Becoming a Pilot

An airline pilot is a qualified individual who controls an airplane’s flight by operating its forward flight controls. Some other crew members, like pilots or flight engineers, may also be considered pilots, since they too are responsible for operating the airplane’s engines and navigation systems. The term “pilot” is also applied to a transport pilot or aerial steward, who may also control an airplane during an airport operations or arrival procedure. Similar titles may be applied to other crew members, depending on the airline’s regulations. Generally, however, “pilot” refers to someone who is flying an airplane.

Requirements for becoming a commercial pilot start with a bachelor’s degree, typically from a U.S. university. After graduation, you must pass a test based on the FAA Part 135 certification exam. This exam must be passed after sitting through both a one-hour written exam as well as a one-hour flying test. Once you’ve passed this examination, you’ll be ready to apply to become a pilot. If you meet the requirements, you will be given a license and be ready to begin training for your first solo flight.

To qualify as a commercial pilot, you must log at least 1,500 hours of logged flight time. The exact number of hours will depend on where you plan to fly, whether you’re applying to fly for a major airline or a small regional airline. Additionally, you must also meet other airline requirements, including a successful completion of your training. As part of their preparation, prospective pilots complete a comprehensive exam that covers both aviation safety and laws regarding air transport. This exam helps to ensure pilots are capable of safely operating aircraft. It also requires the pilot to demonstrate their technical knowledge in the operation of both the engine and flying controls.

Enroute flying is one type of flying that’s often done by commercial airline pilots. This involves sending a plane, typically an Embraer Phenom, on a non-stop flight from an airport to a destination. Airlines use enroute flying as a means of transporting cargo from one point to another. For example, cargo bound for the East Coast could be flown as part of a cargo flight from Atlanta to London, England. However, there are some airlines that specialize in the transportation of passengers only. These companies usually serve international flights.

To qualify for pilot license, prospective pilots must successfully pass a written evaluation. This evaluation is most often conducted by an FAA licensed agent. The exam is designed to assess pilot knowledge, qualification, training, flight experience, and attitude. Each candidate must successfully pass a written examination covering these areas in order to successfully meet the FAA’s requirements. Private pilot training programs may also cover other areas such as aviation law, routes and airports, weather reports, pilots’ equipment, and more. The programs offered by schools and other training providers are generally the most recommended by the FAA.

Once a pilot has received their pilot license, they will need to maintain it by participating in ongoing training, which may last from one to six months. Participating in training is extremely important, as it gives pilots the skills and knowledge necessary to safely fly an airplane. Pilots are tested on their knowledge and skills throughout a flight in order to ensure that they are flyable. After successful completion of training, most pilots will then take a written test to determine if they still meet the minimum age and education requirements to be a pilot. Most airlines will also require that a pilot be retired from an airline to be eligible to become an airline pilot.