Some flight instructors offer flying courses to teenagers as young as 16. Call local flight instructors to ask what their policies are. You may be able to get a head start in your training.
To join the U. S. military, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are 17, you may join with parental consent. [2] X Research source
Take liberal arts or humanities courses while you’re in college. Flight school admissions offices look for applicants with balanced education.
Be aware that licensure requires significant experience and that you will be more likely to pass with extensive training. [5] X Trustworthy Source Federal Aviation Administration U. S. government agency responsible for monitoring and setting guidelines for civilian aviation Go to source
You will have a choice between applying for a first class, second class, or third class medical examination. First class is required for future airline pilots. Second class is required for commercial pilots. Third class is the least restrictive and is required for student licensure. If you don’t pass your physical examination, all is not lost. You may be able to fix it with treatment. For example, deaf pilots can obtain aircraft certification with an exemption for flights requiring radio communication. [7] X Trustworthy Source Federal Aviation Administration U. S. government agency responsible for monitoring and setting guidelines for civilian aviation Go to source People with other disabilities may be eligible for restricted licensure.
Student pilots must be able to read, write, and understand English to answer radio calls from fellow pilots. If English is your second language, learn the language thoroughly before you apply.
After you gain your license, you will need additional flying hours before you are qualified for more pilot jobs (like working at a commercial airline). Many pilots work as flight instructors to gain more flying hours after graduation.
Different pilot jobs will require more or less hours and experience. If you know what kind of pilot job you want, know the requirements and qualifications needed to obtain that job. Some pilots also take engineering jobs with airlines. If you’re interested, study engineering as an undergraduate to gain relevant knowledge. You will also need to get a separate engineering license to work with commercial airlines.
If you’re in a hurry to find a job, ask to be put on the “quick ship” list. If any recruits drop out, you will be called in to take their place.
Most airline companies will also require their applicants to pass a psychological and intelligence exam. New airline pilots often start as first officers in regional airlines, where they can gain experience flying passengers in all weather conditions. Later, you can qualify for better, higher-paying positions.
Beyond captainship, experienced pilots can also advance to chief pilot, director of aviation, and other positions depending on where they work.
