I want to become a commercial airline pilot. Where do I start?

Question

It has always been my dream to be a commercial airline pilot. More and more I'm starting to realize what I really want to do. I recently started law school but I'm having doubts about whether I really want to go through with this. I'm sure becoming a commercial airline pilot will be just as tough as becoming a lawyer, if not more. But I know for sure that I'll enjoy my job, probably more so than being a lawyer.

I already have a BA in Psychology so I figure I'll just need flight training. Where do I start?

Also, I realize flight instructions will cost a lot of money. What kind of loans are available to cover up the cost? Are there Federal Loans available for these as well?

Thanks.

Answer 1

You already have a degree, so you already look good to the airlines. Now you just need to get the flight training itself down. In your situation, I would probably consider one of the larger flight schools, such as Westwind, Pan Am, etc. They can give you the training you need, and can often provide an accelerated schedule to get you on track in a hurry. I know Westwind can take you from no time to an instructor rating in a year or less, and then will hire you to instruct for them so you can continue building time. In most cases, they will be able to help you find financing for your training as well.



You can also try to find flight instructors at FBO's at local airports. That may be more convenient in regards to getting training close to home, but you may not be able to accelerate your training as much. Financing options may be more limited as well.



The key is to get your training done, then build up some experience. Don't expect to get paid well when you are just starting out. Most regional airline pilots that are just starting out will be below the poverty line, so finding a second part time job to do while you're not flying will be essential. Once you've put in a few years and moved up to the major airlines, you'll be doing much better, though. It certainly helps if you love flying.



The airline industry is cyclical, and is currently in the middle of a downturn which could last another year or two, so hiring prospects will be rather flat for the next one or two years (possibly longer, but I certainly hope not). If you start your training now, you should be set for the next upswing in hiring in a few years.

Answer 2

Well you might want to change your major then. Just graduate college with a bachelor's degree then what alot of people do is join the service. Id suggest the Air Force so its not like going to war or anything get your pilots license and instructions from them for free then stay in the service or join an airline.



This will be a long process im trying to become a commercial pilot also but im 14 so I have lots to go and ive done lots of research. Im thinking of joining the Air Force Academy it seems they might have the best instructions for pilots and when I hear stories from pilots mostly all of them got there instruction from Air Force. This could take up to 8-10 years with the Air Force, Navy, etc becuase you have to serve back to our country for the free instructions. You must remember to graduate college!

Id start contacting the Air Force or Navy now to get as much information they can help you out the most.

Answer 3

The first thing you should do is go out to your local airport that has a flight school and take an introductory flight with an instructor. It will cost you some money but maybe your family can give it to you for Christmas. Talk to the instructor about what it will take to reach your goals. Since you're still in high school the very best way to go about it would be through the military. Get good grades and see if you can get into one of the Military schools (Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Army Academy). This way you can literally get your flying for free. To do it yourself is very expensive and takes quite a long time but many, many people have done it and ended up with great airline careers. Best of luck to you, I hope you get all the answers you need to make a good decision.

Answer 4

It is very costly. Not just for the training, but you need hundreds if not thousands of hours to be considered. If you really want it, your best bet is to see if you can make flight school when you join the Air Force. One thing to keep in mind is that right now they are laying off pilots. I would suggest you finish your law degree.

Answer 5

well ur on the right track, flight training and classes

also, you might want to start somewhere in the air service industry (work in an airport, or maybe get a job as a flight attendant)

I'm also considering being a pilot, and i'm 14 too

but, a physics class probably wouldnt hurt

not just for your resume, but with physics experience,

you can be safer while in flight

and classes in the study of aeronautics



good luck!



hope to be your passenger someday

Answer 6

Im going to give you a step by step.



You can do one of two things. One is enroll into American Flyers. They are located in FL, OH and other places. While there, you will fly 8 hours a day and go through your ratings within months. Example: Provate cert. you need 40 hours. 8 Hours a day, do the math. Also, there are no checkrides. All the instructors are FAA certified.



The second one is a part 141 school. Go to any local airport and ask if they are part 61 or 141. You can do either but 141 will give you better instruction and the Majors will like you better. This option will allow you to pay as you go. Once you log an hour of flight time, it will never go away. In order to get to the majors you will need a few things.



private certificate- (the hardest)

instrument rating - Allows for IFR Flights

multi engine rating- (do I need to explain?)

complex rating- (retractable landing gear and electric flaps)

high performance rating- ( over 200HP usually done with multi engine)

high altitude- (above 12,000 MSL)

commercial rating- (so you can fly for hire)

you will need a minimum of 1,500 hours to qualify for the majors.

Once you are in, you will need a type rating for whatever you are going to fly. Any thing else just ask.

Answer 7

Check your medical Standards here



http://pilots-medical.com