Education & Training for a Pilot
Pilots are trained to fly airplanes and helicopters for various tasks. They transport cargo and passengers for commercial or business purposes; they dust crops, monitor traffic, and rescue people who are injured or ill. Pilots are responsible for the safe functioning of their aircraft; before takeoff they must check all controls, engines, instruments and operating systems to ensure safe passage. Individuals who wish to become pilots are required to acquire extensive education and training.
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High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
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Future pilots are required to earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Students are advised to take classes in science and mathematics in preparation for a career in aviation, such as chemistry, physics and algebra.
Associate's Degree
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Some employers hire pilots with a high school diploma or GED equivalent, but employers often prefer to hire pilots with at least two years of college. Two year accredited associate's degree programs are available at community or junior colleges; students are advised to major in mechanics, computer science or computer technology.
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Bachelor's Degree
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Increasingly, pilots are only being hired if they've earned a four year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; this is especially true of pilots who wish to work in the commercial airline industry. Undergraduate majors that offer the most preparation for an aspiring pilot are aeronautical engineering, physics and mathematics. It's also important for future pilots to take courses in English and communication.
Flight Training
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Pilots are required to earn 250 hours of flight training before qualifying for licensure. Historically, the majority of pilots have earned training with the U.S. Armed Forces, but an increased number of pilots are gaining flight training and experience through FAA certified civilian flight schools or FAA certified private flight instructors.
Licensing Requirements
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In addition to fulfilling the 250 flight hour requirement, pilots applying for licenses are required to be 18 years old and pass a physical examination verifying good health, good hearing and 20/20 vision with or without the aid of glasses. Applicants will be denied if they have are physically handicapped in a way that impairs their ability to fly. Passing a written examination is required. The test will include questions on safe flight principles, FAA regulations and navigation techniques. Candidates must also physically demonstrate their ability to operate an aircraft to an FAA official.
Flying By Instruments
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Pilots who wish to be certified to fly during low visibility must fulfill the FAA requirements to fly by instruments. The above mentioned 250 hour flight training requirement must include 40 hours of flying by instruments; candidates must also sit for a written exam regarding FAA regulations and procedures for flying by instruments, and demonstrate their ability to fly by instruments to an FAA official.
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References
- Photo Credit airplane image by Grigoriev Vitalii from Fotolia.com
