วันอังคารที่ 28 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2552

How can i get started becoming an airline pilot?

Becoming an airline pilot is something I've always wanted to do. I'm 18 and about to graduate from HS. I'm confused about how to get started with my career as a pilot. I've talked to my parents about the military but they strongly suggest i took the civilian route. Any help or advice will be very helpful. Thank You.


This is an answer by JRC

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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Becoming an airline pilot is a long, expensive road. There are several different ways to get there. The military is one way. I don't know much about the military. As a civilian, you generally will go through the same process of aquiring flight time and geting the required certificates and ratings. The certificates and ratings go as follows (they are in somewhat of a chronological order):

1. Private Pilot

2. Instrument Rating

3. Commercial Pilot

4 Multi-Engine Rating

5. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

6. Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII)

7. Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)

8. Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

Keep in mind that you don't have to go in the order listed above. For example, you don't have to get your Instrument Rating before your Commercial Pilot License. However, you will be restricted in the privileges of exercising your Commercial Pilot Certificate. You also don't have to become an instructor. However, that is the way that most of us build our hours if we are not in the military. The ATP "license" is required to be an airline captain. You don't have to have it to get hired by an airline, but some airlines prefer or even require that you do. I got hired with a commercial license and didn't get my ATP until I upgraded to Captain. All airlines will require you to have at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-engine and Instrument Ratings. You will also need at least a Second Class Medical Certificate given by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). A First Class Medical Certificate is required to exercise the privileges of the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. Go to www.faa.gov to find links to the medical certification process.

Airlines typically require a certain number of flight hours before considering interviewing you. Regional airlines (which is usually the first airline job you would get) usually require about 1500 hours total time with 200 hours of multi-engine time. This is in general. Each airline has its own minimum hour requirements. If you choose to go on to a major airline, they usually have higher minimums. For example, they may want 5000 hours total with 1000 hours as pilot in command (as a Captain) in jet airplanes. Regional airlines typically fly the smaller turboprops and regional jets. The major airlines fly the large jets (obviously).

A good place to start would be to go to your local airport. The places that usually give flying lessons are called Fixed Base Operators (FBO's). They usually have a staff of instructors. Most FBO's will give an Introductory Flight for about $65 or so. They can give you information on the requirements and processes for each certificate and rating. You can also search the internet for flight training in your specific area. There are many options.

As far as being an airline pilot, the pay isn't what it used to be. This happened after 9/11. Your pay is dependent on how long you've been with your company and what your current contract states the pay will be. For example, at the regional airline level, you may start out at $20,000-$25,000/year your first year, give or take a little. This is as a First Officer. After 3 years you may make $30,000/year. It all depends on the company you work for. When you upgrade to Captain, you might make about $55,000/year. At the major airline level the pay is generally higher. These numbers are all estimates.

Military pilots do become airline pilots, but I don't think they get any special consideration. Years ago, most airline pilots had a military background. They tend to get their hours quicker, because they aren't paying to build their flight time. However, there are plenty of civilian airline pilots out there.

As far as jobs available, it is a competitive, dynamic industry. I've learned that it basically comes down to luck and timing. In the next few years there are supposed to be a lot of retirements (As of now, the FAA says the maximum age for an airline pilot is 60 years old). There will be a lot of job openings. As to which airlines will be around, who knows. We never really know if we made the right choice in working for a company until after we've been there a few years. The airline industry seems to be cyclical. Statistically speaking, every pilot will be furloughed once or twice in their career. My own personal opinion is that I love my job, my office goes 500+ miles per hour and I get to see many different places. There is a downside to the life of being an airline pilot, but for me...I still love it. I hope this has some useful info for you.

Good luck with your pursuit and Happy Flying!!!!!

1 year ago

Source(s):

Airline Transport Pilot"

yeah what Tommy said. But i would ask pops if he has $50,000 laying around to spend on learning the civilan route. If not, then maybe military isn't such a bad idea. Maybe your parents are thinking you'll be flying blackhawks getting shot at, but there are many different types of pilots like the transport guys. If you do that its closer to flying airlines than flying a fighter and you most likely won't get shot down. Don't rule it out and remember its your life now, not your parents.

Well, I would answer this question, but it's been pretty well covered by the previous answer.

Personally, I'd take a hard look at the military, if you can get in. My father was an Air Force Pilot, and i love hearing his stories. I'm a pilot, though not an airline pilot. It's great!

Good luck whichever way you go...

i think this site will help you

http://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Airline-Pilot

Stick in at maths, lear teamwork and go to your local airport

join Air Force, become Top Gun, good luck, must like martinis

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