Career Options and Next Steps After CPL Training

Completing flight school and earning your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is a major milestone, but it’s also just the beginning of your professional aviation journey. As a newly certified pilot, you’re likely wondering what to do after getting my CPL and how to navigate the path toward an airline pilot career. The good news is that opportunities are abundant. 

With the global demand for pilots rising high (Airbus forecasts around 620,000 new pilots needed over the next 20 years), with the right steps, you can position yourself for success. 

In this blog, we’ll guide you on the next steps after flight school or CPL, outlining a typical airline pilot career path, and providing actionable steps to help you advance confidently. 

What to Do After Getting My CPL?

So, you’ve obtained your CPL – congratulations! As per EASA regulations, a CPL with an additional instrument rating is the foundation, but additional qualifications and experience are typically needed before you land that first airline job. 

Here are the key steps and options to consider after getting your CPL:

• Complete Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) and Jet Orientation: If you haven’t already, plan to complete an MCC course (and optionally a Jet Orientation Course) before or alongside your type rating. In fact, under EASA rules, new pilots must undergo MCC training to learn how to operate effectively as part of a multi-pilot crew. The MCC course focuses on crew resource management, teamwork, and communication in multi-engine aircraft, ensuring you can function as either pilot flying or pilot monitoring in a two-crew cockpit. Simaero’s MCC program, for example, equips you with these non-technical skills and can be taken right after CPL.
• Enroll in a Type Rating Course: To fly large transport aircraft (e.g. an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737) you must obtain a type rating for that specific aircraft type. A type rating is mandatory for airline pilots to qualify on a particular jet. This is often the next big step after completing an MCC. By enrolling in a Type Rating training program (such as Simaero’s Airbus or Boeing courses), you’ll receive both comprehensive systems training and full-flight simulator practice to become competent on that aircraft. For example, Simaero’s EASA-approved A320 Type Rating program spans ~35 days and covers everything from systems theory to simulator sessions and base training. The type rating not only “checks the box” for regulatory requirements but truly builds your competence and confidence to operate the aircraft safely. (Tip: Choose a type that aligns with industry demand – the A320 family and 737 are widely used by airlines, while the A350/B787 appeal to long-haul carriers.)
• Build Your Flight Experience (Hours): Flight hours are the currency of pilot experience, and airlines often have minimum flight time requirements for new hires. Airlines often look for 200 to 500+ hours, though some cadet schemes hire with less. Consider roles like flight instructor, skydive pilot, or flying charter/air taxi operations to accumulate hours. EASA requires 1,500 total hours and 500 hours in multi-pilot operations to obtain a full ATPL (EASA FCL.510.A). Many pilots start with a "frozen ATPL" (CPL + ATPL theory passed) and upgrade after gaining experience.
• Enhance Qualifications and Stay Current: Ensure you’ve passed the 13 ATPL theory exams if you haven’t already – having ATPL theory credit (even if you don’t yet meet the hours for the actual ATPL) is essential for an airline career. You may also pursue additional ratings or courses that add value, such as training for Flight instructor, Class rating instructor or instrument rating instructor, if relevant to your goals.
• Keep your competencies fresh: It is important to continue flying regularly (even in general aviation or simulators) to maintain competency. Many newly minted pilots take advantage of simulator sessions to practice instrument approaches, emergency procedures, and airline assessment profiles.

What to Do After Completing Flight School?

If you’re fresh out of flight school – whether you just finished an integrated ATPL program or a modular licence program – you’re likely asking; 

“I’ve completed flight school… what next?” 

Here are some actionable next steps and career options after flight training to consider:

• Continue Your Training Path (PPL → CPL → IR → MCC → TR →ATPL): First, take stock of where you are. If you ended flight school with only a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), you’ll need to advance through further training (earning your Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Licence) to be employable as a professional pilot. Most “completed flight school” scenarios, however, imply you have at least a CPL and likely a Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating. Assuming you do, the next educational step is often the MCC, followed by Type Rating as discussed above. (Many airlines have cadet or “train-to-hire” schemes, but even those usually include getting a type rating as part of the deal. Having one in advance can sometimes accelerate your hiring prospects.)
• Explore Entry-Level Pilot Roles: Not every newly minted pilot goes straight into an airline right after training – and that’s okay. There are numerous entry-level pilot jobs that can serve as stepping stones while you log hours and await the right airline opportunity. For instance, you might become a flight instructor at a local flying club or academy, teaching PPL/CPL students. Instructing is a fantastic way to cement your knowledge and build PIC (Pilot-in-Command) hours, all while getting paid to fly. Alternatively, you could fly charter or air taxi operations, join a business aviation outfit as a first officer on a private jet, fly cargo feeders, or even work as a bush pilot if adventure appeals to you. Some pilots also join corporate or air ambulance services. The Commercial Pilot Licence enables you to work in charter, cargo, business aviation and other sectors, not just airlines – and these sectors can be both rewarding and excellent for experience. Don’t hesitate to take a detour in these adjacent pathways; the important thing is to stay flying and keep progressing toward your long-term goals.
• Stay Current and Job-Ready: While seeking your next opportunity, dedicate time to keeping yourself job-ready. This includes updating and polishing your pilot CV/resume and logbook. Highlight key achievements from your training – for example, note that you hold an “EASA CPL/IR with ATPL theory completed and MCC certification” – as these details stand out to airline recruiters. Ensure your logbook is neat and up to date, as airlines may ask for it. Beyond paperwork, stay sharp in knowledge: regularly review your aircraft systems, procedures, and even general aviation knowledge. Continue practicing interview questions and airline technical quizzes. It’s wise to also stay informed on industry news – know which airlines are expanding, which new aircraft are coming online (e.g. A320neo, B737 MAX fleets), and any hiring trends. This will help you target your applications better. As you refine your applications, research each target airline’s requirements and tailor your cover letters accordingly. For example, some airlines explicitly require a certain level of language proficiency or prefer pilots with a degree – make sure you meet or mention those if applicable. 

Launching your pilot career after flight school requires dedication, continuous learning, and at times a bit of patience – but each step you take brings you closer to your goals. Whether it’s mastering a new aircraft type, accruing flight experience, or acing an airline interview, remember that every pilot’s path is unique. Stay motivated and keep building your qualifications. 

When you’re ready to take the next leap, Simaero is here to help. We invite you to explore our specialized training programs – from MCC courses to Airbus A320/A350 type ratings – on our website. 

If you have questions or need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out, you can easily contact us by clicking here.