Our professional pilot pathway program is designed to help you succeed by laying a strong foundation and building upon the skills necessary to become a safe, reliable, and knowledgeable pilot. In as little as 10 months you can go from zero experience to Certified Multi-Engine Instructor, building time and proficiency along the way.
Sterling Flight Training gives you 7 FAA Ratings and Certifications to become a professional pilot. Each program is designed specifically to give you an advantage and position you for the career of your dreams.
- Private Pilot License
Earning your private pilot certificate is the first step in your aviation journey and the first certification you will earn at Sterling Flight Training. Sometimes called a PPL, this is the foundation of all your future flight training. Holding a private pilot certificate allows you to operate almost any aircraft (subject to appropriate ratings) for any non-commercial purpose and gives almost unlimited authority to fly under visual flight rules (VFR). Learn how to control the aircraft, traffic patterns, basic maneuvers, federal regulations and more during this 2–4-month program. - Instrument Rating
After completing your private pilot license, you will move on to your Instrument Rating. This essential certification teaches you how to fly in imperfect weather conditions. Over the course of 2-3 months, you will learn how to navigate through clouds and low visibility skies. Being able to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR) expands your flying domain and makes you a safer pilot. - Commercial Pilot Single-Engine
Obtaining this license means you have officially moved into the world of being a professional pilot and can begin getting paid for your services. You can’t fly for an airline yet, but you can do things like crop dusting, banner flying, aerial photography or go on to earn your Certified Flight Instructor License. The program can be completed in as little as nine months and when you are done, you will have polished your flight skills and moved one step closer to your professional goals. - Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine or Multi-Engine Add-on
This step mirrors step number 3 with one exception – the addition of multi-engine time – and we encourage anyone wanting to become a professional pilot to proceed with our Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine course from the beginning. Under this program, multi-engine time is incorporated into the curriculum which in turn allows you to fly twin engines upon completion, shortens your overall training timeline and saves you money. If you already have a commercial single engine license, then you can complete our multi-engine add-on program to become certified in twin engine aircraft. - Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
After completing your commercial pilot license you are ready to become a Certified Flight Instructor. By becoming a flight instructor not only do you get to spend every day doing what you love, but you get paid for it. You also have an opportunity to hone your own skills and develop a deeper understanding of aviation by teaching it to someone else. If your goal is to fly for an airline, then time building is another perk. Every hour you fly as an instructor with students, counts toward your required number of hours for ATP eligibility. With Sterling’s program you could be teaching fellow students in as little as 2-3 months. - Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
Now it’s time to showcase your understanding of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) by becoming a CFII. This program takes about a month to complete, and you will be ready to direct students on how to understand and operate aircraft instruments. - Certified Flight Instructor Multi-Engine (MEI)
Once you’ve completed your CFI and CFII training, you will be on your way to teaching students how to fly multi-engine planes in as little as a month. This is a great way to gain confidence in multi-engine planes, earn multi-engine time and position yourself to be a better instructor and pilot.
Training in Jacksonville means you will get ideal weather to complete your training, and our instructors and staff are here to help you every step of the way. If you are ready to get started contact us today!
