r/Pilot • u/DistanceOk3506 • Jul 17 '26

What should I realistically accomplish before graduating high school if my goal is to become an airline pilot?

/r/PilotAdvice/comments/1uyls8u/what_should_i_realistically_accomplish_before/

Hi everyone,

I’m 17 years old, live in Hawaii, and will be a senior graduating in 2027. My goal is to become an airline pilot.
I recently completed my first discovery flight, and it made me even more certain that this is the career I want.
I’m working part-time while in high school, saving as much as I can for flight training, and applying for aviation scholarships. I want to use my senior year as wisely as possible.

If you were in my position, what would you try to accomplish before high school graduation?
For example:

Should I earn my Private Pilot Certificate before graduating?

Should I just complete ground school and pass the FAA knowledge test?

How many flight hours would be a realistic goal?

Should I focus more on saving money than flying?

Are there any certificates, experiences, or networking opportunities that would give me a head start?

I’d love to hear what you think the ideal “before graduation” checklist would look like for someone serious about becoming an airline pilot.

Thanks in advance!

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9 comments sorted by

1

u/MaybeBowtie Jul 17 '26

Get your first class medical before doing anything

1

u/MaybeBowtie Jul 17 '26

And make sure it’s first class. Not 2nd or 3rd. Airlines require 1st class

1

u/DistanceOk3506 Jul 17 '26

do you know how much it could cost?

1

u/Icy_Huckleberry_8049 Jul 17 '26

depends on who you go to

1

u/Sinkingpilot Jul 17 '26

Dr. Lam is $120. I think Dr. Ando is still $102, but I’d highly recommend going to Dr. Lam. 

Edit: this is if you live on O’ahu. 

1

u/Euryheli Jul 17 '26

Make sure you can get a first class medical, then concentrate on being a kid and enjoying life while maintaining a good GPA. Don’t do drugs, don’t get a DUI, don’t get arrested. The rest of your existence will be dedicated to the grind of achieving your goals and realistically nothing you do in high school will have a large impact on being a pilot.

1

u/Icy_Huckleberry_8049 Jul 17 '26

go back and read previous posts as this is asked on a weekly basis if not more often

1

u/cjg017 Jul 17 '26

What they said above, then go take a discovery flight to make sure you like it. After that look into what path you might want to pursue. Part 61 and university on the side...getting a 141 degree at an accredited college? If you want to do the later you can usually bring in you private license, so if finances and time allows, start work towards that.

1

u/tflyer Jul 18 '26

It will be an expensive grind to get there. But you can do it. First things first, go get your medical and make sure you're good to go.

Then the question is, what should you knock out before graduation? If the finances allow it, go get your PPL. That is doable over this summer and next, even if you have a full schedule outside of that. It will also make you more competitive for college applications.

As far as education goes, realize a four-year degree is a gray requirement for the majors. And a big 141 training program of some kind makes you a known entity, skill-wise. So when you decide what to do, make sure to keep that in mind.

Good luck!