Aviation Careers – How to Become an Airline Pilot
When you think of flying for an airline, you probably picture yourself as a captain on a jumbo jet. There are a few unique things about airline careers that you should know. First, it will take years to make captain at a major airline. Depending on your age and fluctuations in the industry, you may never get there before you reach the mandatory retirement age of 65. Many pilots reach retirement as a first officer rather than as a captain.
Second, life is centered around seniority. Schedules, pay, base location, layoffs (furloughs) and return to work after a furlough, equipment flown, and the opportunity to upgrade to a captain position are typically based entirely on seniority rather than merit.
Third is the usual route to flying for a major airline. More than likely your first paid flying job will be as a flight instructor, then as a first officer at a regional (commuter) airline, then upgrading to captain at the same regional. Once you log the required number of hours as pilot-in-command (PIC), you may land your first job at a major airline, either as a flight engineer or second or first officer, depending on the aircraft.
Prerequisites
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all US certified pilots to be able to read, speak, and understand the English language. Additionally, all pilots must possess a valid and current medical certificate. Since an airline captain must hold a First Class medical, you should make sure you meet those standards early in your flying career.
Most major airlines require a four-year college degree while regional airlines require at least a two-year degree (some regionals want to see a four-year). Your education does not need to be related to aviation. Completing your pilot training means you have learned (theoretically, at least) all the required aviation knowledge for the job. An unrelated degree gives you a wider range of job possibilities in the event you encounter a medical disqualification at some point during your career.
Where to Start
There are several types of flight schools, ranging from the fixed-base operator (FBO) at your local airport to a degree program at a college or university. Regardless of your ultimate training choice, it may be wise to take your first few lessons at a local FBO. The advantages are many, the biggest being that you can find out if you actually like flying before investing your life savings. You might discover that you get violently airsick or that you simply lack an aptitude for flying. Once you earn your flight instructor certificate, you might find yourself seeking employment at the local flight school; your chances of getting hired will be much greater if the owner and staff know you.
I encourage interested fliers to earn at least their private pilot license close to home. If you need to keep your current day job while pursuing flight training, most if not all of your training can be completed at your local flight school. If you feel you would benefit from a full-time program, look for a school that is a good fit for you and your budget. Most big flight schools are in sunny locales like Arizona and Florida where time in the air is easy to come by. Visit several before you choose one. Interview instructors, students, and former students if possible to get their take on the quality of the training provided.