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how to become a commercial pilot?
Share your journey & guide aspiring commercial pilots on their path.
Note: Given the growing interest in the aviation field, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3775
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello CVOH,
Pathway to Becoming a Commercial Pilot: An Actionable Guide
Embarking on the journey to become a commercial pilot is a rewarding yet demanding endeavor. It calls for unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and a steadfast commitment. Here is a practical, step-by-step guide designed to assist future commercial pilots in charting their course towards realizing their dream profession:
1. Secure a Private Pilot License (PPL): The initial stride towards becoming a commercial pilot is securing a Private Pilot License (PPL). To be eligible for a PPL, you must fulfill certain prerequisites established by the aviation authorities in your country. These typically encompass a minimum number of flight hours, successful completion of a written examination, and a check ride with an examiner.
2. Accumulate Flight Hours and Experience: Once you have your PPL, it's crucial to accumulate flight hours and garner experience. The majority of commercial airlines mandate pilots to have a minimum number of flight hours before they can apply for a commercial pilot license. You can accumulate flight hours by flying frequently, either via flight schools, flying clubs, or other avenues.
3. Secure a Commercial Pilot License (CPL): After fulfilling the required flight hours and experience, you can apply for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The CPL permits you to fly for remuneration or hire. To secure a CPL, you will need to undertake additional training, successfully complete written examinations, and exhibit your flying skills to an examiner.
4. Obtain Instrument Rating: To bolster your credentials as a commercial pilot, it's vital to obtain an Instrument Rating (IR). An IR enables you to fly in unfavorable weather conditions and navigate using solely the aircraft’s instruments. This rating is paramount for commercial pilots who frequently fly in diverse weather conditions.
5. Accumulate Multi-Engine Time: A large number of commercial airlines require pilots to have experience flying multi-engine aircraft. Accumulating multi-engine time will enhance your competitiveness in the job market and boost your prospects of being hired by major airlines.
6. Secure Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): To fly for major airlines or as a captain, you will need to secure an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). The ATPL is the pinnacle of pilot certification and demands additional training and experience beyond the CPL.
7. Acquire Experience as a Flight Instructor: A practical way to acquire valuable experience and accumulate flight hours is by serving as a flight instructor. Teaching others how to fly not only refines your skills as a pilot but also showcases your ability to communicate effectively and instruct others in aviation.
8. Apply for Positions with Airlines: Once you have secured all the necessary licenses and qualifications, it’s time to commence applying for positions with commercial airlines. Be ready for rigorous selection procedures that may encompass interviews, simulator evaluations, and medical examinations.
9. Ongoing Training and Professional Development: As a commercial pilot, ongoing training and professional development are indispensable to stay abreast with regulations, technological advancements, and industry best practices. Remain proactive in seeking opportunities for further training and certifications throughout your career.
By adhering to these steps and remaining devoted to your objective of becoming a commercial pilot, you can transform your passion for aviation into a thriving career in the skies.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - The FAA is the principal regulatory body supervising aviation in the United States. Their guidelines and regulations are vital for comprehending the prerequisites for becoming a commercial pilot.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - ICAO establishes international standards and regulations for civil aviation worldwide. Their guidelines offer valuable insights into the global prerequisites for commercial pilots.
Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) - ALPA is the world's largest airline pilot union, representing over 63,000 pilots from major U.S. and Canadian airlines. Their resources provide valuable information on career progression and industry trends for aspiring commercial pilots.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Pathway to Becoming a Commercial Pilot: An Actionable Guide
Embarking on the journey to become a commercial pilot is a rewarding yet demanding endeavor. It calls for unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and a steadfast commitment. Here is a practical, step-by-step guide designed to assist future commercial pilots in charting their course towards realizing their dream profession:
1. Secure a Private Pilot License (PPL): The initial stride towards becoming a commercial pilot is securing a Private Pilot License (PPL). To be eligible for a PPL, you must fulfill certain prerequisites established by the aviation authorities in your country. These typically encompass a minimum number of flight hours, successful completion of a written examination, and a check ride with an examiner.
2. Accumulate Flight Hours and Experience: Once you have your PPL, it's crucial to accumulate flight hours and garner experience. The majority of commercial airlines mandate pilots to have a minimum number of flight hours before they can apply for a commercial pilot license. You can accumulate flight hours by flying frequently, either via flight schools, flying clubs, or other avenues.
3. Secure a Commercial Pilot License (CPL): After fulfilling the required flight hours and experience, you can apply for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The CPL permits you to fly for remuneration or hire. To secure a CPL, you will need to undertake additional training, successfully complete written examinations, and exhibit your flying skills to an examiner.
4. Obtain Instrument Rating: To bolster your credentials as a commercial pilot, it's vital to obtain an Instrument Rating (IR). An IR enables you to fly in unfavorable weather conditions and navigate using solely the aircraft’s instruments. This rating is paramount for commercial pilots who frequently fly in diverse weather conditions.
5. Accumulate Multi-Engine Time: A large number of commercial airlines require pilots to have experience flying multi-engine aircraft. Accumulating multi-engine time will enhance your competitiveness in the job market and boost your prospects of being hired by major airlines.
6. Secure Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): To fly for major airlines or as a captain, you will need to secure an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). The ATPL is the pinnacle of pilot certification and demands additional training and experience beyond the CPL.
7. Acquire Experience as a Flight Instructor: A practical way to acquire valuable experience and accumulate flight hours is by serving as a flight instructor. Teaching others how to fly not only refines your skills as a pilot but also showcases your ability to communicate effectively and instruct others in aviation.
8. Apply for Positions with Airlines: Once you have secured all the necessary licenses and qualifications, it’s time to commence applying for positions with commercial airlines. Be ready for rigorous selection procedures that may encompass interviews, simulator evaluations, and medical examinations.
9. Ongoing Training and Professional Development: As a commercial pilot, ongoing training and professional development are indispensable to stay abreast with regulations, technological advancements, and industry best practices. Remain proactive in seeking opportunities for further training and certifications throughout your career.
By adhering to these steps and remaining devoted to your objective of becoming a commercial pilot, you can transform your passion for aviation into a thriving career in the skies.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - The FAA is the principal regulatory body supervising aviation in the United States. Their guidelines and regulations are vital for comprehending the prerequisites for becoming a commercial pilot.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - ICAO establishes international standards and regulations for civil aviation worldwide. Their guidelines offer valuable insights into the global prerequisites for commercial pilots.
Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) - ALPA is the world's largest airline pilot union, representing over 63,000 pilots from major U.S. and Canadian airlines. Their resources provide valuable information on career progression and industry trends for aspiring commercial pilots.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs at Alaska Airlines
59
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
I cannot add much more than what has already been stated:
You should also try and attend a FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Part 141 Flight Training Course.
The cost for a Private Pilots License will be somewhere around $10,000 to $15,000. You can contact your local flight schools and visit them and they will explain the whole program to you. You will probably require about 60 to 75 hours to get your pilots license. The most important and cheapest way to acquire you pilots license is to have enough money so you can fly 2 to 3 times per week. This reduces the amount of relearning.
Another way is to decide which airline you would like to work for, get any job with them and there is a possibility to get some of your flight training paid for and then get a job as a pilot with them.
In your search area just type in something like: "airline pilot training programs"
Some website:
Delta Airlines - Propel Program: https://www.delta.com/us/en/careers/pilots/propel
Alaska Airlines - Ascend Program: https://careers.alaskaair.com/career-opportunities/pilots/pilot-training/
United Airlines - Aviate Program: https://unitedaviate.com/
American Airlines -Cadet Academy: https://aacadetacademy.com/
I would also recommend having a backup plan in case you cannot pass the Flight Physical.
A Private Pilot is required to have a 3rd Class Medical - has to be renewed every 2 years.
A Commercial Pilot, (you can fly for hire) requires a 2nd Class Medical - has to be renewed every year.
An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), they fly the Boeing, Airbus Aircraft - requires a 1st Class Medical - has to be renewed every 6 months.
If you join the Military, at the end of your enlistment you will have X amount of dollars for your education. A military recruiter can provide more information for you.
Best wishes on your Career.
Wayne
You should also try and attend a FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Part 141 Flight Training Course.
The cost for a Private Pilots License will be somewhere around $10,000 to $15,000. You can contact your local flight schools and visit them and they will explain the whole program to you. You will probably require about 60 to 75 hours to get your pilots license. The most important and cheapest way to acquire you pilots license is to have enough money so you can fly 2 to 3 times per week. This reduces the amount of relearning.
Another way is to decide which airline you would like to work for, get any job with them and there is a possibility to get some of your flight training paid for and then get a job as a pilot with them.
In your search area just type in something like: "airline pilot training programs"
Some website:
Delta Airlines - Propel Program: https://www.delta.com/us/en/careers/pilots/propel
Alaska Airlines - Ascend Program: https://careers.alaskaair.com/career-opportunities/pilots/pilot-training/
United Airlines - Aviate Program: https://unitedaviate.com/
American Airlines -Cadet Academy: https://aacadetacademy.com/
I would also recommend having a backup plan in case you cannot pass the Flight Physical.
A Private Pilot is required to have a 3rd Class Medical - has to be renewed every 2 years.
A Commercial Pilot, (you can fly for hire) requires a 2nd Class Medical - has to be renewed every year.
An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), they fly the Boeing, Airbus Aircraft - requires a 1st Class Medical - has to be renewed every 6 months.
If you join the Military, at the end of your enlistment you will have X amount of dollars for your education. A military recruiter can provide more information for you.
Best wishes on your Career.
Wayne
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, I am not a commercial pilot, but thought the step-by-step guide by Indeed.com below was informative.
Observing the career of a relative who is a commercial pilot, you likely will have to start with a smaller regional carrier and switch to a larger carrier with larger planes after you have gained more experience. I also noticed that he either had to move or be willing to travel further to his home airport as he pursued advancement.
Read guide to becoming a commercial pilot - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-commercial-pilot
Observing the career of a relative who is a commercial pilot, you likely will have to start with a smaller regional carrier and switch to a larger carrier with larger planes after you have gained more experience. I also noticed that he either had to move or be willing to travel further to his home airport as he pursued advancement.
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Jerome Cannon
Certificated Flight Instructor, Retired High School Social Studies teacher
6
Answers
Pfafftown, North Carolina
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Here are some additional suggestions to complement the advice you've already received:
1. Reach out to the Flight Schools in your area to learn more about their offerings. Find out about the number of flight instructors they have, their student count, and the cost of their programs. Ask about Ground School, whether they operate under PART 61 or PART 141, and what that implies. Also, inquire about the number of aircraft they possess.
2. At the outset, your relationship with your flight instructor is crucial. Understand their goals in the aviation field, their total flight hours, and the number of students they handle.
3. Consider taking a few Introductory/Discovery Flights to confirm if this is the career path you wish to pursue. While it might be a costly venture initially, it can lead to a fulfilling career. View this as an investment in your future.
4. Make sure to familiarize yourself with PART 61 of the FAR/AIM requirements for Private, Instrument, and Commercial Pilot.
5. There are two types of schools, PART 61 and PART 141. Both can help you obtain the necessary Certificates but through different routes. Research thoroughly to decide which one suits your needs best.
6. Look into your local Community College or Technical Schools to see if they offer an aviation program. This could potentially cut down your expenses while you earn your required Certificates. These institutions are generally more affordable than Universities, and the money saved could be used for flight training. After two years, you can transfer to a four-year school to complete your degree. Alternatively, you might choose to study online while working as a CFI or in another flying role to accumulate the necessary hours for the Commercial job you're aiming for.