What Education & Training Is Needed as a Pilot?
The education and training needed to become a pilot largely depends on the type of pilot you want to be. The most basic license is known as a private pilot's license. From that point, you will need to get instrument ratings, have a number of certificates and log hundreds of hours in the air. This can cost tens of thousands of dollars. For those who want to save some money, the military may offer a cheaper option.
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Private License
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The most basic thing all pilots must have is a private pilot's license. This license takes a minimum of 40 flight hours to earn, but many may spend almost twice that amount of time in the air before getting their license. The private pilot's license curriculum will include aircraft systems, meteorology, navigation, aerodynamics, aircraft operations and regulations. Flight hours will be supplemented with ground hours. Expect a time investment of at least two ground or study hours for every flight hour.
Instrument Rating
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If you want to get paid as a pilot, you will need an instrument rating. To get this you will need 40 hours of real or simulated instrument time, but at least 20 hours must be real. You will also need 50 hours of cross-country time, which is defined as a leg of 50 miles or more. In addition, you will need to fly a 250-mile, cross-country flight with at least three legs using the air traffic control system under instrument flight rules. You must also pass a written test.
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Commercial Certificate
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In this phase of pilot education and training, you will learn more precise maneuvers and also start some training on multiple engine aircraft. The certificate requires at least 250 hours of flight time. Landings will likely require you to land a multiple-engine aircraft using all the engines and only one engine.
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
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The final step to becoming qualified to fly for an airline or carry paying passengers is getting the airline transport pilot certificate. This certification can only be earned once a pilot has achieved at least 1,500 hours of flying time. Without this certification, most airlines will not even consider looking at what you may have to offer.
Military Option
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For those who feel they want to fly professionally, the military may offer a cheaper route to certification. Military training typically involves a training period of 49 weeks in which you learn most of what you will need. After that, there is upgraded training. Those who take this route do not need to worry about additional civilian flight hours because there will be a 10-year flying commitment in the military after training is completed.
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