Learn about the steps necessary how To Become a Pilot. Research the job description and the licensing requirements and find out how to start a career as an airline pilot. You might be asking, “How can I become a pilot?” if you’re reading this post. Airline and commercial pilots are educated to fly aerial vehicles for various tasks, including transporting goods and passengers.
Although this career may appeal to adventurous spirits, controlling aeroplanes in various weather conditions and hazardous situations entails significant stress and responsibility. In most aircraft, two pilots are necessary, with the most experienced pilot serving as the captain.
Pilot Job Duties
Commercial pilots’ primary responsibility is to operate planes for businesses. However, other responsibilities come with the job. For example, pilots are responsible for inspecting the aircraft’s condition before and after each flight and ensuring that the plane stays below its statutory weight limit.
They must also make flight plans and submit them to air traffic control, and guarantee that the weather is suitable for flying. Pilots must interact with air traffic control regularly and be physically and mentally ready for any emergencies during the flight.
Career Requirements
- Degree Level: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree or military flight training
- Degree Fields: Aviation, aeronautics, or a comparable discipline
- Licensure/Certification: Pilot’s license required, Airline Transportation Pilot (ATP) Certification specifically for airlines
- Experience: 250 flight hours
- Key Skills: Good depth perception and quick reaction time; good communication and problem-solving skills; knowledge of on-board systems and the ability to monitor them
- Median Salary (May 2019): $147,220 (For all airline pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers)
How To Become a Pilot
The pilot education requirements normally include an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautics, or a related field. However, the military also trains numerous pilots. Therefore, it’s also necessary to have 250 hours of flight time.
You’ll also need a pilot’s licence and possibly some airline credentials. A pilot must also have good depth perception, quick reaction time, good communication, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of the capacity to monitor onboard systems.
1.Obtain a College Education
You may be asking what kind of training is required to become a pilot. There are college degree programmes for pilot education accessible for persons who did not fly aeroplanes in the military. While a degree is not required, businesses prefer pilots who have completed college. In addition, commercial airlines prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree over those with an associate’s degree, even though no specific degree is necessary for pilot positions. As a result, the education required to be a pilot usually involves a college diploma.
To be a pilot, what exact classes and education do you need? Pilots with aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or computer science may have an excellent educational foundation. However, airlines want candidates who have studied liberal arts courses as well as aeronautical engineering classes. Flight school programmes are usually delivered by a Federal Aviation Administration-certified instructor (FAA). The following are some examples of topics studied in flight school:
- Aeromedical knowledge
- Aircraft mechanics
- Principles of flight
- Navigation and flight planning
- Weather forecasting
- Flight maneuvers and pilot duties
Cadet programmes are available on several major airlines. As a pilot programme, these initiatives provide training and advantages such as tuition reimbursement upon completion. A commercial pilot’s licence (CPL) can cost upwards of $30,000, including pilot school. Thus this can be significant savings. The following are some of the main airlines that have cadet programmes:
- American Airlines Cadet Academy
- Delta Pilot Career Program
- United Aviate Program
- Air Canada Program
- British Airways Program
- Lufthansa Program
2.Gain Flying Hours
So, now that you know what kind of education a pilot needs, how do you go about becoming one? According to the BLS, a pilot-in-training must accumulate a minimum of 250 hours of flight time before acquiring a pilot’s licence.
Pilots can log these hours through the United States Armed Forces, gaining experience with various aircraft. The FAA also certifies flight instructors and flight schools to assist pilots in gaining the necessary flight experience. Many pilots start as flight instructors before progressing to commercial pilot status after earning additional flying time and experience.
3.Earn a Pilot’s License
Applicants 18 years and older can fulfil the rest of the criteria for a federal commercial pilot’s licence after attaining the required flight hours. In addition, pilots must pass a physical check to confirm that they have adequate vision and hearing and no physical limitations that could compromise their ability to fly. Candidates must also complete a written exam covering safety knowledge and a skills test overseen by an FAA-certified instructor.
The FAA requirements for earning a commercial pilot’s license are as follows:
- 250 hours of flight time
- 100 hours of pilot-in-command time
- 50 hours of cross-country time
- 20 hours of training
- 10 hours of solo training, including both cross country and night flying
4.Complete Additional Tests and Training
Additional examinations and licences may be required depending on the type of pilot role. The FAA offers a variety of certification options, including airworthiness and medical certificates. Certain airlines may also conduct psychological and IQ testing on their pilots. The following are some examples of pilot licences and certifications:
- Instrument rating
- Sport pilot license
- Recreational pilot license
- Airline transport pilot license
- Multi-crew pilot license
5.Work as a Pilot
Major airline firms will not hire inexperienced pilots since they must start somewhere. Pilots hired by major airlines typically have roughly 4,000 hours of commercial plane flying experience. In addition, most commercial airline pilots begin their careers as co-pilots, gaining valuable experience in the process.
Pilots can also find work in other areas such as emergency services, agriculture, or reforestation. Pilots usually advance as they gain experience. Some pilots, for example, may start flying charter planes or helicopters before moving on to commercial carriers. Some begin their careers as flight instructors, which allows them to accrue hours while learning and improving their skills as pilots.
6.Advance in the Field
Pilots are assigned to a seniority scheme. Pilots at the first officer rank may graduate to the rank of captain after gaining many years of experience, often 5-15 years, as stipulated in their contract. More advanced jobs, such as director of chief pilot positions, are frequently available in larger airline firms.
To become a pilot, you must have the necessary training, obtained through a degree or the military and prior flying experience.
