Many dream of taking to the skies. There are many ways to become a pilot, and many different careers one can have as a pilot.The first and most important step one must take is to decide they really want to become a pilot. This sounds simple, but becoming a pilot requires effort, and a large financial investment.
The first training step is in obtaining a private pilot license. This requires dual flight training (with an instructor), and solo training (without an instructor). One must learn aircraft handling, take-offs landings, and emergency procedures. A flight test is required for the private pilot license. In addition to flight training, ground school is required. Topics such as: air law, theory of flight, meteorology, human factors, and operations are covered. A written test is required for the private pilot license. The private pilot license gives the holder the privilege of flying an aircraft and passengers, but not for a salary.
For those wishing to pursue a career as a pilot, the next step is the commercial pilot’s license. The commercial pilot’s license requires the candidate fly more solo hours, including cross-country flying. Advanced dual training, and flying by reference to instruments are also required. The student must obtain at least 200 hours, and complete another flight test. Additional ground school is also required, and another written exam. The commercial pilot’s license gives the holder the privilege of flying for a salary.
A commercial pilot’s license is necessary to start a career as a pilot, be seldom sufficient. To get the airline job, or even a first job, additional ratings are usually necessary.
The multi-engine rating allows the holder to fly an aircraft with more than one engine. The student will train on the flight characteristics of a multi-engine aircraft, as well as engine-out procedures. A flight test is required.
The instrument rating allows the holder the ability to fly an aircraft in weather below the minimum required for visual flight rules [VFR]. A written and a flight test are required. The instrument rating is required for charter, corporate and airline flying.
Often a pilot needs to build hours before joining an airline or corporate department. A popular way of doing this is with an instructor’s rating. This allows the holder to teach others to fly. It is a good way to build hours, and many find this the most enjoyable job in their career. Some pilots even become career instructors and eventually become flight test examiners or work with the air transport division of their government.
Many career paths and many career opportunities await individuals who want to become pilots. It takes a lot of work and commitment to become a pilot, but the rewards can be tremendous.
The first training step is in obtaining a private pilot license. This requires dual flight training (with an instructor), and solo training (without an instructor). One must learn aircraft handling, take-offs landings, and emergency procedures. A flight test is required for the private pilot license. In addition to flight training, ground school is required. Topics such as: air law, theory of flight, meteorology, human factors, and operations are covered. A written test is required for the private pilot license. The private pilot license gives the holder the privilege of flying an aircraft and passengers, but not for a salary.
For those wishing to pursue a career as a pilot, the next step is the commercial pilot’s license. The commercial pilot’s license requires the candidate fly more solo hours, including cross-country flying. Advanced dual training, and flying by reference to instruments are also required. The student must obtain at least 200 hours, and complete another flight test. Additional ground school is also required, and another written exam. The commercial pilot’s license gives the holder the privilege of flying for a salary.
A commercial pilot’s license is necessary to start a career as a pilot, be seldom sufficient. To get the airline job, or even a first job, additional ratings are usually necessary.
The multi-engine rating allows the holder to fly an aircraft with more than one engine. The student will train on the flight characteristics of a multi-engine aircraft, as well as engine-out procedures. A flight test is required.
The instrument rating allows the holder the ability to fly an aircraft in weather below the minimum required for visual flight rules [VFR]. A written and a flight test are required. The instrument rating is required for charter, corporate and airline flying.
Often a pilot needs to build hours before joining an airline or corporate department. A popular way of doing this is with an instructor’s rating. This allows the holder to teach others to fly. It is a good way to build hours, and many find this the most enjoyable job in their career. Some pilots even become career instructors and eventually become flight test examiners or work with the air transport division of their government.
Many career paths and many career opportunities await individuals who want to become pilots. It takes a lot of work and commitment to become a pilot, but the rewards can be tremendous.
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