How to Get an Entry-Level Pilot Job
Becoming a pilot takes a lot of skill and dedication, but once you earn your wings you'll have a career that is exciting and can take you to new, exotic locations. Pilots can fly for many different companies. There are large companies that serve international airports and smaller companies that help local people reach larger hubs. You could even work for a company that offers local tours by air or a hangar that connects corporations to qualified pilots for their private jets. A wealth of career opportunities means that you have many avenues to finding a pilot job.
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Instructions
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Start the process for geting your license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It has been a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since the DHS was created in 2001. First go to a doctor who is approved by the FAA for a physical exam. They list acceptable doctors on their website.
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Sign up for flight training once you've been cleared by a doctor. You may want to consider getting a college degree in aviation. Many schools that offer this degree have flight training as part of the curriculum. If you do not want to get your degree, or if you already have a degree, call flight schools located near you and tell them that you want to get a pilot's license. Be sure to specify that you do not want a private pilot's license--that doesn't enable you to charge for your services. You want a commercial pilot license or an airline transport pilot license, depending on what kind of pilot you want to be.
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Complete training and then take the exam. If you pass it, you can submit your flight experience and your medical forms to the FAA, requesting a license. You can download this application from the FAA.
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Search online job listings at sites that are set up specifically to help people in aviation find jobs. You might try Pilot Jobs, Will Fly for Food, Corporate Pilot, or Best Aviation.
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Create a desirable resume. Include letters of reference from flight school instructors and any jobs you've had in the past. Highlight you dedication, reliability, and training. If you've had military flight experience, especially, include this because military pilots are the most in demand for many piloting jobs. List the aircraft you've flown, the places you've flown to, and how many hours you've spent in the air. Be prepared to answer questions about different dangerous scenarios--like what you would do if your plane was going down--if you're called in for an interview.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit pilot image by Tijara Images from Fotolia.com
