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What does it take to become a commercial pilot?

Becoming a pilot has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and it's a career that I am open to looking into. I've looked at the Moody Bible College Aviation Spokane, which to my understanding would teach me to be a missionary pilot. I would love to do this, but one day I may like to switch from being a missionary pilot to commercial airlines, and I don't want to have to take another four years of college to switch. What would be my best course of action there?

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Wayne’s Answer

Before you start your flight training, I would see if you can get a 1st Class Medical Certificate, (you will be required to have a physical every 6 months). This required to be able to fly for the major airlines. Go talk to a flight school and they should be able to give you a listing for the Physicians who can give you that medical. You can also use the following link for a list of Medical Examiners in your area. https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator
You can still fly if you can pass a 3rd or 2nd Class Medical. The 1st Class Medical is good for 6 months, then it qualifies for a 2nd Class which is good for 1 year, then after 1 year it becomes a 3rd Class Medical which is good for 2 years from the original issue date of the 1st Class.
Now for Flight Training: You should have enough money, about $8000 to $10000. This will allow you to fly about 3 times a week. If you fly less, they you will spend more time relearning previous lessons. Then it will take about another $60000 - $80000 to get your commercial, instrument and multi-engine and Instructors Ratings.
THE LEAST EXPENSIVE SOLUTION IS JOIN THE MILITARY.
Since you already have your degree you are qualified to enlist as an Officer in the Military, which allows you to apply for military flight school.
Here is one of the many links to become an Airforce Pilot: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-an-airforce-pilot
Talk to a Military Recruiter and they can give you more information.
Best of luck.
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Greg’s Answer

Savannah, if you have a 4 year degree, you wouldn’t need to get another degree. Once you’re a pilot with numerous FAA certifications, you’ll be building your flight time and experience. All of your flight time and degree would be applicable towards a career in commercial aviation.
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much for this advice, I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question! Savannah
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Mason’s Answer

To piggy back on what Greg said, once you become a certified Commercial pilot. You can pick whichever flying job you want. While I'm not a pilot myself, I've been pursuing that for a long time. I've learned that a lot of where you can go/what you can do depends on how much flight time you can get.

Once you complete training, college or at a local flight school, the best way that I know of to gain flight time is to become a flight instructor. Then, as you get more time, you can move into different jobs that require more flight time. Be it: airlines, regionals, corporate jets, missionary pilot, EMS, tours, etc.

So it all depends on flight time. The degree can help you get better jobs because it's a competitive industry.

My best advice: research the type of job you want. See how much flight time they desire. Then plan on how you can get to that point. School = instructor = low time job = ?

Hope this will help.

Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much for this advice, I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question! Savannah
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Roy’s Answer

Savannah, if you already have a degree, you will not need to go back to college for an "aviation specific" degree. Most aviation employers are no longer requiring a degree due to the current pilot shortage that is projected to last for at least a decade or more. If you have your degree in an unrelated field already, that's a good thing because you will have something to fall back on should you decide later in life that being a pilot isn't what you thought it would be or you lose your license due to unforeseen circumstances (illness). You should consider fast-tracking your certificates and ratings at a flight training facility (not through a university or college). Check local FBOs in your surrounding towns, see if they offer flight training, and price shop hourly rates on aircraft and instructors. The key is once you get started, keep up the pace and get your ratings as quickly as your finances will allow. If you have to space your flying out over longer periods of time, you may end up spending more money because you may end up having to retrain on items you forgot between lessons (law of disuse). Also, a missionary pilot is a noble profession and would be a great place to gain the needed hours and experience should you decide to move onto the commercial airlines later. The industry is wide open now and should be for several years. If you truly want to become a pilot, it's never been a better time.
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Dr’s Answer

As Wayne said, and provided links to, becoming a military pilot is a great option. When you're old enough, I would highly recommend considering the Air Force (or Navy) 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.
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