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Although you can see aircraft driving as a hobby, there is more to the profession. Commercial pilots are aviation experts who control and pilot passenger and cargo aircraft. Some are in charge of flying charter planes, applying crop dusting, and taking aerial photographs. Depending on the training, background, and credentials, these professionals may also pilot aircraft used in search and rescue missions.
Pursuing a career as a commercial pilot is an excellent path to trend. They perform the following tasks as part of their usual responsibilities:
There are usually two pilots operating larger aircraft — the captain and the first officer. The captain is in charge of the crew and the airplane. The second pilot, also called the first officer, is the captain’s assistant in flying the aircraft and takes control when needed. Additionally, the second pilot frequently converses with the people in the control tower and executes remedial actions.
Commercial pilots have great vision and can simultaneously judge distances to objects while keeping an eye on various aircraft controls. They pay great attention and ensure that everything is in perfect working condition. Even a minor control adjustment can significantly affect the plane’s performance.
Commercial pilots are also expected to complete a report after landing outlining the flight’s occurrences and any problems or repairs that should be attended to.
Word around is that flying and operating an airplane is not a big deal if you are equipped with the proper instruction. However, it takes a long time to learn if you want to pursue a career in this field. Below are listed the main steps to take:
The first step is earning a certificate as a private pilot. Learning the fundamentals of aviation and laying a solid basis for more complex aircraft operations are part of the training required to get a pilot certification. It is advisable to start by learning how to fly a single-engine aircraft before proceeding to larger, more advanced ones.
It takes an average of 40 hours of hands-on training before you can become a private pilot. According to the standard training regimen, the first half of the time is for classroom instructions, and the other half is for solo flights. The average cost of getting a private license is around $9.9K, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
A current first- or second-class medical certificate is another requirement you must meet before you can proceed in your career. However, you must first demonstrate to an aviation medical examiner that you are physically and mentally fit to acquire this. You will be required to pass these exams throughout your career, even after employment. Captains must pass a physical exam every six months, and other airline pilots must pass the test at least once a year.
Getting an instrument rating is the following line of action. The instrument rating is a list of credentials you must possess before driving an aircraft per the Instrument Flight Rules. This credential also gives pilots the qualification to fly aircraft regardless of weather conditions. However, you must have passed tutorials and assignments in instrument flying and meteorology before being qualified to have this credential.
Getting a license to fly commercially is the next stage. However, to attain this feat, you must fly a large aircraft for at least ten hours and have all the desired abilities expected from commercial aviators. Additionally, you must have completed nothing less than 250 flight hours, out of which you will operate as a lead pilot for 100 hours and another 50 hours of flying internationally. The average cost of getting a license to become a commercial aviator is around $20K. You can get legally paid for your services if you have the permit.
It is expected of you to have real-life flying experience as a pilot. For instance, all commercial pilots must have at least 1,500 hours of real-life flight time. It is also one of the prerequisites for obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot license.
You shouldn’t have any issue training newbies just coming to the profession as an expert in the aviation industry. Hence, the need for you to work towards becoming a certified instructor.
Experienced pilots with this certificate have vast employment diversities, making them eligible for several roles in the aviation industry.
Another option for people who want to become commercial airline pilots is to get their training through the military. After one year in the pilot school, you will sign up for a certain number of years in the military (in the Air Force, this is a ten-year commitment). In addition, you’ll need to have completed college coursework, be in good physical condition, and meet additional prerequisites.
There is no assurance that you will finish your military flight training on time or that you can fly a particular aircraft. However, you’ll get the best instructions in the training that will be useful throughout your career.
It also helps to prepare yourself mentally for the military lifestyle; it is not something you should get into lightly. You’ll have to obey commands, take chances with your safety, and employ deadly force. The military is probably not the greatest choice if you are unprepared for this.
You will be qualified to fly as a professional aviator once you have received your licenses and accumulated the necessary flight hours. You can also prepare yourself for any opportunity that comes your way by getting your hands on anything that can help you grow your career.
Salary ranges for commercial aviators might change depending on the position, experience level, and organization. Additionally, salaries may vary depending on the pilot’s geographic or regional location.
Below are some questions you might have in mind while pursuing a career in the aviation industry:
The profession requires that you possess a high level of technical expertise. According to many seasoned pilots, taking control of the crew, passengers, and the whole aircraft is the most challenging aspect of the job.
Completed extensive coursework, tutorials, and flying hours are a must. The profession also requires a lot of commitment, hard work, and devotion.
Colleges and Universities do not have any academic courses that are expressly geared toward flying aircraft, unlike in architecture and other science-related fields. However, prospective commercial pilots may find it helpful to have a strong foundation in science and math. Studying geography and a foreign language also improves your work prospects. When applying for jobs as an aviator, knowing these topics could offer you an edge over the competitors.
It is unnecessary to hold a bachelor’s degree to work as an aviator. However, some airlines demand that applicants have a bachelor’s degree alongside the actual flying experience.
Undoubtedly, earning a bachelor’s degree will increase your chances of employment in the aviation industry.
