[2025-2026] Enrollment requirements are listed below
Flight training in the United States, Canada, or the European Union offers one of the most accessible and efficient pathways to obtaining your Commercial Pilot and Airline Pilot licenses, paving the way for a successful career in professional aviation. At Aerocadet, we are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing this accessibility, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to engage in commercial aviation training. Our goal is to utilize this training process not only to develop technical skills but also to assess each student's commitment to the profession and their ability to succeed within the established timeline and budget.
It is important for all prospective applicants to understand that while aviation training has become more accessible in recent years, it remains a highly demanding field. Successful pilots must demonstrate critical qualities such as discipline, meticulous attention to detail, effective multitasking, rapid learning, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.
Therefore, to be considered for admission to any of Aerocadet's Professional Pilot Programs, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Certificate of Secondary Education
Applicants must possess at least a high school diploma, also known as "secondary education," to be eligible for enrollment in an airline transport pilot program. While a degree is not required, it is recommended for those considering further academic qualifications. Currently, the most common pathway to obtaining an aviation degree is through accredited universities or online institutions. We have provided a list of acceptable high school diplomas for admission to our professional airline pilot programs in the United States or Canada, conducted under the First Class Aviation umbrella.
No Disqualifying Medical Conditions
Applicants must maintain good physical health to obtain a Class 1 medical pilot certification. Pilots should be free of any disqualifying medical conditions and meet the physical fitness standards set by aviation authorities. A comprehensive list of medical requirements, as assessed by certified medical examiners, is available here.
Financial Standing
Financial stability is a crucial aspect of the admission process. Applicants will need to demonstrate sufficient funding to cover the full Flight Training Program and initial living expenses. The financial status will be evaluated by the relevant consulate (U.S. or Canadian), where applicants must present evidence of liquid assets. Investment accounts or real estate portfolios are not acceptable as proof. Acceptable documentation includes bank statements, escrow accounts, or student loan letters, or a combination of these. For further details, see the complete list here.
Certificate of Academic English
n upper-intermediate proficiency in English is required to obtain professional flight crew licenses. This requirement is not limited to the U.S., Canada, or English-speaking countries but is mandated globally across ICAO-regulated countries. Since our professional pilot programs often include internship opportunities, applicants must provide proof of their English language proficiency through certifications such as IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC.
IMPORTANT: As of August 1, 2024, applicants for U.S. and EU programs who do not have an English proficiency test score will be allowed to enroll subject to passing a short video admission interview. They will then take the IELTS Academic English test upon arrival in the U.S. or EU for training.
The Commercial Pilot License (CPL) phase of training typically takes 6 to 8 months to complete, and the minimum age for obtaining the CPL is 18. Applicants may apply as early as 6 months before turning 18. Therefore, students must be at least 17 years and 6 months old at the time of application.
