Preliminary Requirements
Being an airline pilot is a glamorous, exciting, and highly rewarding
job. But how exactly do you become one? You can't just submit a resume
and expect someone to call you back with a job offer. The actual process
takes a long time and much dedication; it also means meeting precise
requirements and can be a fairly expensive pathway to getting a career.
For some positions, it can take up to 10 years of flying experience to
even qualify. Needless to say, you need to be serious and committed.
Work hard and follow the steps below and one day you might become an
airline pilot!
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.
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.
3. Get a First Class medical certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration medical examiner.
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.