PRO PILOT

Become a Commercial Pilot

Considering a career in aviation or exploring flight schools in Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, or nearby? Learn about our pilot programs and rental aircraft. We make flight training fun and efficient. With 30 years of experience, our programs combine best practices from civilian and military aviation. Our professional instructors ensure safety and use proven methods for success.

Flight Training in Memphis

At First Team, we’re building the next generation of skilled and confident pilots.

Launch Your Aviation Career

Ready to take control of your future? At First Team Pilot Training, we turn aspiring aviators into professional pilots. Train with experienced instructors and get career-ready in as little as six months. Based in the Memphis Metro area, we're your home for high-quality, accelerated flight training.

The need for professionally trained pilots is on the rise, with over 600,000 new pilots projected to be required worldwide by 2040. If you've ever dreamed of turning your passion for flying into a career, now is the time. Trade in your 9-to-5 for a future in the skies with First Team Pilot Training’s Pro Pilot Program, based in the Memphis Metro area.

The Best Place to Train

You can be a pilot—fully in command of your future—and First Team Pilot Training is here to help you get there. It’s never too late to turn your passion for flying into a paid profession. A career as a professional pilot can take you across the state, the country, or around the globe. You’ll earn a living while traveling, seeing places few others do, and navigating the skies from the cockpit of an advanced aircraft with unmatched views.

At First Team, we teach you the right way—the professional way—building a strong foundation so you’re fully prepared for your aviation career.  Join our tight-knit training community and discover why First Team Pilot Training is the premier destination for aspiring professional pilots in the Memphis Metro area. With one of the largest training fleets in the MidSouth and experienced, career-focused instructors, you can complete your training in as little as six months.

Your Flight Path Begins Here

Graduates of the Pro Pilot Program at First Team Pilot Training in the Memphis Metro area go on to pursue a wide range of exciting aviation careers, including:
• Airline Captain or First Officer
• Corporate and Business Aviation Pilot
• Private Charter and On-Demand Pilot
• Freight and Cargo Transport Pilot
• Certified Flight Instructor
• Government and Military Aviation
• Agricultural and Crop Dusting Pilot
• Personal Aviation for Business or Leisure

How Long Will My Training Take?

Private Pilot Certificate
Timeline: 8–12 weeks
Begin your aviation journey with the Private Pilot Certificate—your official license to learn. Whether you're aiming for a career in aviation or simply want to enjoy flying as a hobby, this is your first step. For recreational flyers, this may be the only certificate you need. That said, we always recommend earning your Instrument Rating to become a more confident and capable pilot.
Estimated Cost: $15,125
Time Building
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
This is one of the most exciting phases of your training. You'll log 110 hours of flight time—traveling, exploring new airports, flying at night, and building the real-world experience that prepares you for a professional aviation career. You can reduce this cost significantly by connecting with safety pilots through our online community.
Estimated Cost: $12,000—$20,000
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
Many pilots launch their careers by teaching others to fly. Becoming a Flight Instructor lets you build hours toward airline or corporate hiring minimums—while gaining valuable experience and sharing your passion for aviation. It’s a rewarding, respected role and a smart next step in your journey.
Estimated Cost: $7,050
Instrument Rating
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
Most professional pilots operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which allow for safe flight in poor weather and low visibility. The Instrument Rating is essential if you're pursuing a career in aviation—and extremely valuable even if flying is just a passion. You'll train in simulated instrument conditions, learning key skills like approaches, holds, arrivals, and radio communication.
Estimated Cost: $10,000—$14,000
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Timeline: 5 weeks
Once you’ve reached 250 total flight hours, you’ll move on to earning your Commercial Pilot Certificate. This is your gateway to getting paid to fly. You'll fine-tune advanced maneuvers to meet higher performance standards and complete 10 hours of training in a Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) such as our Piper Cherokee 180.
Estimated Cost: $9,150
Program Completion
Timeline: 30–52 weeks
You’ve made it! After completing your initial training, you're a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor—ready to take on a professional role in aviation. From here, you can enhance your credentials further by adding a Multi-Engine Rating or pursuing your Instrument Instructor Certificate.
Estimated Cost: $5,700
ESTIMATED total cost: $53,000—$60,000

How Long Will My Training Take?

Private Pilot Certificate
Timeline: 8–12 weeks
Begin your aviation journey with the Private Pilot Certificate—your official license to learn. Whether you're aiming for a career in aviation or simply want to enjoy flying as a hobby, this is your first step. For recreational flyers, this may be the only certificate you need. That said, we always recommend earning your Instrument Rating to become a more confident and capable pilot.
Estimated Cost: $15,125
Instrument Rating
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
Most professional pilots operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which allow for safe flight in poor weather and low visibility. The Instrument Rating is essential if you're pursuing a career in aviation—and extremely valuable even if flying is just a passion. You'll train in simulated instrument conditions, learning key skills like approaches, holds, arrivals, and radio communication.
Estimated Cost: $10,000—$14,000
Time Building
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
This is one of the most exciting phases of your training. You'll log 110 hours of flight time—traveling, exploring new airports, flying at night, and building the real-world experience that prepares you for a professional aviation career. You can reduce this cost significantly by connecting with safety pilots through our online community.
Estimated Cost: $12,000—$20,000
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Timeline: 5 weeks
Once you’ve reached 250 total flight hours, you’ll move on to earning your Commercial Pilot Certificate. This is your gateway to getting paid to fly. You'll fine-tune advanced maneuvers to meet higher performance standards and complete 10 hours of training in a Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) such as our Piper Cherokee 180.
Estimated Cost: $9,150
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
Many pilots launch their careers by teaching others to fly. Becoming a Flight Instructor lets you build hours toward airline or corporate hiring minimums—while gaining valuable experience and sharing your passion for aviation. It’s a rewarding, respected role and a smart next step in your journey.
Estimated Cost: $7,050
Program Completion
Timeline: 30–52 weeks
You’ve made it! After completing your initial training, you're a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor—ready to take on a professional role in aviation. From here, you can enhance your credentials further by adding a Multi-Engine Rating or pursuing your Instrument Instructor Certificate.
Estimated Cost: $5,700
ESTIMATED total cost: $53,000—$60,000

Ready to Take Off?

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West Memphis Airport – KAMW

First Team Pilot Training
737 South Airport Road
West Memphis, AR 72301
870-727-9277

Fayette County Airport – KFYE

First Team Pilot Training
1075 Airport Rd., Suite 201
Somerville, TN 38068
901-586-9148
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