There has never been a better time to pursue a career as a professional pilot. Overall, the aviation industry is experiencing growth and a high demand for pilots and aviation technicians. Everyday airlines are in the news for raising pilot salaries in response to the demand and shortage they are currently facing, to attract new talent.
At Sterling, we make it easier to obtain your dream of becoming a professional pilot through our four training pathways.
Sterling Part 141 Career Pilot Training Program
The Sterling Flight Training Career Pilot Pathway is tuition-based, giving you a price, you can trust by taking the guesswork out of planning and allowing you to budget your training experience accordingly. With this plan check rides, online courses, testing fees, and many other training-related costs are included. Provided you adhere to the program guidelines, most students can successfully complete their training without exceeding the curriculum laid out in this FAA-approved course. Designed to go from zero experience to certified flight instructor or multi-engine instructor, you can obtain all your desired ratings in as little as 16 months. If you already hold a pilot certificate or ratings, you can jump into the program at the next step. Best of all, we have strong financing partner that offers up to 100% coverage and full deferment.
Bachelor of Science in Aviation at Liberty University
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation online program focuses on the practical aeronautical decision-making skills you’ll need for a fulfilling career as a commercial, military, or missionary pilot. As a Flight Training Affiliate, Sterling provides the instruction you need for learning to fly, while completing your online courses with Liberty. Because this is an accredited higher-learning program, you are eligible to use FASFA and traditional student financial aid and lending. Also, this program is approved for a restricted ATP, meaning you only need 1000 flight hours instead of 1500 to reach the airlines.
Bachelor’s in Professional Flight at Purdue Global University
Inside our partnership with Purdue Global University, there are two ways you can reach your goals for a professional pilot career.
1) Obtain your private pilot certificate and then enroll in the online degree program for IFR-CFI/CFII/MEI training. Under this option you will simultaneously complete your in-person flight training at Sterling, along with your online degree courses at Purdue Global. Doing so, qualifies you for restricted ATP.
2) You can complete all or part of your flight training on an accelerated pathway with Sterling and then enroll in the online degree program, receiving credit for the practical flight training you’ve completed. This reduces your tuition amount by crediting that experience and removing certain lecture requirements, shortening your timeline to build the 1500 flight hours needed to get your ATP.
Part 61/Part 141 Individual Certificate and Rating Programs
If you are still unsure if a professional pilot life is for you, or perhaps you are unable to commit to a full-time program, Sterling still offers individual certificates and ratings. These programs are designed to be flexible around your existing work or school schedules and are pay-as-you-go. While this option usually takes longer to complete and can be higher in cost, for many it fits their lifestyle needs and is a great alternative to get started.
