How to Become a Pilot Without a College Degree
There are a number of opportunities for careers in aviation aside from airlines. Helicopter pilots fly for law enforcement, hospitals and businesses, and corporate pilots fly for executives. There are traffic reporting pilots, military and NASA pilots, air taxi pilots and flight instructors. Most pilot jobs require a college degree. However, you can become a pilot without one with the proper training and certificates.
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Instructions
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Get your medical certificate from an aviation medical examiner. There are three classes--Class 1, for airline pilots, Class 2, for commercial pilots, and Class 3, for recreational pilots. To become a professional pilot, go for Class 1 or 2 right away. This will ensure that you will not be disqualified to become a pilot for medical reasons, before you begin your training.
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Choose a pilot school. Most airports have pilot training through flying schools or individual instructors. Schools typically have a variety of training resources. Some universities also provide pilot training. This could be beneficial if you have not yet attended college, since many pilot careers require a degree. There are FAA-approved schools, which tend to have high-level training.
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Obtain a commercial pilot license (CPL). You must be at least 18 and have passed a Class 2 medical exam. It requires 250 hours of flight time. There is also a theoretical exam you must pass. After obtaining the CPL, many go on to add the multi-engine rate to their certificate, which you'll need to fly aircraft with more than one engine.
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Obtain the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) if you wish to become a pilot that flies airlines and major commercial airplanes. You must be 23 and have logged 1,500 flight hours.
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Work as a flight instructor. A job as an instructor does not require a college degree and gives you experience as a pilot. But if you continue to pursue a career as a commercial pilot, a college degree is preferred. Many airline jobs will require more experience than a student fresh out of flight school would have. Most instructors only work one to two years before qualifying for a regional airline job, such as charter planes or small cargo operations. Then they would move on to a major airline or major cargo operation such as UPS. Working as a flight instructor while pursuing a college degree would be a good way to become more qualified to become a professional pilot.
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Tips & Warnings
Take independent flying lessons before you go on to pursue flight school. Flight school is not cheap and you should be sure that it's the right training for you.
Have a pilot license does not guarantee a job. You have to work your way up in the industry.
Being a professional pilot also can mean job stress and being away from your family. Most pilots are away for several days at a time.
