To get a pilot's license, you must receive flight training, check your physical condition, and pass a written/practical test. Commercial pilots must have a record of 250 hours of training. You can learn how to become a pilot by enrolling in a flight school, gaining experience flying, and receiving additional pilot ratings.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preparing to Be a Pilot
Step 1. Develop an interest in aviation
The most successful pilots are those who have the desire to fly while paying their dues in their first years as pilots.
Step 2. Get a high school equivalent diploma
You can earn a high school diploma or a GED (General Education Development), but these qualifications are required to enroll in most aviation schools.
Step 3. If possible, start aviation education as early as possible
Decide if you want a career in this field early on, so you can set up funding for flight schools and aviation ratings. You can start flight school from the age of 16.
If you want to be a pilot for a private plane, you can train while doing other jobs. Professional pilots require longer flight and school hours
Method 2 of 4: Flight Training
Step 1. Consider joining the army
One way to become a pilot is to start training with the army.
This step is recommended if you are already considering joining the army. While in the past being in the army was the best way to develop a career as a pilot, many companies now favor applicants with civilian flying experience over military experience
Step 2. Request a qualification for your pilot certificate
You will need a health certificate from an FAA-approved aviator health screening service. You will need a third-class certificate, which indicates that you have no physical disability that prevents you from performing basic duties as a pilot.
- You must also be over the age of 16 and speak English.
- You must pay for a health check and a health certificate from the pilot's medical examination service. This certificate is valid for 24 months.
Step 3. Enter an aviation school or aviation education degree program
As you study, you will receive experience from a certified flying instructor (CFI). You need 250 hours of study to take the exam and receive a commercial pilot certificate.
Depending on the school you're in, college or flight classes can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000. The higher the pilot level you aim for, the higher your tuition fees will be
Step 4. Pass the 100 question written exam
Step 5. Pass the flight test
The exam is administered by an FAA-approved examiner and requires you to plan your flight and then execute it as directed by your instructor.
Method 3 of 4: Flying Experience
Step 1. Get a flying experience
You will find it difficult to find work as a commercial pilot with less than 500 hours of flight time.
Many pilots earn flying hours by working as flight trainers. You can also find work as a small tourist airplane pilot, oil refinery patrol, traffic controller, gas jet pilot, power grid patrol, geographic mapping, and so on
Step 2. Get flight ratings
While you don't need a high rating to become a private pilot, commercial pilots should receive "instrument", "engine", "co-captain" and "captain" ratings as they move up the ranks.
Step 3. Make sure your second-class health certificate remains active
You may need to renew it occasionally so that your certification doesn't expire.
Method 4 of 4: Finding a Job as a Pilot
Step 1. If you want to become a pilot for an airline, find your first job with a local airline
Pilot starting salaries are usually quite low, ranging from $20,000 to $30,000. The working hours are quite time consuming.
Step 2. Get promoted within the airline
Pilots must spend time improving their positions, getting promotions, and getting better work schedules.
Step 3. Look for a job with a bigger airline once you have 5-7 years of working experience in a smaller airline
Age and seniority play an important role in every airline, so make sure you move when a pilot is needed.
The need for pilots usually comes and goes at regular intervals. When tourism and travel are in short supply, junior pilots are usually given bad schedules or fired. Other times, you can use your experience to move to a better paying position
Step 4. Get a "pilot in command" certificate
This certificate is the highest certificate you can get as a commercial pilot, and you will need 250 hours of "in-command" experience, plus 1500 flight hours.
