What Attributes Do You Need to Be a Pilot?
What is required of you to be a pilot depends in large part on what kind of pilot you want to be. Recreational pilots, airline pilots, bush pilots and fighter pilots have little in common other than that they all fly airplanes. The world of aviation is vast and varied, and can be entered by nearly anyone who makes sufficient effort.
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Eyesight
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A pilot needs good eyesight, although, with the exception of a position as a fighter pilot, it doesn't have to be perfect. If your eyes are good enough to operate an airplane safely, either uncorrected or with glasses or contact lenses, you are qualified to obtain a pilot's license. As people age, their eyesight tends to deteriorate, particularly at night. Aging pilots need to take this into account, and may reach a point where they can't fly at night, or at all if their eyesight becomes poor enough.
Training
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Training is essential to become a pilot. The amount of training varies greatly depending on the type of airplane you will be flying. A commercial airline pilots and military pilots receive extensive training, but a private pilot operating a small Cessna can learn to fly in a matter of weeks. Different levels of certification can be gained based on courses taken and on number of hours flown. People who operate unusual aircraft such as balloons and helicopters need different training and different certifications.
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Mechanical Ability
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If you have the money to hire a professional aircraft mechanic, it isn't absolutely necessary to understand the mechanics of your airplane, but it is very advisable. While flying in a well-maintained airplane is a very safe activity, there is always the potential for problems in a complicated machine. Prudent pilots understand their airplanes, known how to maintain them, and most importantly know how to react to a variety of emergency mechanical situations that may occur while they are in the air.
Determination
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Becoming an experienced pilot takes a lot of money and time. Actually buying your own airplane is an even larger investment than learning to fly it. Becoming a pilot isn't something to be undertaken lightly, and many people who pursue it without full commitment never complete the process or receive their license. Particularly in the challenging and competitive fields of commercial airlines and military aircraft, it can take years of training and seeking a position before you find yourself actually in the cockpit.
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References
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