If you’re an adventurous type and love flying, you may want to become a pilot. This can be both a lucrative and fun career to invest your time and energy into doing. However, it will take effort and the right amount of expertise for you to secure this role. There are many things you’ll need to do if your goal in life is to enter a career of this type.
Are you wondering how to become a pilot? Here are some of the ways that will help you start your career and become an official pilot:
1. Go on a discovery flight
You’ll want to ensure this is the position you will do for the rest of your life. One of the top methods for doing so may mean going on what is known as a discovery flight.
Many places will offer these, but the ideal one for you to choose could be at a flight school. This may be provided at a much lower price or even for free in your area.
You’ll want to be prepared to spend 30 minutes to an hour when going on this type of flight.
2. Obtain the right education
Being a pilot means you’ll need to be adequately trained for this job. It’s necessary to go to college and take the required courses to enable you to have success.
Learning how to operate the plane is just one of the many things you’ll need to learn. Working with a college counsellor can enable you to know the classes and courses you should take over time.
If you wish to make a living at being a pilot, you’ll need to obtain the proper college degree to do so. Attending an accredited college for four years is typically necessary.
3. Select a flight school
Learning all the critical details about maintaining an aircraft will require you to find a flight school. It’s ideal to do a bit of research before doing so if you wish to choose one that’s properly accredited and the best one.
Flight schools vary in size, and it’s essential to choose a facility that you feel the most comfortable in attending. You’ll need to have the minimum number of hours to get your pilot’s license from this type of school.
4. Fill out an application
You’ll need to fill out a student pilot application if you wish to obtain a job as a pilot. This is necessary if you intend to fly by yourself in any aircraft.
The requirements for having success with your application include being at least 16 years of age and being able to speak fluent English. If you don’t have these, you’ll need to wait until you do.
Once you’ve completed this process, it will be necessary to meet with a flight instructor. This will allow this assigned professional to verify all the credentials you list on the application.
The next thing that will happen is you’ll typically receive the certification in the mail if all is done correctly.
5. Sign up for a medical certificate
You’ll need to additionally have the proper medical training before you can become a pilot. It’s necessary to get the right types of medical documents to have the appropriate amount of success.
There are varying types of certifications that you may need to apply for, and this will be based on the kind of pilot you want to be. It’s essential to complete the medical testing for either a first-class, second-class or third-class pilot.
6. Earn your pilot certificate
Getting to this stage will require a lot of effort and work on your part but is crucial for having success as being a pilot. One thing you’ll need to do before obtaining this certificate is to complete ground training with a pilot that is currently certified.
You’ll also need to pass a written exam and log in at least 35-40 hours of flight time, and the exact amount will depend on different factors. You’ll also be required to pass a flying test, and you’ll have an evaluator that will work with you on this.
7. Accumulate flight hours
It will be necessary to have the right amount of flight hours in place for success in this job. These can be accumulated over time.
If you wish to be an airline pilot, you’ll need to have at least 1500 hours under your belt. It’s essential to work with the right professional in your area to educate you on all you need to do.
Other requirements may be necessary for being a pilot. However, getting all the things done above is a great place to start. This is a huge undertaking and will have you well on your way to finally becoming the pilot that you may have long dreamed of being!
