The most challenging element of learning to fly an actual airplane is not whether your career goal is to become an airline pilot. Being given control of an airplane, its crew, passengers, and cargo involves more than just the technical requirements of flying an aircraft, even huge commercial jets, which can be learned by virtually anyone with enough motivation. The required experience comes with a considerable time and financial investment.
The idea that airplanes fly themselves has become cliched due to the advancement of aircraft technology. And while it might be the case when everything goes as planned, this isn’t always the case. Pilots for airlines must be able to handle huge aircraft, make decisions that are in the best interests of everyone on board, and do so under challenging circumstances. Therefore, prospective airline pilots should have a broad education in addition to flight experience. Airlines particularly prize pilots with military flying experience and the leadership qualities that frequently accompany it.
Pilots working for large commercial airlines are required to hold bachelor’s degrees. If your dream is to one day fly a big commercial jet, acquire your bachelor’s degree. Some smaller, regional airlines might only deᴍᴀɴd a two-year degree. Even though it’s not required, your best bet may be to pursue a degree in aviation if you know from the start that becoming a commercial airline pilot is what you want to accomplish.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Requirements
Candidates must possess an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate in order to be hired by an airline as a first officer or co-pilot. Candidates must: in addition to passing the relevant knowledge and practical tests:
Be at least 23 years old
possess a commercial pilot’s license with a rating in instruments have logged a minimum of 1,500 hours in total as a pilot have at least 50 hours in a multi-engine aircraft under your belt Prospective airline pilots won’t be able to complete all of these prerequisites by enrolling in flight school or an academic aviation program. Working as a flight teacher is a popular way to accrue the required hours and obtain beneficial experience.
Let’s see On the Path to Becoming an American Airlines Pilot in the ᴀᴡᴇsome video below.
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Video resource: ATP Flight School