If you have found yourself thinking about becoming a pilot, you have an exciting journey ahead of you. There are many benefits in store when choosing the career of a pilot. These benefits include travel, a sufficient salary, good health benefits, flexible work, unbeatable views, and more. However, what does it take to become a pilot? Here are a few things you should know about becoming a pilot.
The Requirements of Becoming a Pilot
The first thing you will need to do is acquire your pilot’s license. This involves going back to school and hitting the books. During your pilot training courses, you will be preparing yourself for the FAA Recreational test, as well as the Private Pilot Exam. You will find most of your training will happen either in a classroom setting or on the ground; in other words, you will not be flying a jet anytime soon.
The FAA Flight Physical
What is the FAA Flight Physical? This is a medical exam that includes having your vision and hearing checked. Essentially this exam is imperative and straightforward. All pilots must take this physical exam to ensure they are safe and healthy enough for flying.
Background Checks
As with many other jobs, background checks are essential in the career path of a pilot.
Airlines want to ensure you are a safe and responsible candidate for the job. In the more
recent years, many airlines have become stricter with what is considered responsible and irresponsible. It would be best to keep your background check reading as short as possible so that you have nothing to worry about, or nothing you may have to explain. This means no DUIs, no arrests, and you should almost certainly have a clean driving record. Keep in mind while many minor offenses will be looked at, they can also be dismissed.
Gaining Experience
To meet the requirements of becoming a pilot, you will need to gain a relatively good amount of experience. Training is essential in the pilot license process. You must have at least 1,500 hours of total flying time. However, this hour minimum is to fulfill the requirements of the ATP certificate.
Extensive Training
If flying an airplane is your dream, then extensive training should not scare you away, however, it is important to mention. As previously stated, one of the requirements in becoming an airline pilot includes at least 1,500 hours of total flight time. So, you may be thinking: what else do I need to complete in my training courses? For starters, commercial pilot training can take anywhere between 1 to 1.5 years on average. Now, remember those 1,500 hours? You can’t forget them. To obtain those 1,500 hours of flight time, it can take you anywhere between 1.5 years to 2 years to fully complete. Once you have completed your flight training and worked those long hours, you will finally be able to acquire a commercial license for flying.
Now that you have a better understanding of what it takes to become a pilot, including the knowledge of the extensive training courses and long hours, are you still considering taking on the exciting career? Becoming a pilot is not easy, and flying is hard work. With that being said, flying can be one of the most rewarding, not to mention freeing, things you can do with your time. On top of everything, if flying a plane is your life’s passion, or if you simply love to travel the world and meet new people, becoming a pilot should be your priority. For more information about becoming a pilot, contact AirLink Flight School