Airline Jobs – Getting a Pilot’s License
An airline pilot or airman is someone who controls an airplane’s flight by operating its main directional flight controls. In some cases, however, an airman may act as the pilot and sole navigator of the plane. If the plane crashes, it is the pilot who will be charged with the responsibility of locating a safe landing site. Other airmen, such as flight engineers or navigators, are often regarded as pilots, since they are typically involved in the design and operation of the plane’s engine systems and navigation. A pilot may also act as the plane’s backup in the event that the main pilot loses power or fails to navigate safely.
Before a pilot can become qualified to fly commercial aircraft, he must successfully complete flight training. This takes place at an FAA-approved training facility and is usually held inside a controlled environment, similar to a commercial airport. Pilot trainees are required to take a variety of tests to determine their flying skills, from reading directions and following simple instructions to displaying unusual behavior and obeying complex directions. Once a pilot passes the required test, he will be given the title of a commercial pilot and can then apply for jobs with private aviation companies or go right into the airline industry as a commercial airline pilot.
Many people start flying as passengers as young children, using family airline tickets obtained through friends or relatives. As a passenger, you have no legal rights and few responsibilities if you are involved in an accident. However, as a commercial airline pilot, you are legally responsible for other people on board and for the property and assets that you may damage while in flight. If you are caught flying illegally or committing any crime against the law, you can face serious legal consequences. You may also lose your commercial pilot license.
Commercial flying schools are available to teach aspiring pilots how to fly. A few states even have laws requiring commercial pilots to be certified before they can apply for commercial pilot licenses. Even though most pilots start out as pilots employed by smaller regional airlines, larger commercial carriers seek out experienced pilots who can fly larger aircraft. You should consider applying for a job with a major carrier once you have completed your basic training.
Some of the training programs offered by aviation schools include an option to get a multi-engine commercial pilot certificate. The multi-engine certificate is issued by the FAA and allows you to operate not just one type of airplane, but two if you wish. The multi-engine certification is especially helpful if you fly night-light aircraft, which are lighter-than-air aircraft that require increased lift to keep them in the air at night. Many small night-light aircraft cannot be operated with only one engine, so becoming a multi-engine certified pilot opens up a great career choice for those who are dedicated to flying.
Salaries for these pilots can vary greatly depending on experience and location. Pilots who already own one or more types of aircraft may make more than double the salary of new pilots just starting out. Experienced pilots can earn as much as one hundred thousand dollars in their first five years of flying, and pilots who have multiple planes can earn nearly two hundred thousand dollars per year. If you’re interested in becoming a pilot, be sure to look at all of your options. Apply, to several regional airlines and pay close attention to the requirements for the type of aircraft you want to fly.