3 answers
Conner
Student
Yuma, Arizona
4
Questions
Asked
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What do I have to do to be a successful pilot?
I am drawn to a career as a pilot because it requires technical skills and being calm under pressure. This field is my passion because it seems fun and sounds like it comes with benefits, and it requires respect for the elements and quick, decision making. I also would like this job because I have heard that they make above average money. what are the most effective mental and physical frameworks a pilot uses to maintain situational awareness when automated systems provide bad information? Also what would I have to prepare for to be a pilot?
I want this job because it sounded very interesting to me and no other jobs had any of my interest in them.
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3 answers
Dr. Kelly Desso
Protective Services
266
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Hi Conner,
What kind of pilot are you interested in becoming? Each type has different requirements, hours, and skills needed. You're right that many commercial pilots are financially stable, but remember, training can cost over $100,000. As an Arizona resident, you have access to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where you can log flight hours with certified instructors. If your parents agree, you can start training as soon as you reach the minimum age.
Here are the minimum ages for FAA pilot certifications:
- Student Pilot Certificate: 16 (14 for gliders or balloons)
- Solo Flight: 16
- Private Pilot License (PPL): 17
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 18
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP): 23 (or 21 for restricted ATP)
Getting your flight hours early can help you avoid juggling them with college classes.
If you try flying and don't enjoy it, remember that aircraft mechanics often earn more than pilots, and there's a shortage of mechanics in some areas.
What kind of pilot are you interested in becoming? Each type has different requirements, hours, and skills needed. You're right that many commercial pilots are financially stable, but remember, training can cost over $100,000. As an Arizona resident, you have access to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where you can log flight hours with certified instructors. If your parents agree, you can start training as soon as you reach the minimum age.
Here are the minimum ages for FAA pilot certifications:
- Student Pilot Certificate: 16 (14 for gliders or balloons)
- Solo Flight: 16
- Private Pilot License (PPL): 17
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 18
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP): 23 (or 21 for restricted ATP)
Getting your flight hours early can help you avoid juggling them with college classes.
If you try flying and don't enjoy it, remember that aircraft mechanics often earn more than pilots, and there's a shortage of mechanics in some areas.
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
563
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hey Conner! Love the passion for aviation; you're already thinking about the right things like staying calm under pressure and quick decision-making. From my own experience, the key to success in any demanding career is building a strong foundation; for me that meant stacking my Engineering degrees, plus certifications in IT. For you, that means knocking out your PPL, Instrument Rating, Commercial License, and eventually your ATP — treat each one like leveling up. When automated systems give bad info, it's all about cross-checking everything — in my work in consulting I've had to catch system and data errors constantly during go-lives. Pilots do the same by trusting their training and cross-referencing instruments. Stay healthy, keep your medical current, stack those flight hours, invest in yourself, and the money and benefits will follow! Hope this helps!
Katlynne Hytrek
Blackhawk Mechanic, Animal Care Specialist
24
Answers
New Brockton, Alabama
Updated
Katlynne’s Answer
Hye Conner!
Being a pilot can be a very demanding and rewarding career path for someone who enjoys being at the helm. The previous comments are correct. Becoming a pilot is a multi-step process that can be very expensive to pursue. However, there are many avenues you can consider.
First, decide on which airframe you are most drawn to. Whether you solely pursue fixed winged commercial flying or decide on rotary wing helicopters to start can dramatically impact your path forward. If you decide to learn rotary wing helicopters, you can always consider the military as a path to having your pilot training paid for. ROTC can be a way through aviation at some colleges to allow you to get your licensing fully paid for. Afterwards, students transition into military service as officers. There is also a program called "street to seat" where individuals can directly apply to the military's aviation program. However, you may need to know military personnel previously to be eligible. Certainly speak with your local college recruiters if either of these options are of interest to you. It is also important to note that although there is fixed winged pilot positions within the military, they are exceptionally difficult to get.
Another way to pay for the schooling and get exposure if youre not yet certain which airframe you want is to join the military as aviation support, such as a mechanic. This way, you are exposed to both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Through your term, you will gain your GI Bill as well. Then can chose which school, program, and airframe you want and it will be fully paid for. (You will also have access to high payinh civilian aviation occupations after service due to your military training and experience.)
I hope this helps broaden your views to all of your opportunities. This is just one of the options available to you.
Decide on an airframe to pursue.
Being a pilot can be a very demanding and rewarding career path for someone who enjoys being at the helm. The previous comments are correct. Becoming a pilot is a multi-step process that can be very expensive to pursue. However, there are many avenues you can consider.
First, decide on which airframe you are most drawn to. Whether you solely pursue fixed winged commercial flying or decide on rotary wing helicopters to start can dramatically impact your path forward. If you decide to learn rotary wing helicopters, you can always consider the military as a path to having your pilot training paid for. ROTC can be a way through aviation at some colleges to allow you to get your licensing fully paid for. Afterwards, students transition into military service as officers. There is also a program called "street to seat" where individuals can directly apply to the military's aviation program. However, you may need to know military personnel previously to be eligible. Certainly speak with your local college recruiters if either of these options are of interest to you. It is also important to note that although there is fixed winged pilot positions within the military, they are exceptionally difficult to get.
Another way to pay for the schooling and get exposure if youre not yet certain which airframe you want is to join the military as aviation support, such as a mechanic. This way, you are exposed to both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Through your term, you will gain your GI Bill as well. Then can chose which school, program, and airframe you want and it will be fully paid for. (You will also have access to high payinh civilian aviation occupations after service due to your military training and experience.)
I hope this helps broaden your views to all of your opportunities. This is just one of the options available to you.
Katlynne recommends the following next steps: