What are the Requirements To Become a Commercial Airline Pilot?

Do you love flying? Interested in doing it for a living? If so, you may want to become a commercial airline pilot.

In this article, we'll talk about what commercial airline pilots do, the skills they need to have, and the requirements you'll need to meet to become one.

What Does a Commercial Airline Pilot Do?

Commercial airline pilots are responsible for transporting goods and passengers via plane and helicopter, usually over relatively short distances.

Some commercial pilots operate rescue planes and helicopters, while others fly crop dusters and firefighting planes.

Commercial airline pilots perform various job duties including:

• preparing flight plans and submitting them to air traffic control
• checking the condition of the plane before and after each flight
• monitoring all aircraft sensors and systems while in flight
• handling emergencies and inclement weather
• communicating with air traffic control and other members of the flight crew

Commercial airline pilots primarily work for non-scheduled air transportation services. They may also work for scheduled air transportation, for support and ambulance services, and as instructors at flight schools.

They may be subjected to harmful chemicals, unsafe working conditions, and high levels of stress.

Commercial airline pilots rarely spend nights far from their home, but they may work long or nonstandard hours depending on the needs of their employer.

What Skills Are Required To Become a Commercial Airline Pilot?

Commercial airline pilots must be skilled at flying planes and helicopters of various kinds. They need to have excellent vision and depth perception.

Commercial pilots must be able to remain calm under pressure and act definitively during stressful situations. They must have good reflexes and an ability to react quickly and appropriately.

They should have strong communication and interpersonal skills since they must be able to speak clearly over the radio and interact professionally with other members of the flight crew.

They must be good problem-solvers, willing to adjust their plans due to changes in weather or flying conditions as necessary.

Finally, they are highly observant and pay strict attention to detail. This quality helps them accurately monitor the plane's systems while in flight and respond appropriately to changing circumstances.

So, are you wondering what the steps are to become a commercial airline pilot? Keep reading to learn more.

Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

Obtaining a bachelor's degree isn't always necessary, but it will give you a better chance of getting hired as a commercial airline pilot. Many employers prefer or require pilots to hold a bachelor's degree.

Most aspiring pilots pursue a degree in engineering, transportation, or a related field. That said, any bachelor's degree is acceptable.

If your school offers a bachelor's degree in aviation, aviation science, or a similar field, this would be the ideal program to pursue.

Regardless of the program you choose, it will take about four years of full-time study to obtain your bachelor's degree.

Step 2: Pursue Flight Training

Next, you'll need to enter a flight training program. These are typically available through trade or technical schools as well as specialized flight schools.

If you are enrolled in an aviation-related degree program, flight training may be included as part of your bachelor's degree.

Alternatively, if you already have experience serving as a pilot in the military, you will not need to receive separate civilian flight training.

These training programs commonly comprise 40 total hours of training.

You will spend 20 hours with an instructor, learning the basics of aviation and plane operation. Then, you will need to accrue 20 hours of solo flight experience.

Following this training, you will be able to attain a private pilot's license.

At this point, you will need to obtain an instrument rating, which may require additional training in meteorology and other subjects if this was not included as part of your flight training or education.

Step 3: Accumulate Flight Hours

Before you can become a commercial pilot, you will need to gain flying experience. There are strict requirements regarding the number of flight hours you need to have to obtain a commercial license.

Specifically, you need to have at least 250 hours of total flight time, 100 hours as the pilot-in-command, 50 hours of cross-country experience, and 10 hours of solo flight experience.

Much of this experience must be gained while operating an airplane.

Step 4: Get a Commercial Pilot's License

Once you have met all requirements for training and flight experience, you can apply for a commercial pilot's license.

To obtain your license, you'll need to take a two-part examination. The first part is a written test containing 100 questions. You'll need to score at least 70% to pass the test.

The second part is a practical skills test. An evaluator will observe your flight skills and safety management, awarding you a Temporary Airman Certificate if you pass this portion of the test.

You can then use this certificate to obtain your commercial pilot's license.

Step 5: Pursue Optional Certifications

As you gain experience as a commercial pilot, you may want to broaden your career opportunities. You can pursue additional certifications and credentials to do this.

If you are interested in teaching flight to the next generation of pilots, consider obtaining the Certified Flying Instructor (CFI) credential.

On the other hand, if you would like to work for passenger airlines, you can pursue the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. This will require a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time and a bachelor's degree.

Again, these distinctions are not required, but they can help you pursue new opportunities in your career.

Become a Commercial Airline Pilot Today

If you are interested in becoming a commercial airline pilot, follow the steps outlined above to meet all requirements and pursue a rewarding career.