Flying high above the clouds is a dream for many. Becoming a commercial airline pilot lets you live that dream every day. The view from the cockpit is amazing! Being a pilot means much more too. But how do you become a commercial airline pilot?
The aviation industry in America and worldwide needs more pilots now. This makes becoming a pilot an excellent opportunity. Salaries and benefits are great and the job outlook is bright.
To become a pilot takes hard work and commitment. You must get proper pilot training at a respected flight school or aviation academy. The training program will be challenging but rewarding.
Also Read: Discover The Future Of Pilot Training In USA
Steps On Becoming A Commercial Airline Pilot In US
Here are the steps you need to take to become a commercial airline pilot:
Educational and Background Requirements
To start training to become a commercial airline pilot, you must be at least 18 years old for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). For an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), you must be 23 years old at minimum. Aviation courses and formal pilot training cannot begin until these age thresholds are met and even flight training schools in USA have to abide by them.
While a 4-year college degree is not strictly required, most major commercial airlines highly prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. At a minimum, graduating high school or obtaining a GED is mandatory before admission to top-tier flight school institutions and pilot training in America. Educational credentials strengthen applications to selective airline career in Aviation programs.
Pass an FAA-approved third-class medical exam
All aspiring pilots must pass a medical examination conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner to obtain medical certification and ensure fitness to fly commercial aircraft. This typically involves eye exams, physical health tests, and reviewing medical history for conditions that could impact piloting capacities or passenger safety.
Obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL)
How do you become a commercial airline pilot? The first step is gaining admission to a flying academy certified by the Federal Aviation Administration to provide industry-approved pilot education. With hundreds of schools, research options to find those offering curricula meeting your specific Pilot Training location, timing, experience, and career goals.
Pass the FAA written exam To qualify for a Private Pilot License or higher certification, students must pass a 60-question written test assessing aeronautical knowledge on topics like flight procedures, meteorology, navigation, communications, aircraft systems, and regulations. Formal ground training courses prepare candidates to successfully demonstrate an understanding of essential concepts.
Aspiring pilots must complete 40 hours of documented flight time inclusive of solo flights, cross-country trips, and various required maneuvers. By demonstrating precision flying capacities over dozens of hours in the air, students gain skills needed to pass an intensive practical exam with an FAA inspector before earning a PPL.
Building Flight Experience
After obtaining a basic PPL certification, the next step is accumulating extensive flight experience over 6-12+ months to qualify for more advanced licensure. Commercial pilots must log a minimum of 250 total flight hours inclusive of night flights, instrument flying, and cross-country trips to prove competent piloting abilities across diverse situations and aircraft models.
Aspiring airline pilots must demonstrate proficiency in precision take-offs, landings, and advanced maneuvers day and night, near airports, and on cross-country routes. Exposing trainees to challenging weather, terrain, locations, and times of day ensures versatility to safely navigate regional, national, and international routes later as airline crew members.
Earning a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
The FAA sets strict regulatory criteria for attempting commercial pilot certification, including age, educational background, flight hours across diverse conditions, and medical fitness. Schedule a Commercial Pilot License exam only once fully compliant with all mandated federal pre-requisites.
Gain commercial certification by passing a 2.5-hour FAA written test on technical and situational topics, followed by an oral exam from an inspector assessing mastery of essential pilot knowledge. Finally, candidates demonstrate hands-on flying capabilities over 1-2 hours under examiner supervision encompassing complex take-offs, landings, emergency maneuvers, and precision navigation.
Becoming an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
Before flying commercial airliners, pilots must achieve ATP credentials. This top-level certification requires extensive proven experience – a minimum of 1500 flight hours building proficiency in traversing diverse geographies, weather, operational contexts, aircraft types, and commercial transportation methods like cargo transit.
The FAA ATP Certification Training Program is an advanced preparatory curriculum covering complex aviation concepts from aerodynamics to automation to regulations. Airlines mandate completing this before hiring copilots, as integrated training, testing, and best practices prime candidates for succeeding in highly technical aircraft commander roles.
Also Read: Reasons Why Pilot Training In U.S Is Attractive Worldwide
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FAQs
How old do you need to be to start flight school for a commercial pilot license?
You have to be at least 18 years old to begin formal pilot training for a commercial pilot license in the United States. The minimum age is set by aviation authorities.
What are some of the main steps for becoming a commercial airline pilot?
Major steps include earning various FAA pilot certifications, logging extensive flight hours, obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot License, finishing an aviation academy program, and completing airline-specific training. There are educational, experience, and skill requirements to meet at each phase before advancing in a pilot career.
Is a college degree required to become an airline pilot?
While some jobs may not require a 4-year college degree, most major commercial airlines do prefer candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree to demonstrate commitment to education. Knowledge gained also aids in rigorous training.
Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to learn more about commercial airline pilots.