Fly Here. Get Hired Here.
From your first discovery flight to a paid flying career — Merlin is the full path.
Stage 1
Start Your Journey
0 hours · No certificate required
- Take your discovery flight
- Enroll and meet your instructor
- Set your training schedule
You are officially a student pilot.
Stage 2
Private Pilot Certificate
~60–80 hours total
- Build foundational aircraft control
- Solo flights and cross-country navigation
- Pass the FAA written test and checkride
Private Pilot Certificate earned.
Stage 3
Instrument Rating
~50 additional hours
- Train to fly in clouds and low visibility
- Master approach procedures and IFR navigation
- Pass the instrument written test and checkride
Instrument Rating added to certificate.
Stage 4
CFI Certificate
~20–40 additional hours
- Learn to teach and evaluate students
- Complete the FOI and FIA knowledge tests
- Pass the CFI checkride with an FAA examiner
Certified Flight Instructor certificate earned.
Stage 5
Career at Merlin
Hired · Building flight hours
- Join the Merlin instructor team
- Build hours toward commercial minimums
- Merlin graduates may be considered for affiliated aviation opportunities as the organization grows.
You fly. We pay. Career in aviation begins.