Become an Airline Pilot with the Zero Time to Airline® Program
In as little as 2 years you could be working as an airline pilot after completing our professional pilot program.
At Thrust you’ll move quickly through your career pilot training while getting the depth of knowledge and expertise you need to excel as a professional pilot.
Your Airline Career Starts Here
Never before has there been a better opportunity to become an airline pilot.
But to someone who is new to the world of aviation, it can all be a bit overwhelming.
Our Zero Time to Airline program takes care of everything. Its entire purpose is to turn you into a capable, confident pilot every airline wants to hire.
Why Attend Thrust?
- Examining authority eliminates long checkride delays.
- Accelerated training gets you career‑ready fast.
- Train in new aircraft with advanced avionics
Examining
Authority
With Examining Authority, cut up to 18 weeks off your training time. Because we have examining authority you’ll be able to skip long DPE checkride waits.
Accelerated Commercial
Complete your training faster with our unique, FAA approved accelerated commercial certificate that shaves hours off of your training allowing you to finish faster.
Finance Your
Training
We offer financing through Sallie Mae®, Stratus, and more, allowing you to begin your Zero Time to Airline program now. Speak with an admissions advisor today.
Already Started Your Private Pilot Training?
Moving slowly through your private pilot training and need a little boost? Join our Finish Line program and get your PPL training done now.
Our Airline Partners: Your Path from Student Pilot to First Officer
Find the perfect job with any of our regional airline partners.
Our airline partners regularly host recruiting events and information sessions at Thrust giving you the opportunity to interview each and find the right fit.
After completing your Zero Time to Airline program and flying for 1,500 flight hours you’re officially ready to achieve your dream of becoming an airline pilot.
Explore Your Accelerated Airline Pilot Program: Watch Now
Watch this video to dive deep into the Zero Time to Airline program with this comprehensive video that will walk you through the steps to become an airline pilot. In this video we’ll cover every detail about our airline pilot program.
Fleet of Brand New Aircraft
We’re committed to providing the best possible learning experience for our students, starting with our state-of-the-art aircraft.
Our fleet features advanced training aircraft equipped with G1000 avionics, air conditioning, and autopilot – a rare investment among flight schools.
We believe in training with the latest technology so our students are fully prepared for future careers as professional pilots.
Our fleet includes new Piper Archer TX aircraft, Cessna 172 aircraft, and new Piper Seminole aircraft.
Zero Time to Airline Start Dates
We start new Zero Time to Airline classes each month. Our group-based approach gives you an immediate support group to train and study with as you go through your fast track pilot program.
Start Dates
| ZTA Class Start Date | Enrollment Deadline |
|---|---|
| December 15, 2025 | December 9, 2025 |
| January 19, 2026 | January 13, 2026 |
| February 16, 2026 | February 10, 2026 |
| March 16, 2026 | March 10, 2026 |
| April 20, 2026 | April 14, 2026 |
| May 18, 2026 | May 12, 2026 |
| June 15, 2026 | June 9, 2026 |
| July 20, 2026 | July 14, 2026 |
| August 17, 2026 | August 11, 2026 |
| September 21, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
| October 19, 2026 | October 13, 2026 |
| November 16, 2026 | November 10, 2026 |
| December 21, 2026 | December 15, 2026 |
Zero Time to Airline Program Timeline
The length of your Zero Time to Airline program will vary based on your previous flight experience. We have three standard entry points into the program. Use the buttons below to explore your timeline based on your starting point.
Private Pilot Certificate
You’ll learn how to control the airplane safely, practice takeoffs and landings, navigate on your own, and complete your first solo flights.
Instrument Rating
You’ll train to fly by reference to instruments, practice approaches and holds, and manage weather and air traffic procedures.
Commercial Pilot Certificate
You’ll refine advanced maneuvers, fly longer cross-country trips, and demonstrate professional standards in complex aircraft operations.
CFI & CFII
You’ll learn to teach from the right seat, run briefings and debriefings, and guide students through private and instrument lessons.
Multi-Engine Rating
You’ll train to manage two engines, handle asymmetric thrust, practice engine-out procedures, and optimize performance and systems.
Start Work as a Flight Instructor
After you’ve completed the ZTA program, it’s time to get hired as a CFI and start working as a flight instructor.
Build Your Flight Time
As a flight instructor you’ll be able to earn an income while building your flight time. With a consistent schedule, you should be able to reach 1,500 hours of total flight time in 18-24 months
Apply to Jobs as a Regional Airline Pilot
Once you’ve reached 1,500 hours of total flight time and are over the age of 21 you qualify to become a regional airline first officer. Apply to the airlines you’d like to work for and wait for an invitation to interview.
Instrument Rating
You’ll train to fly by reference to instruments, practice approaches and holds, and manage weather and air traffic procedures.
Commercial Pilot Certificate
You’ll refine advanced maneuvers, fly longer cross-country trips, and demonstrate professional standards in complex aircraft operations.
CFI & CFII
You’ll learn to teach from the right seat, run briefings and debriefings, and guide students through private and instrument lessons.
Multi-Engine Rating
You’ll train to manage two engines, handle asymmetric thrust, practice engine-out procedures, and optimize performance and systems.
Start Work as a Flight Instructor
After you’ve completed the ZTA program, it’s time to get hired as a CFI and start working as a flight instructor.
Build Your Flight Time
As a flight instructor you’ll be able to earn an income while building your flight time. With a consistent schedule, you should be able to reach 1,500 hours of total flight time in 18-24 months
Apply to Jobs as a Regional Airline Pilot
Once you’ve reached 1,500 hours of total flight time and are over the age of 21 you qualify to become a regional airline first officer. Apply to the airlines you’d like to work for and wait for an invitation to interview.
Commercial Pilot Certificate
You’ll refine advanced maneuvers, fly longer cross-country trips, and demonstrate professional standards in complex aircraft operations.
CFI & CFII
You’ll learn to teach from the right seat, run briefings and debriefings, and guide students through private and instrument lessons.
Multi-Engine Rating
You’ll train to manage two engines, handle asymmetric thrust, practice engine-out procedures, and optimize performance and systems.
Start Work as a Flight Instructor
After you’ve completed the ZTA program, it’s time to get hired as a CFI and start working as a flight instructor.
Build Your Flight Time
As a flight instructor you’ll be able to earn an income while building your flight time. With a consistent schedule, you should be able to reach 1,500 hours of total flight time in 18-24 months
Apply to Jobs as a Regional Airline Pilot
Once you’ve reached 1,500 hours of total flight time and are over the age of 21 you qualify to become a regional airline first officer. Apply to the airlines you’d like to work for and wait for an invitation to interview.
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Financing with Sallie Mae®
Don’t let your dream of becoming an airline pilot be hindered by financial concerns. We’ve partnered with multiple financing partners, including Sallie Mae®, to offer flexible financing options.
With our financing partners, you can cover the cost of the entire career pilot program, housing, and a living stipend if necessary.
What are the Requirements to Join?
In order to train the best pilots our partnered airlines will hire, we have high standards of entry for the Zero Time to Airline pilot training program. These are our airline pilot training requirements:
- Must be able to train full time (this means we must be able to schedule you 7 days a week and at any time from 5 am to 9 pm)
- Pass an entry interview.
- Hold a 1st class FAA medical certificate.
- Be 18 years of age or older when your class starts.
- Be a US citizen or non-US citizen with TSA approval.
- Complete and pass an aptitude test and personality test.
- Have approved financing in place prior to the start of the program.
- Students will need a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad with at least 256GB and at least an iPad Air 5th generation or iPad mini 6th generation. You don’t need a cellular plan with the iPad, just one that has the functionality.
Start Your Airline Career Today
Fill out the form below to start your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Speak with an Admissions Advisor
Ready to become an airline pilot? Click the button below to get in touch with one of our friendly admissions advisors who will walk you through every step you need to take to launch your new career.