What Traning Do You Need to Become a Pilot?

Pilots who want to fly small aircraft don't need as many flight hours as commercial pilots.

Traveling via an aircraft often is faster than travel via other methods, and companies routinely ship goods via plane. Planes also are important in services like military operations or fighting fires. All planes require a good pilot, and every pilot has to have a minimum amount of training before he or she can operate an aircraft on his or her own.

Education

Employers who hire pilots usually prefer candidates with at least two years of college education. Many pilots who enter the field have a college degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ideally, you should get a degree in aeronautics. However, a major in a subject such as math or physics also provides information applicable to pilots. Engineering courses can help you understand the mechanics of the aircraft you fly, making it easier for you to engage in on-ground repairs and navigate through technical problems while in the air.

Flight Experience

All pilots must complete a minimum number of flight hours to get their pilot's license. The exact number of hours varies depending on the size of aircraft you want to fly and whether you'll be transporting anyone else. To qualify for a Federal Aviation Administration license, the minimum hours is 250, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To be an airline pilot, the minimum number of flight hours is 1,500. Pilots at major airlines generally have at least 4,000 hours. No pilot immediately starts with flight hours. Instead, they start training with ground and simulator training. Then they move on to initial operating experience with a supervisor. Toward the end of training, they take a flight test with an FAA-certified aviation inspector or other qualified tester.

Written and Flying Tests

Pilots must prepare for and take a written examination to get a license. The test checks your knowledge of flight principles and regulations. Additionally, pilots have to take flight tests with an FAA-certified instructor to show they are capable of handling an aircraft.

Other Training and Requirements

Because flight requires the ability to see and read instruments, as well as to hear co-pilots and other workers, ground personnel and problems with the plane, pilots must pass vision and hearing tests. They cannot have handicaps that would impair their function on the job. Additionally, some employers require psychological and aptitude tests.

Where to Get Training

Many pilots who want to operate private aircraft take lessons from FAA instructors and get their license that way. Others go to flight school -- according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 600 FAA-certified civilian flight schools as of 2009. Another option for those who feel called to serve their country is to get training through the military.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers; 2009