How to become a pilot | Everything you need to know

 

Many students aspire to become a pilot as it is a fulfilling vocation. A pilot is responsible for pre-flight controls of an aircraft, taking off, landing the plane, etc. If you want to know how to become a pilot, then you have landed at the right place! 

This blog covers all the information that can help you become a pilot and get you started. 

But first, why become a pilot?

The rise in the travel and tourism industry has made the aviation sector see a very high demand for qualified staff members, especially pilots. The more qualified staff members in aviation, the more smoothly and pleasantly it will work. 

Now, there are many types of pilots in this industry, and you can choose to become any of these as per your goals. 

• Tourist pilots
• Field pilots
• Government pilots
• Commercial pilots
• Ferry pilots
• Pilots for private jets, and more! 

If you are wondering how to become a pilot, then keep in mind that you should be extremely skilled and trained with the best knowledge available to be a pilot. 

The need for air travel and pilots is only going to increase, therefore, do not wait to begin your career as a pilot. While you prepare for flying high, bear in mind these important points.

1. Find a good aviation school

The answer to your questionhow to become a pilot is right here! 

• First, find a good aviation school based on your long-term goals. You should look for and evaluate several schools to see which one best fits your needs. 
• Additionally, check the fee and course structure before finalizing your training school. 
• You will be taught through emulators, VR, etc. Besides, you will have to complete a certain number of hours of training where you will fly an aircraft based on the rules of the aviation school, region, etc. 
• Some of the best flying schools abroad are:
  • CAE Oxford Aviation Academy
  • Flight Safety Academy, USA
  • Singapore Flying College, Singapore
  • CTC Wings, Europe

2. Requirements to be a pilot

While it’s all exciting to take that first flight as a pilot, there are some requirements that you need to fulfill to prepare for becoming one. These include: 

• You should have completed at least 17 years of age.
• You must possess a high school diploma or a degree equivalent to it.
• Additionally, acquire an FAA medical certificate. 
• You must be available as a full-time student for 5 days a week. 
• As all the communication happens in English, it is always better if you are proficient in the language.
• Make sure that you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond its expiration date. 
• Do not forget to apply for and receive an M1 visa. 

These requirements, when ticked off, will fulfill your dream, and the questionhow to become a pilot will bother you no more! 

3. Course duration

Most countries require you to complete a total flight time of 200 to 250 hours. But, the flying hour requirements depend on various factors. Some of these factors are:

• Socio-economic factors
• Country of origin of the airline
• Internal policies of airlines, etc.

You must also consider the level at which the vacancy is to be filled. Besides, note that the minimum number of flying hours required for inexperienced co-pilots, experienced co-pilots, and captains are different. 

4. How much does a pilot earn?

There is no doubt that pilots earn a handsome amount for the hard work they put in to take passengers safely from one destination to another.

The below-mentioned points determine their salaries: 

• Their experience, flying hours in total, and the rank they have attained.
• The total experience in years that a pilot has worked with the airlines. 
• The type of airline, domestic or international, and the salary policies.
• The type of aircraft a pilot operates. Some aircraft are small, whereas planes like airbus are heavy and require the pilot to be more skilled and be more cautious. 
• And lastly, the route they are covering; the longer the duration, the higher the pay.

All in all, a pilot’s salary can be around $73,849 to $1,24,976 per year, and the salary of co-pilots is around $39,765 per year. 

It is also important to keep in mind that pilots are in demand in today’s time, which adds to the high salaries.

Parting Words! 

So, are you excited to be in the cockpit of a plane? If yes, then begin this exciting journey by ticking off all the points that are mentioned above. 

Also, there are many flying schools abroad that can help you be the kind of pilot you want to become. So, research well while selecting a flying school and lay your plans accordingly. 

If you are still confused about how to become a pilot or want us to add any more information, reach out to us!

All the best! 

FAQs 

Q1. How much does it cost to become a pilot?

Answer- Talking about the USA, it costs around $200,000 to become a CPL-certified pilot. Remember, as a pilot, you must have a first-class medical certificate. This certificate has the most strict medical requirements. The holder of a medical certificate must be mentally and physically fit to obtain this certificate. 

Q2. At what age do pilots retire? 

Answer- The typical retirement age for pilots is around 60-65. Pilots who are over this age are not permitted to fly planes. 

Q3. What are the working hours of pilots? 

Answer- Pilots have different routes depending on their workload; some involve going to a location and coming back, taking up weeks. Others who take up domestic flights can go home every day. Most pilots choose to live near the airport as it makes it easier for them to go home.