Fly High: The Steps to Become a Pilot

It’s the dream of many little kids to one day be able to fly a plane—many adults too. Being a pilot is a career that involves a lot of skill and dedication, and has a lot of prestige attached to it. There’s no feeling quite like being in complete control of an aircraft, executing take-offs, landings, and flying from A to B.

It’s also never too late to learn. If this is something you’re interested in, then you’ll be eager to know what exactly are the steps to become a pilot. As you can guess, there is a lot of education and training involved.

Operating an aircraft is, of course, a huge responsibility, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. This fact is just one of the reasons pilots go through the rigorous training they do.

If you’d like to learn more about what this training is, as well as what your career as a pilot could look like, this is the guide for you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about pilot training and obtaining your pilot license now.

Different Types of Pilots

When we talk about becoming a pilot, it’s important to remember that this is a title that can mean several different things. There are different types of pilots, and the requirements and training for becoming each will be slightly different. So, what are the main types of pilots a person can become?

First, we have airline transport pilots. This is perhaps the classic type of pilot everyone thinks of when they hear the term. Airline transport pilots fly with a particular airline and carry the public to and from their destinations.

A commercial pilot is similar to an airline transport pilot. However, as well as a regular flight schedule, they may also have other duties outside of this role.

Next is a private pilot. This type of pilot would be somewhat similar to an airline pilot, except instead of working for a commercial airline, they work either for themselves or for a contractor and fly private jets rather than commercial ones.

Then, there are air force pilots. This type of pilot works for the US military and needs to move through the ranks before obtaining their air force pilot’s certification.

Aside from these main types, you also have sport pilots, recreational pilots, and flight instructors. Each type of pilot has its own rules as to how much training a person needs to become certified.

Who Is Eligible?

The first step toward becoming a pilot will be to determine whether or not you’re eligible to do so. There are certain criteria pilots need to fulfill. The first is that you’ll need to be fluent in English, as this is the language preferred for international pilots of all types.

To become a private pilot, you need to be over the age of 17. For a commercial pilot, the age is 18, and for an airline transport pilot, the age would be 21.

It is possible to become a pilot if your vision isn’t 20/20, providing you wear glasses or contacts. However, if you are color blind, you won’t be able to.

There are also certain health problems that can preclude you. These pertain to both your physical and mental health. Finally, if you have a criminal history, you may have a tougher time obtaining your license.

Steps to Become a Pilot

Once you satisfy all of the necessary criteria to become a pilot, you can begin your training. So, what does this involve exactly?

First, you’ll need to find a pilot school. There are likely several you’ll be able to choose from, so you might want to shop around to pick the one that’s the best fit. It should be reputable and accredited.

Before you can officially enroll, you’ll need to take an introductory training flight. Once you’ve done this, you can start taking your classes. Different types of pilot licenses require different numbers of hours to obtain.

• Recreational Pilot is 30 hours
• Private Pilot is 40 hours
• Commercial Pilot is 1,500 hours
• Airline Pilot is 1,500 hours

After you’ve done all of the necessary training, you’ll also need to pass a written exam, as well as a practical flight test, in order to obtain your pilot’s license. When it comes to becoming an airline pilot, there are other exams you’ll need to pass and training you’ll need to partake in.

To become an airline pilot, you’ll need to pass the ATP Certification Training Program (or CTP). Then there are other types of training that, while not strictly required, can enable you to become a better and more conscious pilot.

For example, if you’re planning on flying planes that carry passengers, then you may want to consider taking an online aviation security training course. This type of training will enable you to more easily identify potential security threats, and give you the knowledge of what to do if they do occur.

Once you’ve completed the necessary training as mandated by the FAA, and you’ve passed all your exams, and completed the relevant amount of hours, you can now call yourself a pilot.

Does This Sound Like the Career for You?

Being a pilot is an amazing career path to choose that can open up a whole world of opportunities. If this is something that you’re interested in, why not begin taking the steps to become a pilot today? For more advice on education, training, and exciting careers, check out the rest of our site now.