4 answers
hilary
Student
Nebraska, IN
1
Question
Asked
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what are the requirement for one to becom a pilot?
how much do pilots earn
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4 answers
Courtney Crain
747 Pilot
12
Answers
West Linn, Oregon
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
There are many types of pilots and many types of pay. Some are salaried and most are paid by the hour. By “the hour”, it means when the airplanes brakes are released and the plane is moving then the pay stops when the parking brake is set. That Means all the work we do at the gate and preflight preparations is unpaid. The pay rate per hour is different at each company and gets changed with each new contract . First officers (right seat) get paid less than Captains (left seat). When you start at a new company, your pay rate starts at the bottom again. Typically, in today’s market in the USA, a brand new first officer starting out at a small airline can make about $50k-$90k. A senior international widebody Captain who has been at a major airline for two decades can make $500k-$1 million per year
Priyanka K
Software Engineer
13
Answers
Little Elm, Texas
Updated
Priyanka’s Answer
Becoming a pilot is an exciting and challenging career path that requires a combination of education, training, certifications, and personal attributes. Here are the general steps and requirements to become a pilot:
1. Educational Requirements
High School Diploma or GED: This is the minimum educational requirement.
College Degree (Optional but Beneficial): While not always required, a degree in aviation, aeronautical engineering, or a related field can be advantageous and is often preferred by major airlines.
2. Medical Certification
FAA Medical Certificate: Pilots must obtain a medical certificate from an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. There are three classes of medical certificates, with the first class being the most stringent, required for airline transport pilots.
3. Flight Training
Private Pilot License (PPL): The first step involves obtaining a PPL, which requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, including both dual instruction and solo flight time.
Instrument Rating (IR): This rating allows pilots to fly in various weather conditions and requires additional training and flight hours.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL): To be paid for flying, pilots must obtain a CPL, which requires a minimum of 250 flight hours and includes more advanced training.
Multi-Engine Rating: If you plan to fly larger, multi-engine aircraft, you'll need this additional rating.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Rating: Many pilots gain experience and flight hours by becoming flight instructors.
4. Advanced Certifications and Ratings
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate: This is the highest level of pilot certification, required to act as a captain for a commercial airline. It requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time and passing rigorous written and practical exams.
Type Ratings: For pilots who plan to fly specific types of large aircraft, additional type ratings are required.
5. Personal Attributes and Skills
Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication with air traffic control and crew members is crucial.
Attention to Detail: Precision is vital for safe flight operations.
Problem-Solving Skills: Pilots must be able to handle unexpected situations calmly and effectively.
Physical Fitness: Good health and physical fitness are essential to meet the medical requirements and handle the physical demands of flying.
6. Experience and Networking
Building Flight Hours: Accumulating a significant amount of flight experience is crucial. Many aspiring pilots build hours by instructing, flying cargo, or working in other aviation roles.
Networking: Building connections in the aviation industry can help with job opportunities and career advancement.
7. Continuous Learning and Recertification
Ongoing Training: Pilots must undergo regular training and recertification to stay current with aviation regulations and maintain their skills.
Staying Informed: Keeping up with advancements in aviation technology and industry standards is important for career growth.
Summary Visual
Here's a visual summary of the steps to becoming a pilot:
Education: High school diploma or GED, optional college degree.
Medical: Obtain an FAA medical certificate.
Training: PPL -> IR -> CPL -> Multi-Engine Rating -> CFI.
Advanced: ATP certificate, type ratings.
Attributes: Communication, attention to detail, problem-solving, fitness.
Experience: Build flight hours, network in the industry.
Learning: Continuous training and recertification.
Pursuing a career as a pilot requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for aviation. Each step builds on the previous one, leading to a rewarding and adventurous profession.
1. Educational Requirements
High School Diploma or GED: This is the minimum educational requirement.
College Degree (Optional but Beneficial): While not always required, a degree in aviation, aeronautical engineering, or a related field can be advantageous and is often preferred by major airlines.
2. Medical Certification
FAA Medical Certificate: Pilots must obtain a medical certificate from an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. There are three classes of medical certificates, with the first class being the most stringent, required for airline transport pilots.
3. Flight Training
Private Pilot License (PPL): The first step involves obtaining a PPL, which requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, including both dual instruction and solo flight time.
Instrument Rating (IR): This rating allows pilots to fly in various weather conditions and requires additional training and flight hours.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL): To be paid for flying, pilots must obtain a CPL, which requires a minimum of 250 flight hours and includes more advanced training.
Multi-Engine Rating: If you plan to fly larger, multi-engine aircraft, you'll need this additional rating.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Rating: Many pilots gain experience and flight hours by becoming flight instructors.
4. Advanced Certifications and Ratings
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate: This is the highest level of pilot certification, required to act as a captain for a commercial airline. It requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time and passing rigorous written and practical exams.
Type Ratings: For pilots who plan to fly specific types of large aircraft, additional type ratings are required.
5. Personal Attributes and Skills
Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication with air traffic control and crew members is crucial.
Attention to Detail: Precision is vital for safe flight operations.
Problem-Solving Skills: Pilots must be able to handle unexpected situations calmly and effectively.
Physical Fitness: Good health and physical fitness are essential to meet the medical requirements and handle the physical demands of flying.
6. Experience and Networking
Building Flight Hours: Accumulating a significant amount of flight experience is crucial. Many aspiring pilots build hours by instructing, flying cargo, or working in other aviation roles.
Networking: Building connections in the aviation industry can help with job opportunities and career advancement.
7. Continuous Learning and Recertification
Ongoing Training: Pilots must undergo regular training and recertification to stay current with aviation regulations and maintain their skills.
Staying Informed: Keeping up with advancements in aviation technology and industry standards is important for career growth.
Summary Visual
Here's a visual summary of the steps to becoming a pilot:
Education: High school diploma or GED, optional college degree.
Medical: Obtain an FAA medical certificate.
Training: PPL -> IR -> CPL -> Multi-Engine Rating -> CFI.
Advanced: ATP certificate, type ratings.
Attributes: Communication, attention to detail, problem-solving, fitness.
Experience: Build flight hours, network in the industry.
Learning: Continuous training and recertification.
Pursuing a career as a pilot requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for aviation. Each step builds on the previous one, leading to a rewarding and adventurous profession.
Aftab Ursani
Flight EngineerB747 at Japan Airlines
42
Answers
Torrance, California
Updated
Aftab’s Answer
A person applying for a private pilot certificate in airplanes, helicopters, and gyro-planes must log at least 40 hours of flight time, of which at least 20 hours are flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the appropriate areas of operation; three hours of cross country
Dr Fisch
Flight Attendant
30
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Dr’s Answer
It's perfectly normal for a pilot to have accumulated 1000, yes, a whopping thousand, flight hours before joining a commercial airline. These hours are meticulously recorded in their personal log books, a sort of flight diary that captures every airborne journey they've embarked on. If you're of the right age, I would highly recommend considering the Air Force as your stepping stone. Here, you'll receive almost all the airline training you need, and the best part is, it's completely free! Outside of this, airline training can be quite a hefty investment. After fulfilling your service commitment in the Air Force, you're all set to apply to a commercial airline. You'll be joining the ranks of many commercial airline pilots who started their careers in the Air Force or even the Navy. So, buckle up and get ready to soar!
Ahh, I just wanted to add another comment about salary. Although most pilots are required to fly a minimum amount of flight hours for their airline per month, the job is quite flexible. If you fly the minimum, after the first year (and definitely after being upgraded to Captain) you should be able to break the 6 figure mark. However, pilots are also able to "pick up" extra flights to work, and of course there are maximum limits set too so a pilot doesn't become fatigued. But the true answer is as a pilot you can make more or less based on how much or less you want to work. The minimum is probably around a 100k per year and the max might be somewhere around 300k or so. However, different airlines have negotiated different pay rates for their pilots so it also depends on the airline.
Dr Fisch