How to Become an Airline Pilot
Get a four-year college degree., Look around your local area for a good flight school and flight instructor to begin working on your private pilot certificate., Get a First Class medical certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration medical...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Get a four-year college degree.
While a college degree is not required to fly for any of the regional airlines in the United States, a four year degree is required to fly for a major US airline.
It's preferable to get a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in aviation (but your degree doesn't necessarily have to be aviation related).
Airline pilot training is intense and expensive.
A college degree helps to demonstrate to the airline that you will be capable of completing their education program. -
Step 2: Look around your local area for a good flight school and flight instructor to begin working on your private pilot certificate.
The FAA minimum flight time is 40 hours, but the average is around
60.
Schools with FAA oversight can be more desirable if you want a highly regimented training program. , It is better to apply for a first class medical the first time you apply for a medical certificate to be sure you will qualify for one before you have invested too much time and money into your new career choice. -
Step 3: Get a First Class medical certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration medical examiner.
Detailed Guide
While a college degree is not required to fly for any of the regional airlines in the United States, a four year degree is required to fly for a major US airline.
It's preferable to get a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in aviation (but your degree doesn't necessarily have to be aviation related).
Airline pilot training is intense and expensive.
A college degree helps to demonstrate to the airline that you will be capable of completing their education program.
The FAA minimum flight time is 40 hours, but the average is around
60.
Schools with FAA oversight can be more desirable if you want a highly regimented training program. , It is better to apply for a first class medical the first time you apply for a medical certificate to be sure you will qualify for one before you have invested too much time and money into your new career choice.
About the Author
Sarah Myers
With a background in lifestyle and practical guides, Sarah Myers brings 11 years of hands-on experience to every article. Sarah believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.
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