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What do I need to do to become a pilot? What kind of school do I need to attend?
I'm a senior at high school and I want to be a airline pilot # #student #high-school #pilot #college
3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Embarking on an Airline Pilot Career
To embark on your journey to become an airline pilot, a structured roadmap involving specific education, training, and certifications is essential. Here's a simplified guide to help you navigate your way towards a successful airline pilot career:
1. Education:
High School Completion: The first milestone is to finish your high school education or acquire a GED.
College Degree: While not a strict requirement, many airlines favor candidates with a bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautical engineering, or similar fields. Possessing a degree can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
2. Flight Training:
Acquire a Private Pilot License (PPL): This initial license permits you to operate small aircraft. You'll need to accumulate a specified number of flight hours and pass a written exam and a check ride.
Secure a Commercial Pilot License (CPL): To be an airline pilot, a CPL, which authorizes you to fly for compensation or hire, is mandatory.
Achieve an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): This is the pinnacle of pilot certification and is mandatory to serve as an airliner captain.
3. Accumulate Flight Hours:
Flight Instructor Rating: Many pilots clock in flight hours by serving as flight instructors post obtaining their CPL.
Gain Experience: Airlines generally mandate a specific number of flight hours before considering candidates for first officer positions.
4. Additional Certifications:
Instrument Rating: This certification authorizes you to fly in low visibility conditions using only the aircraft’s instruments.
Multi-Engine Rating: This rating is mandatory for operating aircraft with more than one engine.
5. Enroll in Flight School:
Consider enrolling in a reputable flight school or aviation academy that offers comprehensive training programs designed for aspiring airline pilots.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Utilized in Answering this Question:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA, the governing body for aviation in the United States, provides exhaustive information on pilot certification requirements and regulations.
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA): As the world's largest pilots’ union, ALPA provides valuable resources and insights into the airline piloting profession.
National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI): NAFI offers advice on flight training, certifications, and professional development for budding pilots.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Steve Brewton
Steve’s Answer
The Military is the cheapest route to go. I dont know about the previous comment about having a degree. I know some people that do not have a degree that got hired, and with a so called pilot shortage, airlines are luring Helicopter pilots away. Go to a flight school and talk to a pilot. Find out if it is for you. Take a discovery flight, take the controls of the plane.
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Dana Young
Dana’s Answer
Pilots have many options to obtain this goal. It all depends on if this is going to be a career or a hobby. As a hobby you can go to many of the flight schools in your area and simply sign up and pay your way. If you are thinking of a career and want to fly what they call Legend Airlines: American, Continental, Delta, United....ect then you will need a 4 year degree. Many schools will offer a degree to help you. Some pilots choose a school like Embry Riddle which focuses on that degree without a lot of fluff. An economical way to get that pilots licence and degree is to go through the military. They offer many options and provide you with the hours it takes to get to that legend airline.
Dana recommends the following next steps: