4 answers
1
Question
Asked
323 views
How long is the journey to go from first officer to captain?
Like the amount of years and the things you have to do to get there.
Login to comment
4 answers
Updated
Moatazbellah’s Answer
You'll need 1000 hours as a first officer first. This can take anywhere from 1-2 years at a good time in the industry.
Updated
Dr’s Answer
I'm a flight attendant so I have more insight into this than someone who's was never part of a flight crew. The amount of time does vary but the most important factor is how fast the airline is growing, hiring new employees, acquiring new airplanes, going to new airports or expanding their gate presence at existing airports. For example, right after 9-11 and when COVID hit, airlines were not hiring much and so there were very minimal upgrades from FO to CAPT, if any. All FOs will become Captains at some point if they stick with the same airline. If they switch airlines, they'll start their employee seniority all over again as an entry-level FO even if they were a Captain for many years with many other airlines. It doesn't have much to do with training. Yes, there's some other training involved but that's not what determines when you could make the upgrade. It's all based on company seniority and how FOs the airline is hiring after they hire you.
Updated
Xin’s Answer
Hi Sanaa,
Good Day!
As I know, the journey from First Officer to Captain typically takes 3 to 15 years, depending on the airline, experience, and regulatory requirements.
Good Day!
As I know, the journey from First Officer to Captain typically takes 3 to 15 years, depending on the airline, experience, and regulatory requirements.
Updated
Roy’s Answer
There are many variables that affect the time frame between First Officer and Captain. Economics are s a big driver, meaning is the aviation industry booming, shrinking, or stagnant. These directly affect employee vertical movement. Slow economic growth means slower career progression. Also, the particular business you choose to enter into will play a large role in your career advancement: major airlines, regional airlines, major freight/cargo, charter, corporate, or private.
At the end of the day, the present time is one of the best times to get into the Aviation Industry. In my opinion, career progression is happening at a much faster rate and earlier than in past years. I started in the mid 80's and back then (in the stone ages), it took a long time and a lot of flight hours/experience to become a captain in most areas. Should you choose a career as a pilot now, your career should advance much faster now in these present times.
At the end of the day, the present time is one of the best times to get into the Aviation Industry. In my opinion, career progression is happening at a much faster rate and earlier than in past years. I started in the mid 80's and back then (in the stone ages), it took a long time and a lot of flight hours/experience to become a captain in most areas. Should you choose a career as a pilot now, your career should advance much faster now in these present times.