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Daksh
Student
Illinois City, IL
1
Question
Asked
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How to be a pilot?
How do you become a pilot? What are the subjects you need to take in every class to be a pilot? And also I am confused what is a yearly salary for a commercial pilot.
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2 answers
Paul Iyoha, E.I.T
Research assistant
15
Answers
Lubbock, Texas
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hello Daksh, I'm not an expert in aviation, but from what I've gathered, the process of becoming a pilot generally involves several key steps:
1. Education: Although not always necessary, many commercial airlines tend to favor candidates who hold a bachelor's degree, typically in areas such as aviation, engineering, or a similar field.
2. Flight School Training: To obtain your pilot's license, you'll need to either enroll in a flight school or receive training from a certified flight instructor. This process includes both theoretical classroom learning and hands-on flight experience.
3. Acquiring Licenses and Certifications: The exact licenses and certifications you'll need will depend on the kind of pilot you aim to be (private, commercial, airline transport pilot, etc.) and the aircraft you wish to fly (fixed-wing, helicopter, etc.). These could range from a private pilot license (PPL), instrument rating, commercial pilot license (CPL), and more.
4. Gaining Experience: If you're aiming to be a commercial pilot, you'll need to log a certain number of flight hours, usually around 1,500 hours in the United States. You can accumulate this experience through various means like flight instruction, banner towing, or aerial surveying.
5. Further Training: Once you've met the experience prerequisites, you might need more training to qualify for specific roles, such as airline-specific training programs.
The subjects you'll study during pilot training include aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather, navigation, regulations, and human factors, among others.
Regarding a commercial pilot's salary, it can greatly vary based on factors like experience, the type of aircraft flown, the employer (commercial airline, charter company, cargo carrier, etc.), and location. In the United States, it's approximately $160,000. However, pilots just starting out may earn significantly less, while seasoned pilots working for major airlines can earn substantially more. It's crucial to research salary data specific to the type of flying you're interested in and the region you plan to work in.
1. Education: Although not always necessary, many commercial airlines tend to favor candidates who hold a bachelor's degree, typically in areas such as aviation, engineering, or a similar field.
2. Flight School Training: To obtain your pilot's license, you'll need to either enroll in a flight school or receive training from a certified flight instructor. This process includes both theoretical classroom learning and hands-on flight experience.
3. Acquiring Licenses and Certifications: The exact licenses and certifications you'll need will depend on the kind of pilot you aim to be (private, commercial, airline transport pilot, etc.) and the aircraft you wish to fly (fixed-wing, helicopter, etc.). These could range from a private pilot license (PPL), instrument rating, commercial pilot license (CPL), and more.
4. Gaining Experience: If you're aiming to be a commercial pilot, you'll need to log a certain number of flight hours, usually around 1,500 hours in the United States. You can accumulate this experience through various means like flight instruction, banner towing, or aerial surveying.
5. Further Training: Once you've met the experience prerequisites, you might need more training to qualify for specific roles, such as airline-specific training programs.
The subjects you'll study during pilot training include aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather, navigation, regulations, and human factors, among others.
Regarding a commercial pilot's salary, it can greatly vary based on factors like experience, the type of aircraft flown, the employer (commercial airline, charter company, cargo carrier, etc.), and location. In the United States, it's approximately $160,000. However, pilots just starting out may earn significantly less, while seasoned pilots working for major airlines can earn substantially more. It's crucial to research salary data specific to the type of flying you're interested in and the region you plan to work in.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Daksh
Thanks for the info! Also according to salary wise, what career do you think will play more- a pilot or a software engineer
Daksh
Honestly friend, I’d pick pilot over software engineering cause of one thing “EXPERIENCE”. In one profession (pilot) the more experienced you are, the more you get paid and the more valuable you are. Buttt in the other one (software engineering) you get to a certain age where you are deemed “outdated and irrelevant”.
Example - who do you think still has a stable job right now and is respected? “A software engineer and a pilot who both got their degrees in 1980s?”
Plus/ you got more job security being a pilot. But do ensure you make more consultations before making a decision. I’m just one opinion, you need a bunch more
Paul Iyoha, E.I.T
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Daksh,
How to Become a Pilot:
Becoming a pilot involves several steps and requirements. Here is a general outline of the process:
Educational Requirements: To become a pilot, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. While specific educational requirements may vary depending on the country and the type of pilot license you are pursuing, having a strong foundation in math and physics is beneficial.
Flight Training: The next step is to undergo flight training at an accredited flight school or through a certified flight instructor. This training includes both ground school (classroom instruction) and flight training (actual flying experience).
Obtain a Pilot’s License: To fly commercially, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot’s license (CPL). This involves passing written exams, accumulating a certain number of flight hours, and demonstrating proficiency in various flying skills.
Medical Certificate: Pilots are required to hold a valid medical certificate issued by an aviation medical examiner. The class of medical certificate required depends on the type of flying you intend to do.
Additional Ratings and Certifications: Depending on your career goals, you may need to obtain additional ratings such as instrument rating, multi-engine rating, or type ratings for specific aircraft.
Experience: Building flight experience is crucial for advancing in your career as a pilot. Many commercial airlines require pilots to have a certain number of flight hours before being considered for employment.
Subjects Required for Pilot Training:
While the specific subjects may vary slightly depending on the aviation authority and the type of pilot license you are pursuing, some common subjects covered in pilot training include:
Aerodynamics
Aircraft systems
Navigation
Meteorology
Air law and regulations
Human factors
Flight planning and performance
Salary for Commercial Pilots:
The salary of a commercial pilot can vary based on factors such as experience, type of aircraft flown, employer, and region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $147,220 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $80,000 to over $200,000 or more depending on various factors.
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and market conditions.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing civil aviation in the United States. Their official website provides detailed information on pilot licensing requirements and regulations.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS collects data on employment statistics in various industries, including aviation. They provide insights into job outlooks, wages, and working conditions for commercial pilots.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): As a specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO sets international standards and regulations for civil aviation. Their publications offer valuable information on global aviation practices and requirements for pilots worldwide.
God Bless You,
JC.
How to Become a Pilot:
Becoming a pilot involves several steps and requirements. Here is a general outline of the process:
Educational Requirements: To become a pilot, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. While specific educational requirements may vary depending on the country and the type of pilot license you are pursuing, having a strong foundation in math and physics is beneficial.
Flight Training: The next step is to undergo flight training at an accredited flight school or through a certified flight instructor. This training includes both ground school (classroom instruction) and flight training (actual flying experience).
Obtain a Pilot’s License: To fly commercially, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot’s license (CPL). This involves passing written exams, accumulating a certain number of flight hours, and demonstrating proficiency in various flying skills.
Medical Certificate: Pilots are required to hold a valid medical certificate issued by an aviation medical examiner. The class of medical certificate required depends on the type of flying you intend to do.
Additional Ratings and Certifications: Depending on your career goals, you may need to obtain additional ratings such as instrument rating, multi-engine rating, or type ratings for specific aircraft.
Experience: Building flight experience is crucial for advancing in your career as a pilot. Many commercial airlines require pilots to have a certain number of flight hours before being considered for employment.
Subjects Required for Pilot Training:
While the specific subjects may vary slightly depending on the aviation authority and the type of pilot license you are pursuing, some common subjects covered in pilot training include:
Aerodynamics
Aircraft systems
Navigation
Meteorology
Air law and regulations
Human factors
Flight planning and performance
Salary for Commercial Pilots:
The salary of a commercial pilot can vary based on factors such as experience, type of aircraft flown, employer, and region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $147,220 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $80,000 to over $200,000 or more depending on various factors.
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and market conditions.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing civil aviation in the United States. Their official website provides detailed information on pilot licensing requirements and regulations.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS collects data on employment statistics in various industries, including aviation. They provide insights into job outlooks, wages, and working conditions for commercial pilots.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): As a specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO sets international standards and regulations for civil aviation. Their publications offer valuable information on global aviation practices and requirements for pilots worldwide.
God Bless You,
JC.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Daksh