours: 50 flight hours + skill test
Coming soon online!
Theory: Can be started after PPL, must be completed before the start of IR(A)
What can you do with it?
An Instrument Rating (IR) allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This means you can fly in various weather conditions and at higher altitudes, primarily relying on instruments.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Hours: 15 flight hours (if IR obtained, otherwise 25) + skill test
Costs and detailed description
What can you do with it?
With a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), you are allowed to fly for pay. This means you can work as a pilot for an airline, flight school, or conduct other commercial flights.

Multi-Engine Type Rating (ME) and Multi-engine IR (ME-IR)

Hours:  6 hour flight instruction for ME and 5 hours of flight instruction for ME-IRThe ME course could also run parallel to the hour-building and also count towards the total hours for the CPL.
Cost: To be requested from an E-Flight partner
Theory: 7 hours of theory
What can you do with it?
You learn to fly with multi-engine airplanes

Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC)

Hours:  20 hours of practical instruction
Cost: To be requested from an E-Flight partner
Theory: 25 hours of theory instruction and
What can you do with it?
The MCC course provides students with realistic training in operating an aircraft with multiple pilots and multiple engines. The goals of the training are optimal decision-making, communication, task distribution and use of checklists, mutual supervision, teamwork, and support throughout all phases of flight under normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions. 

Flight Instructor (FI) Course (optional)

Hours: 30 flight hours + skill test
Costs and detailed description
Theory: 125 hours integrated into the course
What can you do with it?
As a Flight Instructor (FI), you are allowed to train other pilots. This is an excellent way to build flight hours and share your knowledge with new pilots.

Hour building

Hours: You complete your total number of hours until you can take your CPL exam. (minimum 200 hours)
Costs and description electric of fuel
What can you do with it?
After obtaining your PPL, you need to continue flying hours to maintain your skills and prepare for the CPL. This can be done by renting our aircraft. We prefer electric flights, but you can log more hours in a shorter time with a fuel model. We ensure that all emissions are offset.

Total Costs and Duration

The total costs and duration vary depending on progress and the chosen options. A rough estimate can be made by adding up the costs of the different courses and the required hours. However, the total costs for the complete program depend on personal progress.

At E-Flight Academy, we guide you step by step on your journey from Zero to Hero. Our experienced team is ready to support you at every stage of your training. For more information and registration, visit our website eflight.nl or contact contact us.

Conclusion

The journey from zero flight hours to commercial pilot at E-Flight Academy includes various steps such as obtaining your PPL, night flying privileges, IR, CPL, and possibly FI(A). With a combination of practical hours and extensive theory, we offer a structured and complete program to make your flying dreams as sustainable as possible.