How do airline pilots train, and how often are they checked?

In this article · 7 sections

Training never really ends
Before flying an airliner
The licence a first officer needs
Every year, and more often for captains
Why simulators matter
What it means for your flight
Keep reading

Training never really ends

It's easy to imagine pilots learn to fly once and then just fly. Airline flying in the US is built the other way round: training and testing are scheduled throughout a pilot's career, on the specific airplane they fly.

Before flying an airliner

No US airline may use a pilot as a required crewmember until that pilot has completed, in an FAA-approved training program, initial ground and flight training for that airplane type.¹ Pilots moving to a new type, or from first officer to captain, go through transition or upgrade training first.¹

The licence a first officer needs

Since 2013, the first officer (second in command) on a US airline must hold an airline transport pilot certificate and a type rating for the airplane being flown.³ The final rule explains that this certificate requires a pilot to be 23 and have 1,500 hours of total flight time, with a restricted version available from age 21 for military-trained pilots and those with an aviation degree, with fewer hours.⁴ A captain must also have at least 1,000 hours of airline-type flying.³

Every year, and more often for captains

Recurrent training is required within every 12 calendar months, covering ground and flight training for the airplane and position.¹ On top of that:

A captain needs a proficiency check within the previous 12 months, and within the previous 6 months either another proficiency check or an approved full-flight-simulator course.²
Other pilots need either a proficiency check or simulator training within the previous 12 months.²

A proficiency check is a test, not a refresher. It must be given by the FAA or a check pilot, must include at least a set list of procedures and maneuvers in the rules, can be flown in an approved simulator, and a pilot who fails a maneuver has to repeat it.²

Why simulators matter

Much of this happens in full flight simulators, which let crews practise events nobody would rehearse in a real airplane. The FAA notes, for example, that airlines have built simulator training programs specifically to prepare pilots for escaping wind shear and microbursts.⁵

What it means for your flight

The two people at the front have each been trained on that specific airplane type, are re-tested regularly, and both hold an airline transport pilot certificate. If one became unwell, the other is fully able to fly and land (see What if the pilot gets sick?).

Keep reading

Quick answers

How often are airline pilots tested?

Under US rules a captain needs a proficiency check within the previous 12 months plus either another check or an approved simulator course within the previous 6 months. First officers have checks or simulator training at least every 12 months.

How many hours does an airline pilot need?

Since 2013, US airline first officers must hold an airline transport pilot certificate, which normally requires 1,500 hours of total flight time; some military-trained or aviation-degree pilots qualify for a restricted version with fewer hours. Captains also need 1,000 hours in airline-type operations.

Do pilots practise emergencies?

Yes. Proficiency checks must cover a set list of procedures and maneuvers and can be flown in full flight simulators, where airlines also train for events nobody would rehearse in a real airplane, such as escaping wind shear.

Is the co-pilot as qualified as the captain?

The first officer must hold the same airline transport pilot certificate and a type rating for the airplane. Captains need additional airline experience before they can command.

Sources

(5)

Facts last checked against these sources: October 18, 2026.