How to Become a Regional Pilot
Regional airlines act as a major link in the U.S. air travel system. They use small to mid-sized jets and turboprops to transport passengers from small cities to major airline hubs, allowing them to connect to long-distance flights. Like all airlines, regional airlines have both a captain and a first officer in each cockpit. Pilots use the regional airlines to build flight hours before moving on to major air carriers.
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Instructions
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Get a first-class medical certificate from a licensed aviation medical examiner. You can find referrals for examiners at many small, local airports. You will need to renew your first-class medical certificate every six months.
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Start flight training at a Federal Aviation Administration-certified flight school. Select a flight school that offers private pilot, commercial pilot and instrument rating training.
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Earn your pilot ratings. To fly for regional airlines, you will need at least a commercial pilot's license, an instrument rating and 800 hours of flying time.
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Apply to the regional airlines. You will need to send in a specialized pilot resume.
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Prepare for the pilot interview. In addition to the standard job interview, you will need to pass a pilot knowledge test, as well as pilot a flight simulator.
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Pass the pilot interview. When you are hired, the airline will send you to a training program.
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Tips & Warnings
Get your airline transport pilot certificate. You will need an ATP to qualify for a regional airline captain position, as well as any pilot job at a major airline.
Get a college degree. While not a requirement for a regional airline pilot position, it will make you a more competitive candidate.
To get a first-class medical certificate, you will need to have a good health profile. Any history of mental illness, heart problems, uncorrectable vision problems or seizures may disqualify you from being a pilot.
References
- Photo Credit jet image by Edyta Anna Grabowska from Fotolia.com
