5 answers
Farishta
Student
Woburn, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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I am a junior in high school and want to become a commercial pilot. Are there any affordable ways for me to start training right now?
Are there any programs or places that fund reduced or free training? What is the process like? How can I get hired by a commercial flight company?
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5 answers
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs at Alaska Airlines
80
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Farishta - Check with your counselors - they may have some insight into helping you get started. In the Seattle area - there is an Aviation High School for students in their Junior and Senior year can attend. I would schedule yourself for a 1st Class Medical. This is a Medical you need to take every 6 months to be able to fly as an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot). If you cannot pass it, you can still fly with a 2nd Class Medical which is required for a Commercial Pilots License.
You can also check with some of the Flight Schools in your area and start studying to take your Private Pilot's written exam.
After you graduate, you can apply to the Major Airlines and once you get hired in any capacity and start your flight training they will give you money towards your certificates once you have acquired your Private Pilots License. and "X" amount of hours.
You can get a 4 year degree, then you can apply as a Military Officer, then you can apply for Pilot Status. This will be about a 6 year commitment after you graduate from flight training.
To keep you training as "cheap" as possible, ensure you have enough money to fly about 3 times a week until you acquire your Private Pilots License.
You can also go on "YouTube" and search on "how to become a pilot"
Best of luck on your journey
You can also check with some of the Flight Schools in your area and start studying to take your Private Pilot's written exam.
After you graduate, you can apply to the Major Airlines and once you get hired in any capacity and start your flight training they will give you money towards your certificates once you have acquired your Private Pilots License. and "X" amount of hours.
You can get a 4 year degree, then you can apply as a Military Officer, then you can apply for Pilot Status. This will be about a 6 year commitment after you graduate from flight training.
To keep you training as "cheap" as possible, ensure you have enough money to fly about 3 times a week until you acquire your Private Pilots License.
You can also go on "YouTube" and search on "how to become a pilot"
Best of luck on your journey
enrique olivares
Military aircraft mechanic
6
Answers
Clarksville, Tennessee
Updated
enrique’s Answer
I would say joining a military program with the proper steps to become a pilot can be pretty cost effective but not easy (Very competitive). Where else can young adults get on job training on multi-million dollar equipment? Speaking from experience as an aircraft mechanic.
Piotr Serafin
Pilot at GoJet Airlines LLC
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Piotr’s Answer
Hi Farishta. Flight schools are expensive in general. Getting a head start in aviation during high school is a great idea though. Start by going to your local small airport and getting an introductory flight to make sure this is something you want to peruse. If so, then maybe you can start taking lessons there towards your private pilot license. This is the first certificate of several you’ll need to get.
Once you graduate high school you can go to a university with a flight school and do your flying there. Some fanatical aid and scholarships may be available. You can also look into some of the aviation programs ran by major airlines. Aviate is a great one owned my United Airlines. I believe that Jet Blue might have one too.
Good luck and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Once you graduate high school you can go to a university with a flight school and do your flying there. Some fanatical aid and scholarships may be available. You can also look into some of the aviation programs ran by major airlines. Aviate is a great one owned my United Airlines. I believe that Jet Blue might have one too.
Good luck and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
475
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
"Affordable" is not a well defined term. What is affordable for some is not for others.
Now, having said that, you may want to look at some of the airlines job postings and see what requirements they list for pilots. The Delta website seems to have some good info on their career path for folk who want to be pilots.
There are flight schools that can start teaching you pilot stuff. There are some colleges that offer degrees in aviation. Or, some folk join the military to become pilots.
See if you high school has a career counselor and if so, make an appointment to talk to them. They should have the most up to date information and should be able to assist you the best.
Now, having said that, you may want to look at some of the airlines job postings and see what requirements they list for pilots. The Delta website seems to have some good info on their career path for folk who want to be pilots.
There are flight schools that can start teaching you pilot stuff. There are some colleges that offer degrees in aviation. Or, some folk join the military to become pilots.
See if you high school has a career counselor and if so, make an appointment to talk to them. They should have the most up to date information and should be able to assist you the best.
ram KUMAR
dance
4
Answers
Tokaj
Updated
ram’s Answer
Hey! You can start by looking into local flight schools; many have scholarship programs for young aspiring pilots. Keep an eye out for the aviation-specific scholarships too! Volunteer or intern with aviation organizations to get experience and meet people in the industry. This can really help with your resume when you apply later on. Good luck!