From Student to Airline Captain
Aspire Aviation Career Pathway
Aspire Aviation Academy is committed to guiding you from your first flight lesson to a professional cockpit.
Through each phase of training, we provide the structure, mentorship, and experience to help you progress efficiently toward your career goals in commercial, corporate, or charter aviation.
Aspire's Proven Training Process

Step 1
Private Pilot License (PPL)
The foundation of your aviation journey begins here. Aspire’s Private Pilot course opens the door to the freedom, control, and adventure of flight—whether for travel, business, or the pure joy of flying. You’ll learn the fundamentals of flight, aeronautical decision-making, and command authority while developing the confidence to act as pilot-in-command.
This certification lays the groundwork for advanced ratings and your path toward a lifelong aviation career.

Step 2
Instrument Training
The Instrument Rating refines your freedom in the sky by enabling you to fly confidently in less-than-perfect weather and controlled airspace. You’ll master precision flying by reference to instruments alone while strengthening situational awareness and decision-making under pressure.
This milestone expands your safety, capability, and professional readiness—essential for advancing into commercial operations and higher-level training.

Step 3
Time Building and Mentorship
This phase marks a pivotal stage in your professional pilot development. You’ll log structured flight hours to build experience across diverse airspace, refine night and cross-country proficiency, and enhance decision-making in real-world conditions.
Aspire’s mentorship-driven approach helps you sharpen judgment, manage flight planning and weather decisions, and operate with the mindset of a paid professional. Access to our student pilot community also allows you to pair with other aviators as safety pilots—doubling your learning opportunities while managing costs.

Step 4
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
The Commercial Certificate transforms flying from a passion into a profession. Aspire’s advanced curriculum focuses on precision maneuvers, discipline, and aeronautical judgment—preparing you to be compensated for your flying while operating to the standard expected of airline-caliber pilots.
Graduates emerge ready to meet the demands of charter, corporate, and regional airline operations, equipped with the professionalism and consistency required in the industry.

Step 4
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor is one of the most rewarding ways to build experience and accelerate your aviation career. As a CFI, you’ll earn while you teach, reinforce your knowledge, and develop leadership and communication skills that set you apart in the cockpit.
Aspire’s CFI program prepares you not only to pass the checkride but to mentor with confidence—paving the way toward airline, charter, or corporate flight careers while building valuable flight hours.

Step 6
Career Launch
With your Commercial and CFI credentials complete, Aspire helps you turn your training into a career. Graduates often begin instructing, move into charter or cargo operations, or pursue further education through Purdue Global’s aviation partnership while building hours toward the airlines.
Through mentorship, networking, and structured career guidance, you’ll graduate ready to take flight as a professional pilot prepared for the next level of your journey.
Meet Aspire's Modern Fleet of Aircraft
Estimated costs are based on completing your training from zero flight experience to certification and include both flight and simulator time. Pricing varies by aircraft type and individual training pace. Students can also combine aircraft across phases—from cost-effective time building in the Cherokee to advanced operations in the Cirrus.
All pricing includes 50 hours of training in our FAA-certified Advanced Aircraft Training Devices (AATD), integrated into the syllabus to enhance proficiency and reduce overall training costs.
Piper Cherokee

Piper Archer

Cirrus SR20


Why Train With Aspire?
At Aspire, you’re not just earning licenses — you’re building a professional aviation career from day one. Our Career Training Path combines structured flight instruction, modern glass-cockpit aircraft, advanced simulators, and ongoing mentorship to ensure steady progress at every stage.
You’ll train with instructors who fly professionally, follow a proven progression from zero hours to CFI, and graduate ready to earn, instruct, or pursue airline and corporate flight opportunities.
Career Pilot Program FAQ
How long does it take to complete the Career Pilot Program?
Timelines vary by student schedule and weather, but most full-time students progress from zero experience to Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in 18–24 months. Training pace depends on flight frequency, consistency, and study time.
Do I need prior flying experience to enroll?
No experience is required. The Career Training Path is designed for students starting from zero hours. You’ll begin with Private Pilot training and progress through Instrument, Commercial, and Instructor ratings with a structured, step-by-step approach.
What certificates and ratings are included in the program?
The Career Training Path includes:
- Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)
- Instrument Rating (IR)
- Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL)
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Each stage builds toward the experience and proficiency required for a professional aviation career.
Can I earn a bachelor’s degree while training?
Yes. Aspire Aviation partners with Purdue Global, allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight online while completing their flight training. This flexible path helps you build flight hours and academic credentials at the same time.
What are the total flight time requirements to become a CFI?
Under FAA Part 61, you’ll need a minimum of 250 total flight hours for the Commercial certificate before earning your CFI. Most students graduate with 260–280 hours, depending on aircraft mix and training frequency.
How is scheduling managed?
Aspire uses Flight Circle to manage aircraft, instructors, and simulator availability. Students can schedule lessons, view flight history, and manage payments directly through the platform.
What career options are available after completing the program?
Graduates are qualified for professional pilot opportunities with regional airlines, charter operators, corporate flight departments, and flight schools. Many build additional experience as CFIs before progressing to the airlines.
What the Career Training Path Unlocks
Flight Instructor (CFI)
Teach the next generation of pilots while building hours toward your airline or corporate goals. Earn income, refine your own skills, and gain experience that employers value.
Regional Airline Pilot
Join a regional carrier and start your professional flight career. These roles provide a direct path to major airlines while building turbine and crew experience.
Corporate & Charter Pilot
Fly for private companies, executives, or on-demand charter services. Corporate aviation offers higher flexibility, advanced aircraft, and diverse destinations.
Cargo & Freight Operations
Support essential logistics networks by flying cargo and overnight routes. These roles build experience with complex aircraft and demanding operational schedules.
Government & Specialty
Pursue roles in law enforcement, aerial survey, firefighting, pipeline patrol, or agricultural operations—each offering unique missions and valuable flight time.
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
Advance to the highest level of certification and qualify for captain roles at major airlines. With demand expected to remain strong through 2045, the career potential is unmatched.

Intro Discovery Flight
Take the controls with a certified flight instructor and enjoy the thrill of flight over Kansas City. Our Discovery Flights put you in the left seat of a Cirrus SR20, Cirrus SR22, or Piper Archer TX, giving you a true taste of aviation. Learn the basics of flight, handle the controls, and enjoy unforgettable views of the Kansas City skyline. No experience required—just bring your sense of adventure.
Starting at $125