Pilots are required to undergo rigorous training before they can fly commercial aircraft. This means that pilots need to pass exams and complete several years of flight school.
You might also be wondering whether you need a college degree to become a pilot.
While it’s not always a requirement to become a pilot, having a relevant degree in a subject like aerospace engineering can be very beneficial for someone who wants to become a pilot.
In this article, we’ll be going over everything you need to know and do to become a fully-fledged pilot.
What Does A Pilot Do?
Pilots are responsible for safely transporting passengers from point A to B.
They also ensure that planes don’t crash into each other during take-off and landing. In addition to these responsibilities, pilots are also responsible for maintaining the safety of their passengers.
In fact, a pilot is generally responsible for the safe operation of an airplane.
They’re usually employed by airlines, but there are other jobs available within the aviation industry too. For example, some people work as air traffic controllers, while others work at airports.
How Long Is The Training Process?
The first thing you should know about becoming a pilot is how long it will take.
It varies from person to person, depending on your experience level and what type of job you want. However, most people spend between four and six years studying for their license.
The FAA requires all pilots to have either a private pilot certificate (PPL) or commercial pilot certificate (CPC). These licenses allow you to operate small airplanes such as Cessnas and light jets.
There are two types of certificates:
- Private Pilot Certificate (PPL): This allows you to operate single-engine landplanes weighing less than 12,500 pounds.
- Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPC): This allows you to fly multi-engine airplanes weighing more than 12,500 pounds and carrying up to 150 passengers.
You must hold one of these certificates before you can apply for your airline pilot position.
What Skills Do You Need To Be A Pilot?
Before you even think about applying for a pilot position, you need to make sure you meet certain requirements. If you don’t, then you won’t be able to get hired.
Here are some of the skills you need to possess if you want to become a pilot:
- Knowledge of aerodynamics
- Knowledge of physics
- Knowledge of navigation
- Excellent communication skills (both with colleagues and passengers)
- Fluency in English
- Teamwork skills
- The ability to remain calm under pressure
Do I Need A Degree To Be A Commercial Pilot?
If you want to become a commercial pilot, then you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Most universities offer programs that teach students about aviation and help them prepare for careers as pilots.
Most schools require applicants to have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Some schools may require a higher GPA.
However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a master’s program. Master’s degrees provide students with additional training, which helps them perform better when they enter the workforce.
Do I Need A Degree To Be An Airline Pilot?
As we stated, to become an airline pilot, you’ll need to complete a Bachelor’s degree in a related subject. Many schools offer programs that teach students everything they need to know about flying.
Some universities also offer specialized courses that focus on specific areas of aviation. For example, you could study flight operations management, aircraft maintenance, or human factors engineering.
Airline companies often hire graduates of top-ranked colleges and universities. As a result, they tend to look favorably upon applications from students who graduated from prestigious institutions.
Accelerated Degrees
Many airlines now offer accelerated degrees. These programs combine classroom learning with hands-on training.
They’re designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your career as a pilot.
For instance, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management. It combines academic coursework with practical training in the form of internships and co-op placements.
In addition, Embry-Riddles’ School of Aerospace Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Aircraft
Maintenance Technology. Students learn how to maintain and repair planes.
How Much Does It Cost To Become A Pilot?
Getting into college is expensive. But once you’re there, you’ll pay tuition fees every year until you graduate.
The cost of getting a bachelor’s degree depends on where you go to school.
However, the average annual cost of attending a public institution ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. At private universities, the price tag averages around $40,000 per year.
Many airlines offer scholarships and other financial aid to qualified applicants. These scholarships can cover all or part of your tuition costs.
In addition, most airlines will pay for your living expenses while you attend school. They do this through their own employee benefits programs.
How Long Is The Average Time To Complete A Pilot Training Program?
Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, it takes between two and four years to complete your pilot training program.
During this time, you’ll learn how to operate different types of planes and gain experience working as a crew member.
You’ll also take several exams that test your knowledge of aviation. Once you pass these tests, you’ll receive your license to fly.
How Much Money Will I Make As A Pilot?
This depends on where you live, but the average salary for a pilot working for an airline is around $93,000 per year. That’s higher than the national average salary of $52,000.
However, if you get hired by a smaller company, then you may only earn much less than that.
If you decide to work for a regional airline, then you may make even less money. Regional airlines tend to pay less because they don’t offer international flights.
Conclusion
Pilot jobs are among the best-paying careers out there. If you want to become one, then you should consider studying at a university that specializes in aviation.
You’ll be better prepared when you enter the job market. Plus, you’ll have access to valuable resources like flight simulators.
You might also find that some airlines offer scholarships to help offset the cost of your education.
Regardless of how you become a pilot, it’ll take a lot of hard work, so it’s better to get started sooner rather than later!
I decided to create this source of knowledge from my own experiences, in the hopes of helping budding pilots to get through their training.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a pilot or are in the middle of your training, I hope that this website and my knowledge comes of some benefit to you. I’d love to think that my website made your experience a little less stressful and a lot more fun!
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