How To Become A Commercial Airline Pilot?
You're here: Home > Articles > How To Become A Commercial Airline Pilot?
For so many years, people have dreamt about flying. Many have tried, but wasn’t until the Wright brothers, that Man was able to take a flight.
Source: Wright Brothers organisation
If you are plane enthusiast, you’ve certainly asked yourself, how you can become the next great, airline pilot.
Word of warning
Do not enter this profession unless you are absolutely passionate about aviation and becoming a pilot. The journey to becoming a pilot is a demanding process, that takes a long time and dedication as well as meeting precise requirements. The only thing that keeps most new pilots going is their love for flying.
The “prestige factor” will wear off quickly and you’ll be tired, in the dept with the wasted years of your life left behind. Becoming a pilot is an expensive path that requires a lot of money and sacrifice, but the reward is the love of flying.
Be prepared because flying doesn’t lack challenges on a daily basis, it is a mixture of art, science and magic.
How things really work in flying industry?
Although being a pilot is interesting and stimulating and sometimes can be a rewarding job. Every job has two sides, the good and the bad.
For some lucky individual, pilot careers can be quite lucrative. You can travel a lot with the family for low prices, have schedule flexibility if you are senior pilot and enjoy your passion for flying.
Video interview “Becoming a Pilot” with a corporate pilot.
But not everything is so shiny and idyllic.
Top cons for being a pilot are:
- Seniority – In the United States and many other countries, a pilot’s quality-of-life variables are determined via seniority bidding (based on date of hire). Seniority is the currency of value in which pilots bid monthly schedule, vacations, and so on.
- Schedule – a lot of working hours, missed holidays and birthdays etc.
- Starting salary around 30,000/year
- Furloughs – temporary layoffs where your employer no longer needs you
These are just some of the bad things, for more inside information read an article “The Truth About the Profession“.
Requirements for getting commercial airplane licence.
- College degree
- Private Pilot Licence
- Medical certificate
- Instrument rating
- Multi-engine rating
- Airline transport pilot certificate
Requirements for becoming a pilot.
1. Bachelor’s Degree
While college degree is not required to get started in flying career, to work for any major airlines you must obtain at least bachelor’s degree in any field. It doesn’t have to be in aviation, aircraft operations, aeronautical engineering or other related field.
It is very likely that at some point in your career you are going to be furloughed. If you have a degree in accounting, engineering and etc. it’s more likely you won’t suffer the financial devastation that can follow during first or second furloughed.
2. Private Pilot Licence
Private pilot licence allows you to fly under certain restrictions. You’ll be able to fly a single-engine airplane under visual flight rules (visibility at least three miles).
Requirements for Private Pilot Licence are:
- 3 hours of dual cross-country
- 1 cross-country over 50 nautical miles
- 3 hours of dual night training
- 3 hours of check ride preparation
- 5 hours of solo flight
- About 15 hours of ground school providing (basic aviation knowledge, preparation for the FFA written test)
Example of Private Pilot Certificate
After you receive your private pilot licence you’ll be able to work your way up and get a certificate for flight instructor or flying commercial airlines.
3. Medical Certificate
For getting a commercial pilot licence you must obtain in a Class One Medical certificate. This is a mandatory requirement for all flight crew in order to operate a jet commercially.
For those unlucky, that aren’t able to obtain a class one medical, you may still be able to hold a Class Two Medical certificate which allows you to operate light aircraft with private pilot licence.
What to expect during certifications process?
You can expect a medical history review, eyesight test, hearing test, physical examination, ECG (electrocardiogram), lung function test, haemoglobin blood test and urine test.
For more questions and in depth review of medical certification, visit Federal Aviation Administration.
4. Instrument rating
What is an Instrument Rating and why you should have one?
All pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must get a commercial pilot licence with an Instrument Rating issued by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
An Instrument rating is a rating that is added to your Private Pilot Licence, or Commercial Pilot Licence and refers to the qualifications that every pilot must have in order to fly under instrument flight rules.
The test consists of knowledge test as well as practical test know as check-ride.
Instrument rating requires 50 hours of cross country Pilot- In-Command and 40 hours of actual simulated instrument conditions.
If you are planning on obtaining an Instrument Rating certificate read in depth information on Flying Acadamy website.
5. Multi-engine rating
Multi-Engine rating allows a pilot to operate as Pilot-In-Command of an aircraft with more than one engine.
The multi-engine rating is known to be one of the more enjoyable (at the same time the most expensive) training programs during professional pilot training.
The time for obtaining a multi-engine rating depends on student proficiency and schedule. The average cost for getting multi-engine rating is between 3,000 and 4,000$.
6. Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
The airline Transport Pilot certificate is the highest level of aircraft pilot licence. If you want to know more about this go and check “Airline Transport Pilot certificate“.
How much will it cost to become a pilot?
This is a crucial question for someone that is considering becoming a pilot. The average cost for the initial pilot licence (The Private Pilot Licence) is 6,000$-10,000$. To become a fully qualified Commercial Pilot the cost of training will increase up to 35,000$ and more.
Once you become a commercial airline pilot annual salary will be around 114,672$.
For more information about pilot salary watch the video “How Much Do Pilots Make?”
It is vital to gain necessary flying experience to even think about applying for a commercial pilot licence. You’ll need 1500 hours of flight time to be hired for regional airlines and 3,000 hours, including 1,500 multi-engine and 1,000 hours as a pilot-in-command of turbine to work for any major airline company.
As you can see there is a bumpy road in front all of you that consider careers in aviaton.
If you dream about becoming a pilot and money is a big issue for you, consider military flight training (Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard). After initial training of a couple of years, you can go back to civilian life and qualify to fly with an airline.
Sharing buttons
Player comments
More things for you to discover:
Top 5 Emergency (Miracle) Airplane Landings
Full Screen Since the beginning of aviation, thousands of planes have crashed, but sometimes when an air disaster strikes, pilots can react on time and prevent the final catastrophe. The following is a selection of plane disasters that had safe landing. US Airways A320 landing on the Hudson River. The most famous and successful emergency […]» Find out More
Full Screen Attack helicopters emerged during the Cold War years when they proved to be the key component to victory in battlefield. Today’s attack helicopter has two main roles, to provide direct, close air support for ground troops and to destroy enemy armor concentrations (anti-tank role). What are the best attack helicopters? These are currently the […]» Find out More
Shocking Facts About Plane Safety
Full Screen Following a series of tragic incidents there is understandably a lot of fear that surrounds air travel, but nevertheless- flying is safe. Compared to other forms of transportation,j traveling by car is 100 times more deadly than flying in an airplane. Here are some of the facts about plane safety, you should know about, […]» Find out More
Plane Facts That Could Save Your Life – How To Survive A Plane Crash
Full Screen Although we often think airplane crashes are horrible and unsurvivable events, the survival rate of plane crashes from 1983-2000 was 95.7%. You can dramatically increase your chances of surviving even severe plane crash by knowing simple facts and making little changes. Be prepared, but not scared. Things you need to be aware of […]» Find out More
Things You Didn’t Know About Aircraft Graveyards
Full Screen What happens when an aircraft is no longer needed? Have you ever wondered where do planes go to rust? Aircraft graveyards often called boneyards are home to retired aircraft waiting to be recycled or reused. Dry climate The best aircraft locations for graveyards are places with dry climates because dry air reduces corrosion […]» Find out More
Acrobatic Flight Maneuver Moves
Full Screen 1. Inside Loop/Outside Loop The Inside loop is the easiest of all stunt moves, it’s a vertical circle in the sky. Any RC Airplane with elevator is capable of looping. The Outside loop is also called a bunt. It’s an inside loop with the airplane inverted, so that the top of the plane faces outwards. […]» Find out More
25 Fun Facts About Aviation and Flying
Full Screen Can you imagine life without air travel? Today, aviation allows people to experience new adventures, visit new countries, relax on far away beaches, build business relationships as well as to connect with family and friends abroad. The beauty of aviation is bringing people and countries together. How much do you really know about […]» Find out More
What Is The Fastest Jet In The World?
Full Screen The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is the most advanced airplane ever built. It had an important role in a history as a spy plane. SR-17 “Blackbird” is a long range, strategic reconnaissance aircraft. This sleek and stealthy Air Force plane is still the fastest plane that has ever flown and was never hit by […]» Find out More
The Greatest Air to Air Battles in Military History
Full Screen Humans have always sought to take over the air to gain an advantage in war. Initially, the military uses of flight were mainly focused on gaining a bird’s eye view of the battle field. Early attempts saw the use of manned kites in China and Japan to spy for military intelligence and communication. […]» Find out More
5 Plane Crashes Caused By Pilot Error
Full Screen Did you know that 85% of plane crashes are caused by pilot error? Statistically speaking, flying is still the safest way to travel. No matter how the advanced technology is, there is always one element that is impossible to control: the human element, because human are prone to making mistakes, although the major […]» Find out More
Top 10 Celebrities Private Jets
Full Screen Paul Allen – MIG 29 Fighter Jet Paul Allen, co-founder of the Microsoft has bought his own MIG 29 Fighter Jet worth 13.5$ billion. The MIG 29 has a max speed of 1,518 mph and a range of 1,500km. The Sultan of Brunei – Boeing 747-430 The sultan has a brand new, Boeing […]» Find out More
The Best Fighter Planes Of World War 2
Full Screen It’s hard to say, what the best fighter plane of World War 2 was, but we certainly can say that a few stood out during that historical period. To make it easier, we need to refine it further, depending on different characteristics, such as: longer effective range, best high attitude fighter, damage resistant […]» Find out More
5 Airplanes That Disappeared Without The Trace
Full Screen “Every flight that has disappeared had its own story”, said the editor of the The Aviationist , David Cenciotti. Airplanes have been disappearing for decades, whether in remote areas of the ocean or mountain regions. Many planes have gone missing, especially at the so called Bermuda Triangle. A series of disappearances in the […]» Find out More
Unusual Aircraft Designs We Didn’t Know Exist
Full Screen Have you ever wondered how planes looked like in the beginning? Well, let us tell you, they were pretty weird. Many of them were built to prove a point or to advance the science of aerodynamics. Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the journey of history’s strangest aircraft that ever flew the sky. These […]» Find out More
Shocking Airplane Crashes Caught On Camera
Full Screen These are the most shocking airplane crashes caught on camera. Despite the fact it looks bad, people actually survived some of these plane crashes. Video shows these plane crashes: Air France Flight 296/Airbus A320-111 – 06/26/1988 – Fatality: 3/136 US Air Force Czar 52/B-52 Stratofortress – 06/24/1994 – Fatality: 4/4 Hawkins & Powers […]» Find out More
8 Most Terrifying Airport Runways
Full Screen 1. Saint Maarten in the Caribbean – Princess Juliana International Airport This is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean. Due to the short runway length (7,150 feet), planes on their final approach need to fly over the beach at minimal altitude, and over a part of the fence and the road. Because […]» Find out More
Best Rated Games
The best World War II helicopters
Full Screen The best World War II helicopters were still in their early stages of development, but they played an important role in the war. Helicopters were used for a variety of tasks, including reconnaissance, rescue, and transport. Here are some of the best World War II helicopters: Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 Drache (Germany) Focke-Achgelis Fa […]» Find out More
Full Screen You’re piloting one of the three experimental United States Navy torpedo bombers in World War 2. You need to end each level by destroying as many enemy units as possible. Pick up bonuses and health packs. Commands Mouse to move Left mouse button – machine gun SPACE – Torpedo» Find out More
Full Screen A flash animation from a compilation of 1,100 Flash Animations. Catch flies with chopsticks and place them on the fly paper.» Find out More
Notebook Wars 4 Beta – Play Now
Full Screen New sequel of Notebook Wars is the most colourful of them all. Notebook Wars 4 is a cartoon style vertical top-down airplane shooter set within the frames of a notebook. You’re shooting air and ground units and progressing through 20 levels. The game remembers which level you attained so you don’t have to […]» Find out More
Epic Dog Fighter 2 – Airplane Dogfight
Full Screen This dogfight 2 online game is an interesting war game. Grab bonuses, avoid enemies and their missiles. Use your skill to destroy enemies around you.» Find out More
Full Screen Shadez 2 is a strategy game, a sequel to the original Shadez. Enjoy more missions and explosions.» Find out More
Full Screen Steal a stunt plane and fly as far as you can until the authorities get you and blow you out of the sky. Perform loopy stunts.» Find out More
5 Plane Crashes Caused By Pilot Error
Full Screen Did you know that 85% of plane crashes are caused by pilot error? Statistically speaking, flying is still the safest way to travel. No matter how the advanced technology is, there is always one element that is impossible to control: the human element, because human are prone to making mistakes, although the major […]» Find out More
Paper Pilot: The Battle Of The Air
Full Screen Paper Pilot: The Battle Of The Air is an exciting Action Game and published on May 6th, 2014 and has been played 556 times. Design your plane, practice flying it and then when you feel confident challenge your buddies and kick some ass. Just remember, you only get one shot in the competition.» Find out More
Full Screen This sequel of well known game provides lots of new items and new mission system (150 missions). New upgrades and a lot of achievements. Faster gameplay and destroyable objects! Also, the big news is: Free falling is back 🙂 You can hold a space bar button to call self-destruct timer at any time. […]» Find out More
Air War 2 – Airplane War Games
Full Screen The enemy has sent their best fighter pilots into our air space. You have to fight them back. The goal of each stage is to take out every single enemy. To do this, you will have to shoot down the enemies while flying around and avoiding their attacks. To control your fighter plane, […]» Find out More
Full Screen Fly your airplane in this fast race game. Collect as many yellow stars and avoid enemy planes along the way.» Find out More
Full Screen Take the stick and fly through the rings in Flight 3D Aerobatics. Try different challenges and keep your eye on the fuel. Have fun playing realistic controls.» Find out More
Full Screen Flying Coffins 4 is an exciting Skill Game and published on Dec 18th, 2012. Your task is to help the soul get out of the hell. To do this, you have to participate in air duel and win 10 times in a row. Then the doors of the hell will be opened…» Find out More
Full Screen Skies of War 2 is about fighting against Enemy in Air and on the Ground. If you played the first edition than you already know everything there is to know. When you collect enough money you can buy a new Aircraft. Commands: Mouse for moving, SPACE for mini map, Buttons for Shooting.» Find out More
Full Screen This game is played in turns like Chess. You need to outsmart the enemy aircrafts, get at their tails and shoot them. SteamBirds is very interesting game to play. Controls Mouse controls, with some keyboard shortcuts (mouseover buttons to see)» Find out More
Full Screen Burning Skies is World War 2 airplane shooting game. Lead your missions, attack and defeat your enemies.» Find out More
Full Screen Target accurately as many airplanes as you can. You only have thirty ammo so be careful with targeting. For game controls use keyboard arrows.» Find out More
Full Screen SteamBirds is an exciting aerial-dogfighting action/strategy that you play in turns. From a top-down perspective you manage your squadron of aircraft and take on growing numbers of enemies — complete with boss fights, special abilities, powerups, and lots of flashy explosions! Controls Completely Mouse Driven. Click on things with Gold Circles!» Find out More
Full Screen Pilot a modern attack helicopter to fight enemy forces consisting of similar tactical assault war choppers. Fly strategic fly paths to evade enemy rockets. Experience the joy and excitement of aerial combat with spectacular explosions, cannons, rockets and firepower. Fly and shoot as far as you can to get high score.» Find out More
Popular Games From Other Sites
Strike Force Heroes 3 Game and avalible Online.
Play Minecraft for free! Build everything you can imagine and fight enemies.
Find and play your favorite Shooting Games Hacked.
Best .IO Games with lot of shooting and weapons.
Best Hacked Tower Defence Games and avalible Online.
War Strategy Games, Tower Defense, Action, Shooting etc.
Air Battle
Airplane Racing
Airport Games
Arcade Games
Flight Control
Flight Simulator
Games for Kids
Helicopter Games
Landing Games
Maneuver Games
Navy Games
Parking Games
Rescue Games
Shooting Games
Space Games
War Games