Consider taking part in extracurricular activities related to flying. In the UK, for instance, you could join the Air Training Corps (ATC), a volunteer-military youth organization for people under the age of 18.
Some regional airlines only require a 2-year degree. Certain colleges and universities, such as the University of North Dakota, offer flight training in concurrence with academic classes. [3] X Research source
Contrary to popular belief, you can still become a professional pilot if you wear glasses or contacts, as long as your vision is correctable to 20/20. [5] X Research source In the United States, you must visit the office of a certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). A list of AMEs in your community can be found here: https://www. faa. gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/
If you’re in the United States, completing classes at an FAA-approved flight school can reduce the amount of flight experience required for a pilot’s license.
The Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard offer flight training if you are a U. S. citizen. Job prospects are generally good for those leaving the military to become an airline pilot.
You can start taking flying lessons before you’ve applied for a student pilot certificate, but you’ll need one to operate a plane by yourself. A private pilot’s license, your next step, requires a certain amount of solo flying hours. You can often apply for a student pilot certificate at the same time as your medical certificate.
However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that you complete a solo cross-country flight before taking the written exam. A list of testing centers in the U. S. can be found here: https://www. faa. gov/training_testing/testing/media/test_centers. pdf.
Once you’ve completed this process, you’re officially a licensed pilot. You will be comfortable with the fundamentals of flying a single-engine plane. You cannot receive payment for your services when you hold this license.
This rating allows you to pilot a plane during periods of low visibility, guided solely by the airplane’s instruments.
The written exam for a commercial license contains 100 multiple choice questions. You will be given 3 hours to complete the test, and the minimum score is 70%. The practical exam must be administered by an FAA-approved examiner, a list of which can be searched here: http://av-info. faa. gov/DesigneeSearch. asp.
The oral exam can be administered by the instructor and includes questions about weight and balance, aircraft systems, and minimum controllable airspeed. [14] X Research source No written test is required.
The written exam is multiple choice and addresses subjects like flight planning and monitoring, radio navigation, meteorology, and air law. The practical exam is administered by either an FAA Inspector or an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. It’s divided into two sections: an oral exam and a test flight. This license allows you to operate as the captain (or the “pilot in command”) of a commercial aircraft.
Many pilots start out at smaller airlines where they can gain experience flying on scheduled flights in a variety of weather conditions. Then, they use that experience to get higher paying jobs at bigger airlines.
Similarly, find a job as an instructor at a simulator company. Even if they cannot pay you a salary, see if you can trade your instructor hours for hours using the simulator and gaining experience to use in future job interviews. [18] X Research source
Some CAP flights require a private pilot’s license at minimum, while others have more stringent requirements.
These jobs can usually be found via word-of-mouth or contacting businesses in your area that you think might be hiring part-time pilots.
Ask other pilots who have direct knowledge of your flying skills to write letters of recommendation.
Check professional pilot websites where pilots share airline specific interview experiences. You may want to bring copies of records such as college transcripts, military records, and licenses to the interview. If the airline conducts a simulator check, rent a simulator at your local airport or flight school to brush up. Some companies offer airline-specific interview simulator preparation, although this specialty interview prep can be pricey.
Once trained, you’ll be required to complete regular training and simulator checks. These usually occur once or twice a year.
A first officer (also known as the co-pilot) is the second-in-command to the captain.
Any time you change airlines, by choice or because you’ve been laid off or your airline has gone out of business, you will be starting at the bottom again at your new airline in terms of your position, schedule, and pay—regardless of experience.
