| source: iflyasadotcom This is the prize that every flight | | | | with instrument rating and multi-engine rating, it's time |
| training student wants to win. A pilot certificate issued | | | | for you to build some flight experience. Since you |
| by the FAA is what it's all about. Pilot certification in the | | | | probably have only about 300 hours of total time, |
| United States is required for an individual to act as | | | | airlines won't typically consider you. Airline minimums |
| a pilot of an aircraft. It is regulated by the FAA. An | | | | are at least 1,500 hours, along with some other |
| FAA issued pilot certificate is evidence that an | | | | experience. Yes, there are always times when the |
| individual is duly authorized to exercise piloting privileges. | | | | demand is more than supply, and they end up hiring |
| 1. Private Pilot Certificate | | | | low time pilots as well, but it is rare, and very |
| If you want to become an airline pilot, you have to get | | | | unpredictable. |
| a pilot's license. The first step is getting a private pilot | | | | 5. Instructor Certificate |
| license. During this training you will get 40-80 hours of | | | | So how do you get from 300 hours to the 1500+ that |
| flight time, and learn basic stuff about airplanes like | | | | you need for the airlines? The most common way is |
| takeoffs and landings, navigation, maneuvers, weather | | | | flight instructing. By becoming a flight instructor, you |
| and basic instrument skills. In case you are wondering | | | | are able to build hours and get paid to teach others. |
| about your vision, airline pilots need to have vision of | | | | 6. ATP certificate |
| correctable to 20/20. There are about 250,000 private | | | | Major airlines usually do not consider hiring a pilot |
| pilots in America. | | | | unless he/she has an ATP certificate; ATP or an |
| 2. Instrument Rating | | | | Airline Transport Pilot Certificate is a requirement for |
| An instrument rating is the next step after the private | | | | one to be a captain on an aircraft with an airline. |
| pilot certificate. During your instrument rating or IR | | | | Regional airlines may hire you without one, which is a |
| training you will add at least another 40-50 hours of | | | | good way to build experience. |
| flight time. You need to have IR or instrument rating | | | | 7. Get a 4 year College or University Degree |
| because airlines always fly in all weather, so the pilot | | | | At least a four year college or university degree is |
| should be able to navigate without ever looking outside, | | | | preferred to land a job with a major airline. The |
| and solely by reference to the cockpit instruments. | | | | degree does not have to be in Aviation; you can major |
| 3. Commercial Pilot Certificate | | | | in just about any field you want. You can always apply |
| After getting the instrument rating, you'd continue on to | | | | for airline jobs without a 4 year degree, but you'll be |
| get your commercial pilot certificate; which requires | | | | competing with others who already have one. When |
| 250 hours of total flight time, along with additional | | | | it comes to investing the time and resources to |
| training which will make you a professional, safer, and | | | | interview, hire, and train applicants, employers always |
| experienced pilot. The commercial pilot certificate | | | | look at the best qualified applicants. |
| allows one to work for a commercial operator (for | | | | 8. Start Applying |
| instance an airline) and get paid. Many people get their | | | | Start applying. By accomplishing this list of 8 gives you |
| multi-engine rating at this time as well. | | | | more opportunities and sets you apart from the |
| 4. Building Flight Experience | | | | competition. Apply with any airline you wish and make |
| Now that you've got your commercial pilot certificate | | | | you dream a reality. |