4 answers
Parkin
Student
Portland, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
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What are some helpful steps for starting a pilot career?
I am a high school senior and starting to plan my future career.
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4 answers
Ishtiaq Hussain
Retired Flight Engineer
8
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Ishtiaq’s Answer
To start Pilot Training in USA there are very few requirements.
(a) Be at least 17 years in age
(b) Be medically fit (FAA class II at least)
(c) Be able to understand and speak English language.
(d) Be a US Citizen
Now to start Pilot Training:
1-Research flight schools.
2- Get your medical certificate.
3- Get your FAA Student Pilot certificate.
4- Begin Ground School classes.
5- Begin flight lessons.
6- Pass the “written Test”
The FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test,
7- Pass the check ride.
(Now you have a Private Pilot License and can fly during day/ visual conditions privately or for fun, but cannot undertake paid jobs)
8- Next, earn your Instrument Rating (IFR – Instrument Flight Rules) to enable you to fly in poor visibility conditions or night time)
9- The next step is to begin your Commercial Pilot training.
This has similar steps as in becoming a “Private Pilot” but the ground subjects are more detailed and flying training requires more accumulated hours (Total 250 hours).
Starting from zero the CPL/ IR training takes anywhere from 9-12 months depending upon your dedication and availability of finances (Approximately 75,000-90,000 Dollars)- You got a COL, Now you can undertake a paid job.
But; the journey does not end here, to become a choice candidate for airlines you will require Multi Engine Aircraft Certification and accumulate at least 1500 Flying Hours experience.
(Having a college Degree will definitely give you an edge)
There is another channel for Flying as a career through joining the Flying Branches of US Armed Services.
You can get more information from a Flying School in your State, such as
Portland Flight School
In Hillsboro, Oregon.
(a) Be at least 17 years in age
(b) Be medically fit (FAA class II at least)
(c) Be able to understand and speak English language.
(d) Be a US Citizen
Now to start Pilot Training:
1-Research flight schools.
2- Get your medical certificate.
3- Get your FAA Student Pilot certificate.
4- Begin Ground School classes.
5- Begin flight lessons.
6- Pass the “written Test”
The FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test,
7- Pass the check ride.
(Now you have a Private Pilot License and can fly during day/ visual conditions privately or for fun, but cannot undertake paid jobs)
8- Next, earn your Instrument Rating (IFR – Instrument Flight Rules) to enable you to fly in poor visibility conditions or night time)
9- The next step is to begin your Commercial Pilot training.
This has similar steps as in becoming a “Private Pilot” but the ground subjects are more detailed and flying training requires more accumulated hours (Total 250 hours).
Starting from zero the CPL/ IR training takes anywhere from 9-12 months depending upon your dedication and availability of finances (Approximately 75,000-90,000 Dollars)- You got a COL, Now you can undertake a paid job.
But; the journey does not end here, to become a choice candidate for airlines you will require Multi Engine Aircraft Certification and accumulate at least 1500 Flying Hours experience.
(Having a college Degree will definitely give you an edge)
There is another channel for Flying as a career through joining the Flying Branches of US Armed Services.
You can get more information from a Flying School in your State, such as
Portland Flight School
In Hillsboro, Oregon.
Jamie V
Officer
5
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Parkin-
Have you thought about the military? Dependent on what your future goals are, this may be a great opportunity to get flight training and experience under your belt. The military will also teach you a lot about yourself, teach you leadership, and no matter how long you serve (initial commitment or full 20 years to retirement) military service will open you up to a strong job market after your service. Many companies are now putting a higher emphasis on hiring veterans.
Hope this helps!
Have you thought about the military? Dependent on what your future goals are, this may be a great opportunity to get flight training and experience under your belt. The military will also teach you a lot about yourself, teach you leadership, and no matter how long you serve (initial commitment or full 20 years to retirement) military service will open you up to a strong job market after your service. Many companies are now putting a higher emphasis on hiring veterans.
Hope this helps!
Aliya Jackson - El Krimate
Vet Tech transitions to Screenwriter / Healthcare Worker
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Aliya’s Answer
Hi Parkin:
Here is something I found, too - https://propel.delta.com/content/propel/en_US/home.html
In talking with a few people. You can go to a university or go straight into flight school at the age of 18 years old.
There is such a demand right now for pilots because in talking with a Pilot while waiting for my plane, he said all the pilots are getting ready to retire.
He suggested going to the small aircraft and start talking to them. The key to becoming a Pilot is the hours you are flying.
There are several steps for actually flying a plane on your own.
My suggestion, call a pilot school in your town and ask questions.
Good luck, and I'll see you in the air one day. Stay focused!!!
Here is something I found, too - https://propel.delta.com/content/propel/en_US/home.html
In talking with a few people. You can go to a university or go straight into flight school at the age of 18 years old.
There is such a demand right now for pilots because in talking with a Pilot while waiting for my plane, he said all the pilots are getting ready to retire.
He suggested going to the small aircraft and start talking to them. The key to becoming a Pilot is the hours you are flying.
There are several steps for actually flying a plane on your own.
My suggestion, call a pilot school in your town and ask questions.
Good luck, and I'll see you in the air one day. Stay focused!!!
Chi Lei
Financial Analyst
2
Answers
Fresno, California
Updated
Chi’s Answer
Hi Parkin!
My recommendation for you is to reach out to your school counselors for advice. They may be able to provide additional insights on what you can do to achieve your goals :)
Aside from that, you can also do some research online. Links like this (https://atpflightschool.com/become-a-pilot/airline-career/how-to-become-a-pilot.html) may be very helpful in answering the questions you may have.
Best of luck!
My recommendation for you is to reach out to your school counselors for advice. They may be able to provide additional insights on what you can do to achieve your goals :)
Aside from that, you can also do some research online. Links like this (https://atpflightschool.com/become-a-pilot/airline-career/how-to-become-a-pilot.html) may be very helpful in answering the questions you may have.
Best of luck!