Becoming an airline captain doesn’t happen overnight. It requires years of training, experience, and accumulating flight hours. Pilots typically progress through a structured career path, earning more responsibilities - and stripes on their epaulettes - along the way. Let’s break down how pilots climb the ranks from cadet to captain.

1. Training Phase: Cadet Pilot (One Stripe)

How to Get Here:

• Enroll in a flight school to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) and then a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

• Complete ground school training, simulator sessions, and practical flight experience.

• Gain an Instrument Rating (IR) and, in some cases, a Multi-Engine Rating (MER).

• Some airlines have cadet programs, where trainee pilots are recruited and sponsored for training.

Flight Hours Required: 0–250 hours
Role & Responsibilities: Learning and developing fundamental flying skills under supervision.

2. Junior First Officer or Second Officer (Two Stripes)

How to Get Here:

• After obtaining a CPL, pilots may be hired by airlines as Second Officers (SO) or Junior First Officers (JFO).

• They begin flying as part of an airline crew but mostly assist with monitoring systems and handling communication.

• Some airlines require new pilots to start with short-haul domestic or regional flights before advancing to long-haul operations.

Flight Hours Required: 250–1,500 hours
Role & Responsibilities:

• Assists senior pilots with flight operations.

• Handles navigation and radio communication.

• Learns from experienced pilots to build confidence in real-world flight situations.

3. First Officer (Co-Pilot) (Three Stripes)

How to Get Here:

• Once pilots gain experience and meet airline requirements, they are promoted to First Officer (FO).

• They now sit in the right seat of the cockpit alongside the captain.

• At this stage, pilots continue to accumulate flight hours and may qualify to operate larger aircraft.

• Many First Officers start with short-haul routes before moving to long-haul international flights.

Flight Hours Required: 1,500–4,000 hours
Role & Responsibilities:

• Fully qualified to operate the aircraft but still under the captain's command.

• Takes control of the aircraft during takeoff, cruise, and landing as assigned.

• Ensures pre-flight and post-flight checks are done correctly.

4. Captain (Four Stripes)

How to Get Here:

• After several years as a First Officer, pilots can undergo captain training and an assessment process.

• Airlines require at least 3,500–5,000 flight hours before considering a First Officer for captaincy.

• A First Officer must pass a command upgrade course and demonstrate strong leadership and decision-making skills.

• Some captains start with regional aircraft before being promoted to wide-body jets for long-haul flights.

Flight Hours Required: 3,500+ hours (varies by airline)
Role & Responsibilities:

• Pilot-in-Command (PIC)—has the final say on all flight decisions.

• Ensures the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft.

• Oversees flight planning, weather conditions, fuel management, and emergency handling.

• Leads and mentors junior pilots.

5. Senior Captain or Training Captain (Rare Five Stripes System)

How to Get Here:

• Some captains advance to senior or training captain positions, where they train new pilots.

• Airlines may require over 10,000 flight hours for this role.

• Senior captains might also work in flight safety, operations management, or airline leadership.

Flight Hours Required: 10,000+ hours
Role & Responsibilities:

• Trains and assesses captains and first officers.

• Oversees standard operating procedures within the airline.

• May be involved in airline policy-making and safety management.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Captain?

The timeline varies depending on several factors, including the airline, pilot performance, and demand for captains. However, a typical career progression looks like this:

Final Thoughts

Becoming a captain is a long but rewarding journey that requires dedication, skill, and patience. Each stripe on a pilot’s epaulettes represents their experience and responsibility in the cockpit. While the path to captaincy can take over a decade, the end goal of commanding an aircraft makes it all worthwhile.