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How to Become a Commercial Pilot

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By Chuck


There is More than One Route to a Career in Commercial Aviation

A commercial pilot in the U.S. is a person who is allowed to be paid for flying. Before you can be paid for flying any type of aircraft you must meet these minimum FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) requirements:

- Be at least 18 years of age.

- Be able to read, speak, write and understand English.

- Hold a private pilot certificate or higher license from the FAA

- Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of a commercial pilot license that apply to the aircraft category (type of plane) and commercial class rating (type of work) sought.

- Take and pass the knowledge test.

- Pass the practical flying test.



An American Airlines Jet at gate of Tucson International Airport
Frontier Airlines at the gate at Tucson International Airport
Frontier Airlines at the gate at Tucson International Airport
Small Corporate Jet - another option for Commercial Pilots
Small Corporate Jet - another option for Commercial Pilots
A Northwest Airlines taxing at Las Vegas Airport
A Northwest Airlines taxing at Las Vegas Airport
Wind sock at Las Vegas Airport provides pilots with last minute info on wind for take off
Wind sock at Las Vegas Airport provides pilots with last minute info on wind for take off

You Have Options

As can be surmised from the list above, there is a wide range of commercial flying licenses and we are talking about more than being a commercial airline pilot. There are a couple of routes that you can take to become a commercial pilot. One would be to attend flight school and train yourself. Most cities have flight schools that train people for their private pilot license, which is required before you can obtain any type of commercial license. Many of these schools also offer training for commercial pilot licenses for small propeller driven aircraft. For jets and large commercial airliners (both passenger airliners which the airlines use as well as air cargo haulers like Federal Express) you will need to go to one of the smaller number of schools that specialize in this type of training. Most of these schools are located in the southern part of the U.S. where there is good flying weather year round. Even if you do go through and earn a license to fly the big jets that the airlines use, most major airlines will still require that you complete their flight school.

A second, no cost way of obtaining a pilot’s license is to join the Air Force and have them train you as a pilot for free. This costs nothing in terms of cash (you will actually get paid while going through flight school) but you will have to fly for the Air Force for a set number of years. Upon leaving the Air Force you will have the license, training and experience which, depending upon what type of aircraft you flew for the Air Force, may or may not transfer directly to a commercial civilian aircraft. However, with some additional training in a particular aircraft type, you will be able to qualify for employment as a commercial pilot with an airline or a company. Again, In the case of major airlines they will not only provide the training but usually require that you go through their training school regardless of your background and experience (as an airline employee, you will be paid to attend their school). While your military flying experience will not lead directly to an airline flying job, it will be a big plus in their deciding to hire you.

The final suggestion is to look abroad. The U.S. has a well developed aviation industry, but many countries abroad have a small aviation industry that is just now developing. People in these countries are becoming wealthier and want to fly more, so demand for airline services – both passenger and freight services – is increasing and airline companies in these countries are eager to hire pilots. With a commercial license and some experience you can often have them hire you and pay for the remainder of your training.

 

Flight Simulator view of Pilot Training


A number of people who have left comments have asked about the requirements for becoming a pilot and for getting into pilot school.  As I said in some of my responses to comments, I don't have enough information to these specific questions. 

My advice to those of you who would like a career in commercial aviation, is that you take time to check out your options by searching the Internet.  First, check out flight schools and then check out their requirements.  As I mentioned in the Hub, there are a number of different options for commercial flying besides simply piloting major commercial passenger carriers.  There are freight carriers, smaller regional passenger airlines, charter planes, etc.  Licensing and other requirements will vary depending upon the type of planes and type of carriers as well as from nation to nation. 

In the link capsule at the right, I have included some links I got from the rusults  of Google searches using terms "airline flight schools", "airline flight schools Europe", and "airline flight schools Asia".  These are just three quick searches that yielded names and websites for flight schools.  Studying the information on the sites could either give you the answer to your questions or ideas for further search terms.

 

Flaps up to slow down at Cleveland Airport
Flaps up to slow down at Cleveland Airport
Taxing after landing at Cleveland Airport
Taxing after landing at Cleveland Airport
Runway marker at Cleveland Airport
Runway marker at Cleveland Airport
Taxing to terminal at Cleveland Airport
Taxing to terminal at Cleveland Airport
Refueling at Cleveland Airport
Refueling at Cleveland Airport
Cleveland Airport Control Tower
Cleveland Airport Control Tower

Commercial Aviation in the News

  • Loosening the Reins on Private Aviation in ChinaNew York Times7 hours ago

    If regulatory hurdles in China can be cleared, demand prospects in the private jet market are bright.

  • Commercial airline premiums rise, but underwriters hoped for moreBusiness Insurance2 days ago

    Insurance premiums for commercial airlines are increasing, but not as much as expected, according to aviation brokers.

  • Director of Singapore Aviation Firm SentencedThe Aero-News Network3 days ago

    Illegally Exported Controlled Aircraft Components To Iran Laura Wang-Woodford, a U.S. citizen who served as a director of Monarch Aviation Pte Ltd., a Singapore company that imported and exported military and commercial aircraft components for more than 20 years, was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Brooklyn to 46 months in prison.

  • EAGLE CREEK TAKES DELIVERY OF 12TH EMBRAER PHENOM 100 JETdBusinessNews.com6 hours ago

    INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.— Eagle Creek Aviation Services, Inc. announced that last week it had taken delivery of the eighth Phenom 100 from its order of 17 Phenom 100’s. Additionally the company has assisted four additional owners with the acceptance and delivery of their Phenoms, for a total of 12 Phenom deliveries to date.

  • Airport check-in: Detroit Metro backs business centerUSA Today31 hours ago

    Proposed development project envisions drawing aviation-related and e-commerce businesses to the area around the airport.

  • Google to sponsor free Wi-Fi at JIAJacksonville Daily Record6 hours ago

    “We have improved the security process since 9/11 and people are starting to experience some free time between the time they get through security and the time they have to get on the plane,” said Michael Stewart, director of external affairs for the Aviation Authority.

  • Aysha Al Hamili to represent UAE at ICAOâs councilKhaleej Times14 hours ago

    ABU DHABI -Making significant strides to change regional aviation history, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), confirmed the appointment of the UAE’s first Emirati as a permanent representative of the UAE on the council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

  • UAE Striving for Air Traffic Control Investment, Safety and Sustainability at Gathering of Region's ATC LeadersZawya10 hours ago

    09 November 2009 ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates /PRNewswire/ -- Air traffic control and aviation growth, capacity, plans and challenges will be explored and debated by regional and international ATC leaders at the ATC Global Middle East Conference, taking place in Abu Dhabi this December.

RSS for comments on this Hub

Amal  says:
2 years ago

be a pilot . it's my dream.being an indian it is very tough to achieve my goal.

the main barrier is the money itself.

so send some remedies

your's faithfully Amal

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
2 years ago

Amal, as I stated in the article, two possibilities for obtaining the necessary flight training without having to pay cash for it is to look into joining your country's air force and having them train you or try to find a an airline (small regional airline or air freight service) at home or abroad that is desperate for pilots and will provide the necessary training when they hire you. Good luck.

hubber profile image

hubber  says:
2 years ago

I always wanted to become a pilot. But, my eye site has never been any good.

karukera profile image

karukera  says:
2 years ago

geeez what a great hub!!! 2 thumbs up

if you have time come check mine

http://hubpages.com/hub/Fin_any_cell_phone_number

see ya ;-)

kirupa  says:
2 years ago

I want a good adviceon " how to become a pilot with expenses ".

luv   says:
2 years ago

hallo sir. im from india. i want to become a commercial pilot but i dont know the best institutions in the world especially in US and south africa & their fees structure. so can u plz tell me about them. i would be grateful to u. u can also send the details on my email id.

William F. Torpey profile image

William F. Torpey  says:
2 years ago

I'm not planning to become a commercial pilot (at age 72), but I enjoyed reading about it and watching the video. Very nice.

anthony h  says:
2 years ago

do you need a student pilot lisence before you receive your private lisence?

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
2 years ago

Anthony - thanks for your comment. Not being a pilot myself (I was a navigator in the Air Force and thus have considerable cockpit time as well as having spent considerable time with pilots) I can't answer for certain but I believe that you do need some type of student license before you can receive a private pilot license (at least in the United States).

rahul bhatu  says:
2 years ago

from any stream can we can become a comm pilot , from whre to get FAA crtificate or private pilot certificate what are the aeronautical requirements how much percentage after 12 std ,and what todo after 12 , its my foremost dream sir plz let me know through e mail the answers of the above queeries as early as possible my yahoo id is rambo_321 @yahoo.com

Sanjay  says:
2 years ago

Sir, My dream is to bcome a pilot. But i dont know how to become a pilot.So,please tell me what should be the qualities,rules and regulations to become a pilot.How to apply for it.

krishna murthy  says:
2 years ago

i completed my +2 (maths physics chemistry) from board of national institute of open schooling is my qualification eligible for the pilot course and also iam 19 years of age.

Sanjay kumar  says:
2 years ago

My dream is to become a pilot.But i dont know how to become......Can you please tell me how to become???????????????

SUDHIN  says:
2 years ago

Respected sir/madam,

i am very much interested to become an Indian Piolot, Can u pls guide me about the qualification and courses based on this field. My e-mail ID is sudhin_prince @yahoo.co.in

dav   says:
2 years ago

how long is it from start to finish to go for an airline and what is the youngest pilot out their for an airline

ADAM  says:
2 years ago

I would like to become a pilot but really dont intend on joining the Air Force how can i get hired to a large comm company? PLEASE E-MAIL me akturk_adem@yahoo.com

ambresh kohli  says:
2 years ago

i want to be a commercial pilot and i think i should fulfil my requirments . So you please send me information that which subjects i have to take to be a part of your air lines From Ambreesh kohli

Gaurav  says:
2 years ago

hey guys,heard abt this company called Caital Flight Training based in New Delhi,India...they send students to amazing flying schools in US,Philippines,South Africa,etc...also have awesome Simulator set up along with ground classes...a person is truly guided the right way and helps you save money in US....

Iam a brand loyal to that company now...call them for more details...011-41638521,98111-82842,fly@capitalflight.net

vinod  says:
2 years ago

Hi kirupa...This is vinod from coimbatore..i saw ur article..U have asked that how to become a pilot with expenses..I don know wheather u have asked this question serioiusly??because i m sitting without money to join in madras flying club or not even collateral security to get loan but u have asked that....anyway best of luck....if u wish give me a call @ 9894680019 and my mail id is vinod_theist@yahoo.co.in

creatingwealth profile image

creatingwealth  says:
2 years ago

Perhaps it's not easy to pass the practical flying test.

johnr54 profile image

johnr54  says:
2 years ago

The problem these days is that it is really hard to get on with the major airlines in the US, and the smaller regional jets don't pay much at all. I think it helps to have a college degree in the area these days as well.

sanjay  says:
2 years ago

sir,my wish is to become a commercial pilot.so kindly please tell me how to become a commercial pilot.

cyndeehaydon profile image

cyndeehaydon  says:
2 years ago

I have the greatest respect for commercial pilots - and it's only getting more challenging. The scary thing is you finally become a commercial pilot and in this market place you get layed off - excellent hub!!

aaron  says:
2 years ago

uhm.. what course in college will i take o be a pilot? is aeraunotical engineering already fit for me to be a pilot?? just asking???

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
2 years ago

aaron - thanks for your comment. As to studying aeronautical engineering in preparation for a career as a commercial pilot, I doubt that it is required but it certainly would not hurt and would help in understanding your aircraft and the principles of flight.

Jeffrayteta12 profile image

Jeffrayteta12  says:
2 years ago

Great Hub. . More informative for those who wants to become a commercial pilot. Thanks for your hard effort to pull all the information into your hub and for sharing. I like this hub and rated 5*. I have bookmarked this hub to come back again. Here is a similar kind of interesting and informative site about Cost Of Private Jets on http://www.privatejetscenter.com/cost-of-private-j Please step into this site if you are free to surf more information about Cost Of Private Jets.

TravelMonkey profile image

TravelMonkey  says:
2 years ago

hi chuck

i enrolled in a pilot's school but dismissed for being a diminutive monkey. Very unfair! Still great hub.

TravelMonkey

caseysellers02 profile image

caseysellers02  says:
2 years ago

What a great hub! You did a wonderful job and I'm giving you five stars for that. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on this topic. I was planning to be a pilot before but for some reasons I didn't pursue it. You made it look so easy to be a pilot and that awakens that long dream of mine. Let me share to you a lens that I find helpful and informative too. http://www.privatejetscenter.com They provide inforamtions on air charter by jets, its different kinds and features and much more.

Amarbir  says:
2 years ago

i just want to know that can i do fying with specticles

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
2 years ago

Amarbir - that would depend upon your overall eyesight, government regulations and individual airline policy.

dhroov siwatch  says:
2 years ago

i want to become pilot, plz. tell me crietyarea essential in comm. pilot. also about fees.

Sunny Kumar  says:
2 years ago

How much total cost to become a commercial pilot

i do i need to become a pilot for example school diploma ans what else

Trsmd profile image

Trsmd  says:
2 years ago

Can anyone tell me what is the reason behind this Page Rank of 100?

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
2 years ago

Sunny Kumar - the cost to become a commercial pilot will vary depending upon the cost of the filght schools and training that you choose. The types of training and acceptable schools may also vary depending upon the requirments of the airline for which you want to work.

ngureco profile image

ngureco  says:
18 months ago

What a great hub Chuck you’ve posted here. You have done a great job here. It is true you need not only financial, academic and physical qualifications but you should have a high degree of alertness to do well as a commercial pilot.

Trsmd is wondering how you get a PR of 100. Trsmd, this has not only got to do with the quality of the hub, but there are other factors that are being considered not only here at hubpage but everywhere else in internet. I have done a good hub on this, “Page Ranking Flow Diagrams” which you can read if you can.

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
18 months ago

Thank you ngureco for your comment.

Having written over 300 Hubs, I have often been surprised by the results of some of them and have spent time analyzing the ratings and comments to try to determine what sells and what doesn't (I just looked at your http://hubpages.com/hub/Page-Rank-Flow-Diagrams Hub and plan to incorporate the tools and ideas you discussed there into my analysis in the future.

This particular Hub was one my my entries in the contest that HubPages ran in the Fall of 2006. Following the contest I published a Hub http://hubpages.com/hub/How_to_Continue_Winning_Wi

in which I reflected on the contest and made it clear that I had actively participated in the contest both to win in the short term and to also lay a foundation for future Google AdSense earnings by having written articles on topics that viewers had expressed an interest in (as I mentioned in that Hub, I also took care to maintain other quality areas along with promoting the Hubs - all of which are explained in more detail in the Hub).

My prediction proved true as many of the Hubs I wrote fro the contest in the Fall of 2006 (and this Hub on How to Be a Commercial Pilot is one of them) continue to draw readers and generate revenue for me. In the case of this Hub I tried to write clearly and accurately (it was revised, spell checked and proof read more than once before being published), tried to keep my audience in mind and write for them and tried to keep it short and too the point. More importantly, it was written in response to requests for that topic from people who visited HubPages.

Frankly, I would have never thought to write this Hub on my own. However, the interesting thing is that many of the comments on this Hub are from people living abroad. From this I have concluded that much of the traffic that visits this particular Hub (and the companion one http://hubpages.com/hub/How_to_Become_a_Fighter_Pi ) is from abroad. This is further backed up when I check my Traffic Sources (found by clicking on the "My Account" and then clicking on "Traffic Sources" on the drop down menu) and see the volume of traffic that comes from abroad as evidenced by the number of search engines (including Google and Yahoo) that have a country code (such as .uk for United Kingdom, or .in for India) rather than a .com at the end (see my Hub http://hubpages.com/hub/Cyber_Geography_Internet_C for a list of country codes and the countries they represent). While flying is common in the U.S. and commercial pilot jobs here are difficult to get as airlines continue to cut back on benefits and even lay off pilots, the economies of nations like India are developing rapidly and people in these countries are using their new wealth to travel which is leading to an increased demand for commercial airline pilots in those nations. Good pay, high status and growing demand for commercial pilots in countries like India it is not surprising that people are seeking information on how to get into that field.

It is my strong belief that it is very important to know your audience and keep them in mind when writing. That is why I make a point of reading every comment, reading Hub pages of others and looking at the comments they receive and regularly check my traffic sources to keep tabs on who my audience is (another trick I have found is to go to Google and check my AdSense earnings throughout the day to see the times when they are increasing the most - if they suddenly jump at night that is an indicator that the readers are in the Asian-Pacific region while early morning indicates Europe and during the day and early evening the U.S. where I live).

ngureco profile image

ngureco  says:
18 months ago

Thank you chack for your detailed explanation. I certainly must mention the link to this hub in my blogs.

Ankita  says:
18 months ago

Respected sir\mam

i want to become a commercial pilot but dont know the procedure to apply for same.i request you (or anyone who visits this site) to send the procedure in my e-mail id - kittu9544@rediff.com .please mention the total fee structure .

thanking you,

ankita

(from india)

megha dighe  says:
18 months ago

A HAVE A BURNING DESIRE TO BECOME A PILOT JUST HELP ME OUT HOW?????????????????????????

EMAIL AT:-FREEBIRD_MEGHA@YAHOO.CO.IN

philip  says:
18 months ago

i am 21 years old now i am pursuing bachelour of social work 2 year.i want to become a COMMERCIAL Pilot.now i am working in nagpur airport under handling agency for QATAR & AIR INDIA EXPRESS.so pls help me out to get the pilot traning.i want loans also because i belong from a very poor family and cant afford to pay,so pls help me out my email addres philip_samuel2001@yahoo.com

nitesh  says:
17 months ago

dear sir , i am a student frm nepal , after all i have completed my +2 level(science) , i always want to fly high on the sky so it was my dream to become a pilot, but due to economic condition it became very tough for me to achieve my goal, i think i can't be not able to fullfill my dream,its very difficult to take decision in this moment ,please please please sir, if there is any way(soln) to overcome this problem then plz suggest me for that, your suggestion may help to fullfill my desire goal....my dream......... hope u will send me ur words on niteshbenzs@hotmail.com

RIM  says:
17 months ago

Respected sir/mam

I want to bocome a commercial piolet but i dont know how to become it please tell me wich subject is must required to becoming a commercial piolet and how many marks in each subject and tell me also how many total many and year are required to becoming a sucessful commercial piolet . please tell me diply information on my e-mail address (rimsha ansari 1993 @ G-mail . com)

N C  says:
17 months ago

Dear Sir/Madam

Im 24 years old girl, i m commerce graduate, but always like to fly, i love to become a pilot, but somehow it was not possible for me, because 1st thing is tht i m from commerece background and second thing is tht, to become a pilot u need lots of money to spend, that is not affordable for me.

and i have medical problem like, i m thyroide patient.

so can i become a pilot with this mediacl problem,? and secondely show me the different way to join the flighting institute and there fees structure which can help me to fullfil my dream.

Kindly send us u r suggestion on my email id ashi_hello1@yahoo.com

I hope u will do the needful in the matter.

Raj  says:
16 months ago

Hi,

I am a graduated in philosophy and Economics. I do not have any physics and Maths background in my 12th Std. Moreover I am 30 years old. I would like to know whether I can become a commercial pilot in India. Please email me at campanch@yahoo.com

Thank you

Dave  says:
16 months ago

sir, it is my dream to become a commercial piot and work for SIA. singapore airlines.. im in philippines and ging to start training in a few months.. all i really wanna know is that how many years will it take of training and diff types of lisence to actually become a full fledge commercial pilot and fly.. like how many years?? im 16 right now.. not too young to think aboit such things but not too old to dream as well..

trisha  says:
15 months ago

hello sir i want 2 information about that

nirvika talreja  says:
14 months ago

respected sir/maam

i have just completed 10th grade in ICSE with science ie.phy ,chem,biology,math

now i intend joining the IB curriculum. and have to select my subjects. i was wanting to know if i require chemistry...because i am planning to take only math and physics.

praphull  says:
14 months ago

deer sir

sir I want to bocome a commercial piolet but i dont know how to become it please tell me wich subject is must required to becoming a commercial piolet and how many marks in each subject and tell me also how many total many and year are required to becoming a sucessful commercial piolet please call me 9273152326

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
14 months ago

Praphull - Thank you for visiting my Hub.

If you are an American, I have outlined the minimum qualifications required to become a commercial pilot in the United States along with some suggested paths to follow to become a commercial pilot.

If you are not an American, the general qualifications are probably about the same. As to specific courses of study, your best bet, whether American or not, would be to do a Google search using terms like "pilot training schools", "commerical aviation training", "flight schools", etc. seeking to locate schools near you which you could then contact to find out things like costs of training, types of training offered, requirements needed to be admitted, job opportunities following training, etc.

You could also look up and study the employment sections of websites of major national and international airlines as well as smaller regional carriers, cargo carriers and other classes of commercial aviation, to both see what openings they have and what the requirements for these positions are.

Good luck.

Nick Browne  says:
13 months ago

Hi everyone,

Im a pilot in Australia and im writing an eBook on how to become a pilot. Covering things such as all the different avenues you can take, cost, how long and were you can complete your training. As i value your opinion greatly i would appreciate it if you could leave me with your thoughts on what you would like to know about becoming a pilot to include in my eBook.As a sign of my appreciation i would love to send you a copy of my book Free to get some feed back from you when its finished. My email is n6159176@yahoo.com.au so feel free to email your thoughts and details so i can send you my book when its done. Cheers Nick

saleem  says:
13 months ago

how many of them became a pilot from south india

sarah.....  says:
13 months ago

hellow! sir.. i am sooo intrested to b a comercial pilot..seeking for ur reply about each and every information

adeel   says:
12 months ago

hello i na be a commercial pilot i got everything all the graduates and money to spend

but i dont know how to apply

plz can any1 send me the link or number plz

thnx

kevin attale  says:
12 months ago

Hello sir i want to become an airline pilot ......... is it very Expensive????????????????

Shravan   says:
12 months ago

Sir, MY aim is to became a commercial pilot but i have taken a commerce after my ssc . but in my college i hav taken Maths. sir plz give me the solution plz as early as possible

zahed pasha  says:
12 months ago

pilot traning for commerece send information to zr.zahed@gmail.com or

9880500060

Umair Rizwan  says:
12 months ago

Man i have a burnin desire to be a commercial pilot!!!!i dont even have the slightest idea of what to study...plz make my dream come true by contacting me at my address umairrizwan@gmail.com....thanks a lot

Paul  says:
12 months ago

The flight school I am getting my training (TX, USA) has the most competitive pricing. I am getting my privot pilot lincese for USD$6,000 . This include 40 Hrs of Cessna 172S aircraft time (The one I am getting trained is equipped with G1000).

marc purifoy  says:
12 months ago

i would love to become a commerciled pilot and need to know where and how to enter a school for it. i am a 25 year old male that just now figured out what i wanted to do in life. i have never flown in an airplane. i find it very interesting and would love to learn, so if you can send me some information on schools or training it would be very appriciated. thank you for all of your information. my e-mail is dingosmalls@yahoo.com

anna  says:
11 months ago

I have always been wanting to be a pilot .ONE day i will really fly the plane ...i might be only 14 now but i will reach my dreams one day .It not what others say but i will be a pilot no matter what!!

Deepak Rahi  says:
11 months ago

I m in 12th class having physics,chemistry and maths.i want to be pilot after 12th,please tell me the procedure to be the pilot.i m searching it for last 2 months?

satc12 profile image

satc12  says:
11 months ago

can i get some information about CFI training in US?>??

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
11 months ago

satc12 - Try a Google search using the terms "Certified Flight Instructor training" or "CFI Training". I just did this and came up with over 700,000 results. For those who would like more information about the details of CFI training here is a link to an airline pilot message that was among my results: http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/flight-training/

meeee  says:
11 months ago

amazin hub!!!!!!!!!!

sanjay paudel  says:
11 months ago

Are there any scholarship or loans for foreign students , if thre any please provide me wit the link

azeela.s ,india,kerala,tvm.  says:
11 months ago

to be a pilot,just put ur mind in it........nothing is impossible, for a person with good intension..........and a courageous mind.............

Ken  says:
10 months ago

Sir. Chuck im from philippines and im still 14 can be a commercial pilot like you because my friends tends to tease me that i cannot be one because i have a lot of failing subjects. I feel sometimes that im loosing my hope because of my school problems. Sir i need advices to pilots like you because i really wanna be a pilot like you. Being Commercial Pilot is my dream. I hope i can be one with the help of youre advice sir.

Thank You!!

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
10 months ago

Ken - thank you for visiting my Hub.

First of all I am not a commercial pilot. I flew as a navigator in the U.S. Air Force and thus worked closely with the pilot in the cockpit. I have also worked with a number of commercial airline pilots and it is these experiences that have enabled me to write this Hub and the one on how to become a fighter pilot. http://hubpages.com/hub/How_to_Become_a_Fighter_Pi Both Hubs have been written as general information on how to go about looking for jobs in these two fields.

My advice to you is to check out the links I have included in this Hub and then do a Google search to find the URLs for airlines and/or air transport companies which you would like to work for and see what they require. Barring physical problems such as poor eyesight, which will prevent a person from entering this profession, you should be able to focus and work on preparing yourself to meet the requirements needed to achieve your dream.

Never mind your friends' teasing. Concentrate on your school work so you can complete high school and start preparing to get into flight school and land a job with an airline.

good luck and don't let your friends' teasing cause you to give up on your dream.

sai prashanth  says:
10 months ago

now iam in 12 class very intrested to become a commertial pilot how can i aproch from now to become a pilot.

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
10 months ago

sai prashanth - I suggest that you make a list of the commercial airlines that serve your area. Start with the big international and national commercial carriers, then include regional airlines. Include air transport carriers such as giants like Federal Express but also regional and local air services. Once you have your list, go online and use a Google search to find their home pages. On the homepages go to the employment page to see what the requirements are to fly for them. Also check with your nation's civil air authority (the FAA in the U.S.) which licenses pilots and regulates the airways. They usually have a website with licensing and other information.

Check out filght schools in your area to find training to get your private pilot's license - this will allow you to fly alone without any passengers. It will also show that you have the knowledge, skills and ability to fly a small private aircraft and can thus probably be trained to fly commercial aircraft for pay. Flight training in the United States comes in two parts - ground school and air school. Ground school consists of books and tests on the principles of flight, weather, navigation, etc. Once you have completed and passed your ground school you are ready for the cockpit training and actual flying. In some places you have to buy the two parts of the training as a single package while in others each portion is offered and paid for separately - sometimes you can even take the ground school from a different company than the one that provides the air portion of the training.

Aviation is a popular career so you may have to work your way up by starting with a small company taxing people and packages around the local area and, as you gain experience, move up to larger companies and larger aircraft.

You should also consider enlisting in the Air Force or other branch of the military that flies plaines as a part of their mission. If you qualify and are accepted for flight training (a process that I describe in my Hub http://hubpages.com/hub/How_to_Become_a_Fighter_Pi which describes the process involved in becoming a fighter pilot - whether you want to fly jet fighters or not, the process of earning your wings and flying any type of military aircraft is about the same and the military flies many types of aircraft besides fighter jets - in my Hub http://hubpages.com/hub/-A-Memorial-to-Veteran-Avi I have a picture of a USAF O2 Skymaster which is a single engine prop plane that is the same as the type of aircraft many civilian flight schools train people in and which most amateur pilots with a first level private pilot license generally fly). One word of caution here. If you enlist and either fail to get accepted into military flight school or end up failing and washing out of flight school, you will, in most cases, have to remain in the military for the duration of your original enlistment working at a job other than flying.

Good luck with achieving your dream and don't give up on your dream.

sunny   says:
10 months ago

just want to b a pilot

and assure u i will b

gokulnath,india,kerala,kasargod,thrikkarippur,nadakkavu  says:
10 months ago

Respected Sir,

I am studying in 11th std,my ambition is become a pilot.I don't know how to become a pilot? r thr any schollarship or lons 4 forign studies?

wich is the best institute for studying tis course.

" I WILL WAIT FOR UR REPLY AS THE HORNBILL WAIT FOR THE RAIN"

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
10 months ago

Gokulnah, in answer to your comment please check out my reply to a previous comment by sai prashanth which is two comments above yours.

hossen mohamed tamreze  says:
9 months ago

hello sir, iam from mauritius island i love to become a commercial pilot i saw in south africa have many school for pilot but i dont know which course i need to take for having the commercial pilot certificate? i would liked to work in the emirates airline or air mauritius or british airways!

reply me plzzzzzz sir sportydriveshopmu@yahoo.com tel 00230 2570890

msn : sharukh-online@hotmail.com plzzzzzz help

Phoenix East Aviation, Inc.  says:
8 months ago

Thank you Alot for that very informative information thank u

and great Post!!

Regards,

Ankita  says:
8 months ago

Respected sir,

I have just completed 11th , so sir I just want to know about commercial pilot course . I 'm really desiring for it .

TonyB  says:
8 months ago

Definitely a worthy goal to have. I just hope its not too hard to get hired.

iwillbeinit@yahoo.co.in  says:
7 months ago

FLY AVIATION SERVICES COMMERCIAL PILOT TRAINING IN TWIN ENGINE WITH ACTUAL NIGHT FLYINGTOTAL FEES. 37, 000.00 USDFLIGHT TRAINING:C-150/ C-152 - 150hrs.C-172 - 30hrs.(WITH INSTRUMENT)PA-34-200 - 20hrs.(option for 20 hours if needed..with instrument flying )SIMULATOR - 20hrs (students can practice instrument for free if they need to practice more)220 hrs. *IF U NEED MORE HOURS YOU CAN FLY IT AFTER TRAININGDURATION: Six (7) months First Payment : $ 15,000.00II. Ground School:Private Pilot Ground CourseEquipment Qualification Course (C-150/C-152/C-172/PA34-200)Commercial Pilot Ground CourseInstrument Ground CourseIII. Administrative Charges includesNBI ClearanceSpecial Study Permit (BID)3rd and 1st class medical feesVisa Extension CAAP License SHPL/PHPL/CHPL/InstrumentBoard and Lodging with indian food.Facilitation*no hidden chargesPROCESSING:Special Study PermitNBI Clearance1st Class and 3rd Class Medical CertificateAttestations/ NotarizationLicense FeesATO Check-ridesVisa Extensions MaterialsALL THE BEST HAPPY LANDINGSCONTACT: iwillbeinit@yahoo.co.in iwillbeinit@gmail.com

Beni G. Kabuluku  says:
6 months ago

I'm 14 years old and wanted to be a pilot since I was 9

kamish  says:
6 months ago

Hi everybody! i am from Mauritius and want to give two hints to all of you.Once at the airport i had great chance to meet a few air mauritius officials and some pilots discussing. I eagerly approached them and asked them what are some of the means to help aspiring pilots in terms of qualifications and financial advices.

What they explained to me are as follows- to help a few of you

1the first option-- Once you finish your secondary school education,it won't be a good idea to begin immediately seaching for flying training opportunities as competition is tooo... high among school leavers who want to become a pilot or postulating as cadet pilots.They advised me that the best solution is to get enrolled in university to study subjects which corrolates to aviation perspectives-some of the courses you might do may be a degree in physics or engineering .Why am i saying this is that it gives you the xtra edge over other applicants postulating as cadet pilots when an airline (of your choice) is recruiting new pilots.Hence U have a greater chance to realise your dream to fly those birds

2 The second option-if you are not lucky enough or you have not been selected as cadet pilot don't worry

once you have your university degree (take patience-just 3-4 years learning physics)-which brings U many advantages, U can now begin search flight training centres and with pre-acceptance recruitment forms U can now approach banks which gives educational loans.Bring with you a person(may be your uncle or other close persons in your family who works and is financially possessed.WHY! This is because the bank official will examine your forms and other qualifications (University..college...) before granting U the LARGE money.the bank will make a condition that if you can't repay the money for any reasons even you are now a pilot it is your uncle who is rich etc... who will repay back the bank since he has been standing by you and taken the responsibility

to help U to get the pilot loan.The above suggestions is surely an advantage to mauritians but for other countries i don't know.

GUD LUCK TO ALL OF U AND MAY U ALL BECOME A PILOT ONE DAY AS U ALWAYS WISHED

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
6 months ago

Kamish - thank you for your comments. This is excellent advice for anyone seeking a career as a commercial pilot. Competition for these jobs is intense and it will be those who are willing to put in the extra work and effort who will succeed in getting these jobs.

Thanks again

Chuck

kwadwoannor  says:
5 months ago

hi every one i am new so every one is free to make friend with more over i am in ghana

Capt. Singh  says:
4 months ago

We provide one of best CPL trainings worldwide with 100% job Assistance. Three licences at a single time FAA/Transport Canada/DGCA (Indian) . 100% exemption from RT Exam in India. Total Package 42500 USD inclusive all, (Transportation, Accomodation, Pre Trainings & post training Assistance), Feel free to contact today admin@betaaviation.com...

Digvijay Singh Chauhan  says:
2 months ago

what to do for becoming a commercial pilot??

what is the future regarding this stream??

what are the physical requisites for being a commercial pilot?

johansenmj  says:
4 weeks ago

Its not that easy to just join the Air Force and become a pilot...in order to be a pilot in the USAF you have to be an officer. That means you will need a Bachelors Degree first, then of course before any flight training you will have to attend Officer Candidate School (the officer's version of boot camp) and then somewhere down the line if you meet certain requirements you can apply for flight school, but that doesn't mean you will be accepted. It is a possible approach, but don't think its an easy or quick route.

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
4 weeks ago

johansenmj - Thanks for your comment.

While I tried not to make the task of becoming a commercial pilot sound my objective was to provide people with various options and routes to consider.

While, being a former military pilot can be helpful in entering the field I know for a fact that few, if any, large commercial airline companies give preference to such pilots. However, the training and experience gained as a military pilot would make the training program to be a commercial pilot easier. Also, I did urge people to consider other, non-passenger, flying as an option and in this area military flight experience alone might be sufficient depending upon the employer.

As to the challenges to becoming a military pilot, I covered these in my related Hub on How to Become a Fighter pilot ( http://hubpages.com/hub/How_to_Become_a_Fighter_Pi )

However, thanks again for reminding readers that it takes work and persistence to get into this highly competitive field.

Chuck

raj  says:
3 weeks ago

if any body want to become a pilot in india, here is carver aviation for u, one of the asia's biggest training institue for details contact +919673990901

Yohan   says:
3 weeks ago

Hi I'm Randy from Srilanka and i'm currently doing my Al's in maths.

After my Als i would like to follow a aviation course and wana be come a pilot

I would be much obliged if u could help in giving me the minimum requirements to become so.

My mail z randyrokz@gmail.com

Thanks & Regards,

Yohan de Silva.

nisa  says:
3 days ago

heyy.is there any sponser to become pilot?

really need to know

Chuck profile image

Chuck  says:
3 days ago

nisa - the last time I checked, it was up to individuals to get their own training either by paying for flight instruction from private providers or joining the military and having them train you.

Once trained, most airlines and other large companies that hire pilots put them through their own training programs as well.

Chuck

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