Engineer to Pilot
From Engineer to Pilot:
Launch Your Career in the Cockpit
Why do engineers make great pilots? The skills you’ve built as an engineer or technician make you uniquely suited for aviation. Systems thinking, attention to detail, and disciplined problem-solving are the same traits that airlines look for in pilots. At Flex Air, we specialize in supporting career transitions just like yours. We’ve built a pathway that makes your background an advantage.
Design your career pathway: Book a time with us today.
Engineering skills that transfer to pilot careers
Systems thinking
Designing and understanding complex systems in any field makes you well suited to understand and master aircraft electrical, avionics, propulsion, flight control, and other systems.
Procedural Discipline
Understanding the importance of standardization and following processes and procedures gives you the skills you need to master checklists and safety procedures in aviation.
Problem Solving
Your troubleshooting and problem solving skills make you particularly good at aeronautical decision-making, which is key to handling emergencies and a foundation of good crew resource management.
Your engineering mindset is your advantage.
Flex Air gives you the flexible training, financing options, and mentorship to turn technical skill into a pilot career.
100% Career Placement
Our Award-Winning ONE CREW Mentorship Program Pairs Every Pilot With a Dedicated Mentor
More ways to pay
Flex Air has more payment options than any flight school, including 0% interest payment plans - No prepaid training commitments, no requirements for big loans.
Paul's story:
From aerospace engineer to naval aviator to flight school founder
Flex Air was co-founded by Paul Wynns, who knows firsthand what it means to switch careers. Paul began as an aerospace engineer at the U.S. Naval Academy and Stanford. After a career as a naval aviator, he went on to lead multimillion-dollar aircraft programs at Boeing Defense, where systems, budgets, and deadlines ruled the day. But the call of aviation led him back to the cockpit. Today, Paul brings a unique combination of engineering discipline and pilot passion to Flex Air. His mission is simple: to make the transition easier for professionals like you, with flexible schedules, flexible financing options, and personal mentorship.
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I built Flex Air to give career-switchers the flexibility and financial tools I wish I’d had.
Paul Wynns Co-Founder, Flex Air
Your Pilot Pathway
A clear map from first flight to airline flight deck
Switching from engineering to aviation doesn’t have to feel like a leap into the unknown. At Flex Air, we break the journey into simple steps—each with transparent costs and flexible timelines. Whether you train full-time or balance flight training with your engineering career, we’ll help you map a route to the airlines.
Most Flex Air students reach their first professional flying job in ~24 months, even while working part-time.
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STEP 0 (Now):
Career Discovery Flight
You'll get a taste of what it's like to learn to fly. This initial flight is fully creditable towards your PPL training. If you continue training with us and attain a solo endorsement, your discovery flight is FREE. Click here to schedule.
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STEP 1 (Min. 2 months):
Private Pilot Certificate - PPL
The first step is to earn your private pilot certificate, commonly called a private pilot license (PPL). A PPL allows you to act as the pilot in command of an aircraft and to fly solo recreationally under VFR (Visual Flight Rules). It is a prerequisite to all other flight training. Ready to enroll? Click here!
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STEP 2 (Min. 2 months):
Instrument Rating - IFR
The next step is to earn an instrument rating that allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and in all kinds of weather.
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STEP 3 (Min. 2 Months):
Commercial Pilot Certificate: Single Engine Land - SEL
With Flex Air, we’ll help you meet specific experience requirements to earn a Commercial Pilot certificate. This allows you to fly and get paid legally.
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STEP 4 (Min. 3 Weeks):
Commercial Pilot: Multi-Engine Land - MEL
Adding a Multi-Engine rating to your Commercial Pilot certificate allows you to fly large passenger airlines.
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Step 5 (Min. 3 Weeks):
Certified Flight Instructor - CFI I
Start earning a living by becoming a Certified Flight Instructor. This step helps you obtain a Flight Instructor certificate and the flight experience required by airlines.
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Step 6 (Min. 1 Week):
Certified Flight Instructor With Instrument - CFI II
This certification helps you gain the quality and relevant flight experience necessary to meet the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate requirements. This certificate meets the hiring needs of most regional airline pilot jobs.
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Step 7 (Min. 16 months) :
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate - ATP
An airline transport pilot certificate (ATP) is the highest level of aircraft pilot certification. ATPs are qualified to command large commercial aircraft, acting as the Pilot in Command on scheduled airline flights.
To earn an Air Transport Pilot (ATP) you need to have 1,500 hours of flight time. After completing the above steps you’ll have 200-300 hours.
We give hiring preference to our students, and we'd love to hire you to work at Flex Air as a CFI to build your hours.
Your training costs and career milestones at a glance:
| Stage | Training Included | Estimated Cost | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Private Pilot License (PPL) + Instrument Rating (IR) | $30,000 | Foundational skills, first solo, instrument flight |
| Stage 2 | Crew Resource Management (CRM) + Commercial Pilot SEL (CPASEL) | $30,000 | Structured time-building, commercial proficiency |
| Stage 3 | Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) + Multi-Engine Rating (MEI) | $35,000 | Work as a CFI, earn income, build hours toward ATP |
| Stage 4 | 12–18 months of paid flight instruction to reach 1,500 hours (R-ATP minimums) | Net Positive (you’re earning income) | Eligible for airline, charter, and cargo pilot positions |
Training Built Around Your Schedule and Budget
Flex Air is built for working professionals. Train part-time in the evenings, weekends, or accelerate on a full-time track. Our modular payment options mean you don’t need to take on massive debt upfront—you can pay as you train, with VA benefits, 529 Savings Plans, and financing available.
FAA Medical Certificates: Clearing the First Hurdle
Before you invest in training, it’s important to confirm that you meet the FAA’s medical standards for professional pilots. For airline and charter careers, you’ll need a First-Class Medical Certificate. The exam covers eyesight, hearing, cardiovascular health, neurological conditions, and more.
At Flex Air, we encourage every prospective student to get their medical clearance early—before beginning flight training. That way, you can train with confidence, knowing there won’t be surprises later.
Key Points Engineers Ask Us Most Often
- Am I too old to pass? Age isn’t a barrier. Many students in their 30s and 40s successfully earn First-Class Medicals.
- What if I have a pre-existing condition? Common concerns like corrected vision, mild anxiety, or blood pressure can often be cleared with documentation.
- What if I don’t qualify for a First-Class? Some conditions may still allow for a Second- or Third-Class certificate, which opens other aviation careers. We’ll help you navigate that process.
Explore Related Resources
Want peace of mind before you commit? Schedule a Medical Pre-Screen Consultation.
Better than the Big Schools
More Flexibility, More Speed, More Personalized, Same Career Outcomes
No pre-payments required, fully refundable loans, flexible scheduling, only pay for training you receive, and a 90.3% graduation rate
Engineer-to-Pilot Career FAQs: Medical, Cost, and Career Change Questions Answered
No. Many students begin in their 30s or 40s and still have long careers ahead. You can conduct a pre-flight medical screening online.
Flex Air guides you through the FAA Class 1 medical process and helps you plan next steps. You can read more on medical examination criteria.
Costs vary by training pace and aircraft. Flex Air provides a transparent breakdown upfront.
The average salary for airline pilots in the United States, according to the most recent Occupational Outlook Handbook from May 2022, is as follows:
- The average annual salary for commercial pilots is $103,910.
- The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $211,790.
The salary of airline pilots vary based on factors such as experience, type of airline, and position within the company. For a much more detailed look at pilot earnings see our Airline Pilot Salary guide.
Yes. Our part-time pathways are built for working professionals. Want to see a sample of how our flexible scheduling system works? Check out this schedule request form.
A commercial pilot can fly for compensation or hire, while an airline pilot specifically works for an airline operating commercial flights with larger aircraft.
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Commercial Pilot: A commercial pilot license (CPL) allows an individual to be compensated for flying. This certification enables pilots to perform a variety of operations such as cargo flights, aerial surveying, flight instruction, and agricultural spraying, among others. However, a CPL does not automatically qualify a pilot to fly for airlines, which typically require the more advanced Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification.
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Airline Pilot: An airline pilot typically holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, which is the highest level of pilot certification. ATPs are authorized to act as Pilot in Command on scheduled air carriers' flights, meaning large, passenger-carrying airlines. This certification requires more extensive flight experience and training, focusing on the operation of large aircraft under stringent regulations typical of major airlines.
Airline pilots have promising career prospects, especially with the current pilot shortage in the industry. With the right qualifications and experience, aspiring pilots can secure positions with major airlines and advance to become captains.
The pilot shortage in the aviation industry has led to increased demand for qualified pilots, offering opportunities for aspiring pilots to secure jobs as airline pilots. Airlines are implementing initiatives to attract and retain pilots to address the shortage and ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
Military pilots transitioning to commercial aviation can leverage their experience to meet FAA requirements, with pathways varying depending on whether they are rotary-wing (helicopter) or fixed-wing pilots. All candidates must obtain an FAA Medical Certificate and verify military flight experience. Military pilots need to pass the FAA's knowledge and practical tests, but may qualify for exemptions based on military tests and experience, including a reduction in total flight hours for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
Rotary-wing pilots, while possessing valuable flight experience, face additional steps to transition to fixed-wing commercial aviation. Flex Air offers a Rotor Transition Program specifically for military and civilian helicopter pilots.
Your Next Career Begins with One Flight
RYAN DAVIS
Ryan has worked as a safety advocate, pilot recruiter, captain, line check airman, and even an Assistant Chief Pilot for National Air Cargo recently. He now flies the 757/767 for United as a First Officer.