Becoming a Pilot

How to Become an Pilot


1. Understand there are different types of pilots

  • Airline Pilot: Probably the most well known of any pilot career. Airline pilots are responsible for flying large commercial aircraft for a Part 121 Carrier (this means a scheduled routine airline route).
  • Corporate Pilot: There are more than 11,000 companies that own & operate private aircraft in the United States (there are more private aircraft than commercial aircraft.)
  • Military Pilot: There are roughly 30,000 pilots in the US military. They operate everything from fighter jets, transports, helicopters, and executive aircraft.
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI’s): Certified Flight Instructors are just that! It’s typically viewed as an entry level position, but many pilots make a long-term career teaching other pilots how to fly.
  • Survey Pilot: Being a survey pilot is a generic pilot type; however, it’s also viewed as an entry level pilot position. Most survey pilots do exactly what it sounds like. They oversee pipelines, land, and other items that need to be monitored.
  • Recreational Pilot: There’s roughly 160,000 private/recreational pilots in the United States. The simplest way to view private/recreational pilots are people who fly for fun or not for hire.
2. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
  • Age: It depends on what you want to do.
  • To solo a powered aircraft, you must be at least 16 years of age.
  • To obtain your Private Private’s License you must be 17 years of age.
  • To obtain your Commercial Pilot’s License you must be 18 years of age.
  • To obtain your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate you must be 23 years of age.
Education:
  • Most pilot careers required you to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent (minimum).
  • A college degree is not required, but highly recommended.
Medical Fitness:
  • Obtain at least a third class medical if you want to fly as a recreational pilot.
  • If you want to fly for hire, you have to obtain at least a 2nd Class Medical. In general, you want to be in good health, and be able to pass most vision & hearing test.
3. Becoming an Airline Pilot


A. Civilian Route (Non-Military)

     1. Private Pilot License (PPL)

  • Enroll in a certified flight school or Fixed Base Operator (FBO).
  • Complete 40 hours of flight training (minimum).
  • Pass FAA written exam, flight check, and oral exam.
     2. Instrument Rating
  • Train to fly in various weather conditions using instruments.
  • Requires 40 hours of instrument flight time and passing an FAA exam.
     3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
  • Accumulate 250 total flight hours (minimum).
  • Advanced training in complex aircraft.
  • Pass FAA exams (written and practical).
     4. Multi-Engine Rating
  • Train to operate aircraft with more than one engine.
  • Focus on handling engine failures and other multi-engine scenarios.
     5. Build Flight Hours
  • Work as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
  • Fly for charter companies, regional airlines, or cargo services.
  • Accumulate at least 1,500 hours to qualify for an ATP certificate.
     5. Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
  • Mandatory for operating as a captain or co-pilot in airline operations.
  • Complete ATP training program and pass the FAA ATP exam.
B. Military Route
     1. Join the Armed Forces
  • U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, or Marines.
  • Meet strict eligibility requirements (e.g., citizenship, age, physical fitness).
     2. Military Flight Training
  • Rigorous training in advanced aircraft.
  • Gain extensive flight hours and experience in high-performance environments.
     3. Transition to Civilian Aviation
  • Convert military flight hours to civilian certifications.
  • Obtain ATP certificate if not already qualified.
C. Accelerated Flight Training Programs
  • Enroll in integrated programs (e.g., ATP Flight School, Embry-Riddle, CAE, or other airline-sponsored cadet programs).
  • Complete all required licenses and ratings in 2–3 years.
  • Airline cadet programs often guarantee interviews or placement.
D. Financial Planning

Cost Breakdown:

  • PPL: $12,000–$20,000
  • CPL: $20,000–$30,000
  • Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine Rating: $10,000–$20,000
  • Total estimated cost: $70,000–$120,000.

Financial Aid:

  • Scholarships from organizations like AOPA, EAA, or universities.
  • Student loans or payment plans through flight schools.
E. Gain Airline Experience

    Entry-Level Airline Jobs:
  • Regional Airline First Officer.
  • Cargo Pilot.
  • Charter Pilot.
     Upgrade to Captain:
  • Accumulate experience and hours (minimum 1,000–1,500 as First Officer).
  • Meet leadership and operational requirements.
F. Maintain and Advance Your Qualifications
  • Recurrency training and checkrides every 6–12 months.
  • Stay current on FAA regulations and airline-specific procedures.
  • Pursue additional certifications (e.g., Type Ratings for specific aircraft).
G. Career Progression
  • Regional Airlines: Gain experience flying smaller aircraft.
  • Major Airlines: Progress to larger aircraft and longer routes (e.g., Delta, United, American Airlines).
  • International Airlines: Fly for global carriers on international routes.
H. Stay Competitive in the Job Market
  • Networking through aviation events and organizations.
  • Maintaining a clean safety record and strong references.
  • Continuing education in aviation technologies and leadership.
I. Future Opportunities
  • Management Roles: Chief Pilot, Director of Operations.
  • Specialized Flying: Test Pilot, Air Show Pilot, Humanitarian Missions.
  • Training and Mentorship: Flight Instructor, Simulator Trainer.