The Pilot Club
at Vandegrift
Home of Future Vandegrift Pilots
The Pilot Club brings students together who are interested in aviation and becoming pilots to help make the path feel clear and achievable. We share information about flight training, pilot programs, and career options so no one has to figure it out alone. Our goal is to make aviation more accessible, answer questions, and support each other as we work toward our goals in the sky.
Questions? Contact: Declan Herkert Dherkert26@gmail.com
Who
Students who are interested in getting their private pilot’s license and possibly a career as a commercial pilot.
MUST fill out this form to attend a meeting.
What
-What the path looks like to becoming a commercial pilot
-How to get your private pilot’s license in high school
-What colleges have aviation programs and what they look for in applicants
-Anything that has to do with flying!
When
2026 Meeting Dates:
February 23rd- March 30th – being rescheduled
- April 21st
- April 22nd – 7pm zoom call with American Airlines Pilot
- May 5th
- May 19th
(dates subject to change)
Where
Coach Sands Room
#2304
During Pit
What’ s Happening With the Pilot Club?
← We presented at River Place Elementary School Career Day on 3/31/2026
Michael Lussier, an American Airlines Pilot will join us for a Q&A Zoom Call on 4/22/2026 →
What is the Path to Become a
Commercial Airline Pilot?
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1. Private Pilot License
(PPL)
Minimum age: 17
Minimum flight hours: 40 hours(most students finish closer to 60–70)
Purpose: This is where it all begins.A Private Pilot License allows you to fly for personal reasons, but not for pay.
It teaches the fundamentals of flying, navigation, weather, and decision-making.
Think of this as getting your learners permit.*You can get this while in high school.*
If you want help scheduling a discovery flight or have questions about the process, Contact: Declan, Dherkert26@gmail.com
-
2. Instrument Rating (IR)
Minimum age: None beyond PPL
Minimum flight hours: 50 hours cross-country PIC (pilot in command)
40 hours of instrument time
Purpose:
The Instrument Rating allows pilots to fly using instruments alone, without relying on outside visual references. This is critical for flying in clouds, poor weather, and controlled airspace.
Airlines require this rating. It’s what separates casual flying from professional-level flying. -
3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Minimum age: 18
Minimum flight hours: 250 hours total time
Purpose:
This license allows pilots to be paid to fly.
While airline pilots don’t fly airlines with just a Commercial License, this rating opens the door to paid flying jobs like:• Flight instructor
• Charter flying
• Banner towing
• Aerial survey
This stage is all about building professionalism and precision.) -
4. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI / CFII / MEI)
Minimum age: 18
Minimum flight hours: No new minimums beyond Commercial (but typically 250+)
Purpose: Most pilots build flight hours by becoming instructors.
CFI – Teaches private pilots
CFII – Teaches instrument students
MEI – Teaches multi-engine aircraft
This is the most common (and efficient) way pilots reach airline-required hours while being paid. -
5. Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
Minimum age:
23 for unrestricted ATP
21 for Restricted ATP (R-ATP)
Minimum flight hours:
1,500 hours (standard)
1,000–1,250 hours with approved programs (R-ATP)
Purpose:
The Airline Transport Pilot certificate is required to fly for the airlines as a first officer or captain.
This is the highest level of pilot certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.
What are Some Colleges that Offer Commercial Pilot Degrees?
Below are several colleges that offer commercial pilot degree programs. This is not a complete list—there are many additional options beyond those shown here.
Click on each school’s logo to visit their official page and learn more about their pilot training program.
