How to Start a Career as an Airline Pilot

Becoming an airline pilot in the United States may seem daunting, but it can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice for those willing to put in the time and effort. Prior to the 2020 global pandemic, airlines were desperately seeking qualified pilots to join their teams due to the increased demand for air travel. Experts predict that the demand will increase again over the next decade, making this a good time to begin training in this field.

Working as an airline pilot can be thrilling for someone who wants to travel the world, but it is not right for everyone. In addition to having the technical skills required to fly a plane, a good pilot needs to be calm, trustworthy, and able to act quickly in case of an emergency.

Before they can begin training, aspiring airline pilots must pass a medical examination to ensure they are fit to fly. To receive their first-class medical certificate through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), pilots must have 20/20 vision (or wear glasses or contacts to give them 20/20 vision), pass a hearing test, and be in good physical and mental health. They also cannot be color-blind. Some factors that can automatically disqualify a candidate from receiving their medical certificate include previous heart conditions, drug abuse, and more than three DUIs on their driving record.

It will take over two years of consistent training and practice to reach the requirements necessary to become a commercial airline pilot. The first step is to obtain private pilot certification by learning the fundamentals of a single-engine plane, logging 40 hours of flight, and passing an FAA-administered test.

Next, aspiring airline pilots must earn their instrument rating qualification, which qualifies them to fly in all weather conditions and requires another 40 hours in the air. Following this, they can train for their commercial pilot certificate, which enables them to earn money as a pilot, and then acquire their flight instructor certificate, so they can teach others while racking up the 1,500 flying hours required for commercial airline pilot jobs.

Pilot schools that guide new pilots through every step of their training can cost between $70,000 and $80,000, but students can also earn during this time by becoming flight instructors. Studies have shown that once a pilot begins their career, it can take eight to 10 years to make their money back from their training.

Many pilots opt to undertake their airline training through the military, where training costs are covered by the government. In addition to having their fees covered, the military route allows pilots to skip traditional flight school and put their flying hours toward the 1,500 needed to become a commercial airline pilot in the future. The disadvantage of pilot training through the military is mandatory military service that could last for many years, and there is often fierce competition.

The costs and training time required to become an airline pilot pay off, with the average salary totaling $80,000-$150,000 a year. Many pilots work at regional airlines before moving to larger international airlines, which pay higher salaries. Though regional airline pilots make less money, it can be a good choice for pilots who want more downtime and flexibility in their schedules. A pilot for a large international airline can make more money and see the world, but it will require more time away from home.

OBAP Programs Prepares Next Generation

Today, it is not uncommon to see airline pilots and aviators from different races and genders in the US. However, almost 45 years ago, there was little diversity in the airline industry. This inspired Ben Thomas, an African-American pilot working with Eastern Airlines, to launch the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP).

The OBAP has advanced a number of programs aimed at preparing aviators from all minority groups. Since its inception in 1976, the organization’s focus has been on helping youth and adults access careers in aviation. While the original group was comprised of pilots, the OBAP has come to encompass all aerospace professionals.

One of the group's many programs is Aerospace Professionals in School (APIS), which introduces children to careers in aerospace at an early age. Children between the ages of 6 to 10, embark on this learning journey by participating in elementary science clubs and career days.

By middle school, students are introduced to career fairs and community events, and given the chance to participate in the Aerospace Career Education Academy. After middle school, the “Boys to Men” and “Girls to Women” program assist students with decision-making skills, conflict management, and time management as a part of a high school program.

Since beginning the program in the early 1990s, APIS has provided 500,000 people with access to careers in aerospace. These young people eventually went on to not only become airline pilots, but also maintenance professionals, flight dispatchers, and business managers, as well as other professionals within the aerospace industry.

The Aerospace Career Education Academy was established in 1992 and initially accommodated 41 students. Through a partnership with and endorsement from the Federal Aviation Administration, OBAP has been able to establish ACE Academies in locations around the country.

Children in middle and high school can attend these week-long programs held during the summer. While enrolled in the academy, students learn about aviation history, the fundamentals of aerodynamics, aerospace technologies, and careers in aerospace. The program has expanded to 35 locations, including locations in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Memphis, and Louisville.

Older children can participate in the OBAP Lt. Colonel Luke Weathers Solo Flight Academy (SFA), which culminates in the chance to fly solo. Designed for children ages 16 to 19, the program provides the foundation of actually learning how to fly a plane. As a part of the program, students participate in 40 hours of cursory and ground schooling covering FAA regulations, navigation, basic engine theory and maneuvers, aircraft performance, basic meteorology, STEM core principles, and the Airman’s Information Manual.

Once students have completed this portion of the course, they get 10 hours of flight time. This particular part of the course involves certified instructors getting students familiar with the aircraft and preflight procedures, and teaching them how to taxi out on the runway and park. They also learn flying techniques such as climbs, glides, takeoffs, and landings, among other skills.

After high school, OBAP supports transitioning children interested in careers in aerospace through college chapters and scholarships. Some of the notable colleges with OBAP chapters include Auburn, Embry-Riddle University, Kent State, and Louisiana Tech.

The organization has also supported its scholarship program through partnerships with various airline organizations. To date, $5.8 million has been awarded to more than 470 students since the scholarship's inception.

The OBAP' Project Aerospace

A nonprofit organization established in 1976, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, or OBAP, is dedicated to encouraging and advancing minorities in the aviation and aerospace professions. To fulfill its mission, OBAP created Project Aerospace, which comprises training, mentoring, and youth-focused education programs, as well as scholarships, to support aspiring aviation professionals while encouraging diversity in the industry.

Project Aerospace impacts more than 100,000 young people each year with opportunities to learn and prepare for their future careers. Besides partnering with carriers and aerospace-related businesses to provide scholarships, Project Aerospace fosters aspiring industry professionals through outreach programs that include Aerospace Professionals In Schools (APIS), the Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy, the Aerospace Professional Development Program (APDP), and the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. Flight Academy (LWFA). Additionally, college and university students can visit one of OBAP’s collegiate chapters for more education, networking, mentoring, and career placement possibilities.

APIS focuses on reaching youth in their schools and giving them opportunities to learn about careers in aerospace and aviation. For children ages six to 10, the APIS curriculum aims to pique their interest in aviation through career days and elementary science clubs. Students in middle school can further their knowledge about the industry through community events and career fairs, among other opportunities.

Meanwhile, the APIS high school curriculum connects OBAP mentors to young adults contemplating higher education and demonstrating interest in the available scholarships in aerospace and aviation. Within the high school curriculum, the extracurricular programs "Girls to Women" and "Boys to Men" teach students about conflict, time management, and decision making.

Through all of these offerings, APIS has helped over 500,000 people since its establishment in 1992.

In addition, middle and high school students can join ACE Academy, which OBAP offers in 35 locations across the country. ACE Academies are weeklong summer programs during which students learn about the fundamentals of aerodynamics, the history of aviation, aerospace technologies, air traffic control procedures, and introductions to aerospace careers. Also established in 1992, ACE Academy has reached over 30,000 youth since then.

APDP also focuses on assisting aspiring aerospace professionals. Besides receiving scholarship and career advancement opportunities, APDP participants have access to mentoring, coaching, workshops, and roundtable discussions with OBAP members who are industry veterans. APDP mentorship provides an industry outlook and an understanding of participants’ professional goals and individual constraints on achieving them.

Finally, OBAP created LWFA in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers Jr., the first African American air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as the first African American to receive the key to the city where he was based (Memphis). A fast-track training program, LWFA is dedicated to offering life-changing training for minority students interested in flying. The program aims to transform a person with no experience into an airline pilot within two to three years.

Types of training available through LWFA include private and instrument training, certified flight instructor training, jet transition training, certified instrument instructor training, and both basic and advanced ground instructor training.