Go Vertical Aviation

08/22/2026

Airlines aren’t always the answer…. 😉

You do not have to be flying a Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 to earn some of the biggest salaries in aviation.

In 2026, experienced captains flying private jets like the Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier Global 7500 can reportedly earn between $220,000 and more than $350,000 a year, putting some of them ahead of first officers at major US airlines.

The money comes with a very different lifestyle. Airline pilots generally have structured pay increases, retirement benefits, union protections and the chance to eventually move into the captain’s seat. Corporate pilots can reach big salaries without following that same seniority ladder, but their schedules may be far less predictable, with trips sometimes dictated by whenever an aircraft’s owner needs to travel.

For experienced pilots, it creates two very different ways of making serious money in the cockpit.

For $350,000 a year, would you rather fly private jets or work for a major airline?

08/01/2026

This is why our fast-track professional pilot programs are worth their weight in gold…

American Airlines captains are now earning salaries that rival — and often exceed — those of many U.S. physicians.

Under the airline's newest contract, senior captains can make $324 to $460 per flight hour, putting annual earnings between $400,000 and $500,000 on a typical schedule. Add profit sharing, bonuses and per diems, and total compensation can climb even higher.

Meanwhile, the average U.S. physician earns about $374,000 per year. Primary care doctors average closer to $287,000, while many specialists earn around $404,000.

It's a remarkable shift.

For decades, becoming a doctor was widely seen as the path to the highest income. Today, an experienced American Airlines captain flying long-haul Boeing 777 or 787 routes can take home more than many physicians.

The change has been driven by an unprecedented pilot shortage following COVID-era retirements, rapid airline expansion and fierce competition to retain experienced flight crews.

Two elite careers. Two very different paths.

If you had the choice, would you spend 10+ years becoming a doctor, or build seniority to command a wide-body airliner around the world?

07/03/2026

🚨ANOTHER WORLD’S NEWEST PRIVATE PILOT ALERT!!! Congratulations to Kevin for completely nailing his FAA Private Pilot Checkride!! Congratulations also go to his awesome instructor, Aaron DeGraaff, for doing an amazing job preparing Kevin for this huge accomplishment! Way to go gentleman!! Great job!!

07/03/2026

🚨WORLD’S NEWEST PRIVATE PILOT ALERT!!! Congratulations to Sam for completely nailing his FAA Private Pilot Checkride!! Congratulations also go to his awesome instructor, Aaron DeGraaff, for doing an amazing job preparing Sam for this huge accomplishment! Way to go gentleman!! Great job!!

04/22/2026

This is a perfect example of why our accelerated pilot training programs are so popular. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime!

United Airlines is planning to hire around 2,500 pilots in 2026, one of the largest recruitment waves in its history, as US carriers move to offset a surge in mandatory retirements.

The airline is currently running new-hire classes of roughly 75 pilots per week. American Airlines is close behind at about 60 weekly, meaning the two carriers alone are adding more than 500 pilots each month.

Across the industry, hiring remains elevated. American is targeting around 1,500 pilots this year, while Delta has already brought in approximately 600 in the first quarter.

The primary driver is not expansion but attrition. US law requires airline pilots to retire at 65, and the industry is now entering its largest retirement cycle. More than 16,000 pilots are expected to leave US airlines over the next five years, while global forecasts point to a shortfall of around 24,000 pilots in 2026.

United’s hiring push also supports its longer-term fleet plan, with more than 250 aircraft scheduled to be added by 2028. Its regional network is increasing pilot intake by 36 percent year over year.

Rising demand and limited supply are reshaping pay. Starting salaries at major US airlines are now around $100,000, while senior long-haul captains can exceed $500,000 with additional compensation.

03/18/2026

🚨ANOTHER WORLD’S NEWEST PRIVATE PILOT ALERT!!! Congratulations to Corbin for completely nailing his FAA Private Pilot Checkride!! Congratulations also go to his awesome instructor, Steve Broughton, for doing an amazing job preparing Corbin for this huge accomplishment! Way to go gentleman!! Great job!!

03/18/2026

🚨WORLD’S NEWEST PRIVATE PILOT ALERT!!! Congratulations to Keith for completely nailing his FAA Private Pilot Checkride!! Congratulations also go to his awesome instructor, Steve Broughton, for doing an amazing job preparing Keith for this huge accomplishment! Way to go gentleman!! Great job!!

02/14/2026

🚨WORLD’S NEWEST PRIVATE PILOT ALERT!!! Congratulations to Wyatt for completely nailing his FAA Private Pilot Checkride!! Congratulations also go to his awesome instructor, Steve Broughton, for doing an amazing job preparing Wyatt for this huge accomplishment! Way to go gentleman!! Great job!!

02/14/2026

🚨WORLD’S NEWEST INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT ALERT!!! Congratulations to Adam for completely nailing his FAA Instrument Pilot Checkride!! Congratulations also go to his awesome instructor, Steve Broughton, for doing an amazing job preparing Adam for this huge accomplishment! Way to go gentleman!! Great job!!

02/02/2026

🚨WORLD’S NEWEST COMMERCIAL PILOT ALERT!!! Congratulations to Spencer for completely nailing his FAA Commercial Pilot Checkride!! Congratulations also go to his awesome instructor, Bradley Johnson, for doing an amazing job preparing Spencer for this huge accomplishment! Way to go!! Great job!!