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.
