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Course: Careers > Unit 15
Lesson 1: Commercial airline pilot- Commercial airline pilot: What I do and how much I make
- Commercial airline pilot: How I got my job and where I'm going
- Commercial airline pilot: My budget and planning for the future
- What does a commercial airline pilot do?
- How do you become a commercial airline pilot?
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How do you become a commercial airline pilot?
Learn about the training, certifications, and costs associated with becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Flying an aircraft at 30,000 feet comes with major responsibility; you’re entrusted with the lives of the crew and in some cases of hundreds of passengers. No two flights are the same, as you maneuver different models of aircraft through varying weather conditions. Preparing for this career requires thousands of hours of practice, as well as a significant investment of money if paying for flight school.
There are two key paths to gain the training and licenses necessary to become a commercial airline pilot: civilian flight school or the military. For either path, you will typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree first, though the degree can be in any field. Studying subjects such as math, science, and communication can help you build skills that are important in this career.
Becoming a commercial airline pilot as a civilian will take at least two years of training as you pursue several different milestones. First, you will need to earn a private pilot certificate, which requires passing a medical exam, written exam and a minimum of 40 hours of flight time. During this phase, you will learn the basics of flying a single-engine plane.
Next you’ll need to earn an instrument rating (this enables you to fly in low-visibility conditions using instrument flight rules), as well as a multi-engine rating in order to fly larger planes. After completing at least 250 hours of flight time, you’ll be eligible to earn a commercial pilot license. From that point, you can pursue your multi-engine, single-engine and instrument flight instructor certificates.
Becoming a flight instructor will enable you to earn money, while also building experience as a pilot. You need a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience to earn an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, which is required to work as a commercial airline pilot. The total cost for all of this training can range from $60,000-$100,000.
Due to the high cost of flight school, many turn to the military to earn their pilot’s license. If going the military route, you will need a strong college gpa (minimum B average) and strong performance on aptitude tests to be selected for aviation training. You will also need to go through officer training (lasting 9-17 weeks) before your flight training.
One of the key benefits of becoming a pilot through the military is that your training will be paid for. In return for this investment, you then owe ten years of military service. After this time, you will be eligible to seek employment with a passenger airline.
When applying for positions as a commercial airline pilot, you will likely undergo computer testing to assess your personality, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. If you pass this phase, the interviews will include situation-based questions to assess your judgment in unique situations. Once hired for this role, you will go through training and skills-checks throughout your career. Pilots under the age of 40 must also undergo a yearly physical examination to make sure they are fit for the role; pilots over the age of 40 require a physical every six months.
References
“Airline pilot eligibility.” ATP Flight School. Accessed March 29, 2017.
“How do pilots train?” The Pilot’s Blog. Accessed March 30, 2017.
“How to become an airline or commercial pilot.” US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed March 30, 2017.
“The best way to become a pilot in the military.” Tony Guerra, Houston Chronicle. Accessed March 30, 2017.
Want to join the conversation?
- When I need to start a career I'm thinking about being a commercial pilot. What courses should I take in high school and university ? And how many years of university should I complete.(5 votes)
- Depends. Generally any aviation course would be good. Over four years of university also helps. You gotta get a pilots license though, and knowing a lot about planes helps greatly.(8 votes)
- I want to become an airline pilot but was wondering what all I need to do to accomplish this goal. Some sources say that I need to get different certificates and ratings, while others say that I need to have a bachelor's degree and a license. Which is right? Or are they both right?(4 votes)
- From what I've read, my understanding is that regardless of whether or not you have a bachelor's degree, you will need to get all of the required certifications in order to become a pilot. However, many airlines prefer that you have a bachelor's degree (or at least an associate's) in any field, so having that degree is better.(3 votes)
- do you have to maintain all the controls and buttons of a plane? they look tough(2 votes)
- I want to be a fighter pilot
show me the ways(3 votes)- When the time comes to search for a college, look for those that offer Air Force or Naval ROTC programs and enrol in one or the other. As you work your way throuth four years of college, you will also be getting military training towards becoming an Air Force or Naval officer. Some of the summer session training available to you might include flight training. When you graduate from college, the further 6 years of service that you will owe the military may include the further training that will get you into fighters.(3 votes)
- I think they are both right.(3 votes)
- Could I get something about starting as a pilot during, before and after the flight school based on India.(3 votes)
- If anyone here is a pilot what are the requirements to being a pilot knowledge wise im 14 looking for a flight school i know the basics such as IFR vs VFR how planes work using like but im worried about remembering how to communicate with ATC such as (November Foxtrot 354 echo requesting class B clearance) also worried about the price(2 votes)
- You're only 14. You'll grow into those abilities as you age. You can't be a commercial pilot for quite a few years, anyway, so use the time you have now to enjoy being a teenager, and leave all this career detail until later. Have some adventures before life closes in on you.(2 votes)
- Do I need college to become a pilot?(2 votes)
- No. You do not. Commercial pilot school is open to anyone who can pay the tuition.(2 votes)
- Hi, I would like to know the AP courses that are recommended for high school students if they would like to be a commercial pilot as their future career.(2 votes)
- is tax evasion legal 35,000 feet in the air(1 vote)
- Applicability of a jurisdiction can be established via several factors, frequently varying and depending on the specific domain of law (e. g. criminal law vs. public law vs. tax law).
Some common factors to establish applicability of a jurisdiction include territory, nationality, or simply an agreement between countries.
In this case you need to know that aircraft are registered with a nation. It is kind of the “territory” of that nation (while in the air).
On the other hand some jurisdictions establish applicability of tax law simply by citizenship (beside other factors). In this case you can commit tax evasion anywhere in the universe.(1 vote)