How to Become a Pilot in Alaska

Becoming a pilot in Alaska is a difficult endeavor. It requires years of training, experience and nerves of steel. To fly for a living requires at minimum a commercial pilot license and instrument rating. Alaska is home to some of the worst weather in the United States, making safe flying difficult to accomplish. The state's rugged terrain requires planning and insight from the pilot long before takeoff. Fortunately, there are many training programs located across the United States that can assist prospective pilots in gaining their licenses and the necessary experience required to get hired as an Alaskan pilot.

Things You'll Need

• Private Pilot's License (recreational flying)
• Instrument Rating
• Commercial Pilot's License (if flying for a living)
• Flight hours demonstrating experience flying in poor weather

Instructions

1. 

   Train for your Private Pilot's License. The Private Pilot's license requires a minimum of 40 hours flight experience covering a broad range of skills such as aircraft maneuvering, cross-country navigation and takeoffs and landings. The Private Pilot's License requires in-depth knowledge of subjects such as aircraft systems, aviation law and aerodynamics.

2. 

   Get the instrument rating. Alaska's weather typically consists of low level clouds, precipitation and icing conditions. An instrument rating requires at least 40 hours of additional training allowing pilots to navigate aircraft without outside references. Valuable skills learned during this course include weather planning, instrument based navigation and knowledge of inflight hazards such as icing and thunderstorms.

3. 

   Obtain a Commercial Pilot's License. This license requires at least 250 hours of flying time and allows pilots to receive compensation for their efforts. Commercial pilots are held to a higher standard and are expected to perform at a high level of competency.

4. Log some flight hours flying in hazardous areas. Many pilots lose their lives trying to fly in the difficult conditions present in Alaska. The responsible pilot is constantly seeking additional training and maintains his skills by flying often and reading publications pertinent to aviation safety.

5. Build your resume for prospective employers. Skills flying in hazardous terrain and weather are must-haves. Pilots are expected to be highly skilled in landing on short, often snow-covered runways under poor conditions. The best way to obtain these skills is by becoming a flight instructor.

6. 

   Get your flight instructor certification so you can learn by teaching others. Getting this requires an extremely high level of skill and patience. Instructors are responsible for signing off students to solo and attempt tests for certification. Flight instruction is a great way to gain valuable experience while sharing one's love for aviation with others.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not rush training: be sure to fully grasp every concept before attempting to move on.

• Be sure to do the necessary research before choosing a flight school; many schools are out to scam students and provide low quality instruction.

References

• FAA - Become a Pilot
• Fly Alaska - Pilots