How to Become an Airline Pilot

People have dreamed of flying for hundreds of years. For some the dream of flying extends beyond the occasional business or pleasure trip to a career in aviation. Some commercial pilots receive their training in the military, but many others attend civilian flight schools. Attaining the required number of flight hours can be costly, but for those who dream of flying it is worth it.

Instructions

1. Decide what type of flight school you will attend. Flight schools range from flying lessons at local flight schools to four-year college degrees. Carefully research the options open to you.

2. Check basic eligibility requirements including age and the ability to read, speak and understand English.

3. Get your Commercial Pilot Certificate. The FAA license is required by all airlines. Certificates require testing both on the ground and during a check ride.

4. Set up and get the required medical exam from an Aviation Medical Examiner. Find the AME nearest you on the FAA website. You will need a first-class medical certificate.

5. Ensure you have all required ratings. Commercial airline pilots will need to have instrument ratings, so that they can fly in bad weather, and ratings for the proper type of engine.

6. Fly the required number of hours in fixed-wing aircraft. Check with the airline company you wish to apply to for their specific requirements. Regional airlines will have lower hour requirements than major national airliners.

7. Be able to pass a drug test required by the Department of Transportation and a criminal background check by the Transportation Security Administration.

Tips & Warnings

• Military flight training is another option. The advantages to military flight training include the reduced cost and the flight hours. The drawbacks include the service commitment and danger inherent in military service.

• You will need a passport.

• Flight training can be expensive!