Becoming An Airport Pilot: Steps To Take Off

Becoming an airport pilot requires various levels of certification and flight training. The first step is to decide what type of aircraft you plan on flying and the type of certificates you will need. If you plan on flying commercially, you will need to work towards a few more certificates and ratings. The first step in becoming a commercial pilot is to earn a Private Pilot Certificate, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This stage of training focuses on the fundamentals and sets the foundation for more advanced certificates and ratings. After becoming a private pilot, the next step is to earn an instrument rating, which allows a pilot to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and in all kinds of weather.

Research pilot schools and flight training options

The first step to becoming a pilot is to research flight training options and compare the available programs offered by flight schools. Pilot training is available on-site at most airports through an FAA-certificated (approved) pilot school or through other training providers. An FAA-approved school may be able to offer a greater variety of training aids, dedicated facilities, and more flexibility in scheduling.

You can also find pilot training as part of the curriculum at some colleges and universities. While an FAA-approved school ensures a high quality of training, individual instructors and training companies that are not certificated by the FAA as "pilot schools" may also offer excellent training.

When choosing a training provider, it is important to consider whether you are seeking a recreational or private certificate, or whether you plan to pursue a career as a professional pilot. You should also think about whether you will train part-time or full-time.

Before making a decision, it is recommended to visit the provider, talk with management, instructors, and students, and evaluate different options against a checklist of things you are looking for in a training provider.

Flight Training Options

There are several flight training options available, depending on your goals and preferences. Here are some of the most common options:

• Admissions Flight: Also called a discovery flight, this is an introductory flight lesson that allows you to compare flight schools and training programs. It gives you first-hand experience of the training, aircraft, and quality of instruction offered by a flight school.
• FAA Medical Certificate: Pilots must meet basic medical requirements to fly. If you plan to fly professionally, you must apply for a first-class medical certificate through an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) to meet higher medical standards.
• FAA Student Pilot Certificate: You can apply for this certificate through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website, with the help of your flight instructor. While not necessary to begin flying lessons, you will need this certificate to fly solo during your training.
• Flight Training Lessons: These lessons will help you work towards obtaining the aeronautical knowledge and pilot training experience required to become a private pilot.
• Private Pilot Knowledge Test: During your private pilot flight training, you will need to take and pass a computer-based test. An endorsement from your flight instructor is required to be eligible for this test.
• Private Pilot Practical Exam: The final step in earning your FAA private pilot certificate is taking a practical exam with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), consisting of an oral and flight portion.

Pilot Schools

When researching pilot schools, here are some factors to consider:

• Location: Pilot schools are typically located near major airports or have multiple locations across the country.
• Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited and meets the required standards for equipment, facilities, personnel, and curricula.
• Instructors: Look into the qualifications and experience of the instructors at the school. Check if they have received any awards or recognition for their teaching excellence.
• Training Aircraft: Find out what type of aircraft the school uses for training and whether they are well-maintained.
• Training Timeline: Compare the duration of the programs and the structure of the curriculum to find one that suits your schedule and goals.
• Cost: Consider the cost of the program, including any additional expenses such as pilot supplies and housing. Look into financing options, scholarships, or tuition reimbursement programs.
• Job Placement: If you plan to pursue a career as a pilot, research the school's partnerships with airlines and their job placement assistance programs.

Take an admissions flight

Taking an admissions flight, also known as a discovery flight, is an essential step in the process of becoming an airport pilot. This flight will give you first-hand insight into the training, aircraft, and quality of instruction offered by a particular flight school. It is a fantastic opportunity to experience what it's like to be in the pilot's seat and take control of the aircraft.

During your admissions flight, you will be accompanied by a certified flight instructor who will introduce you to the basics of operating the plane. They will explain the different parts of the aircraft and answer any questions you may have. This is your chance to gain a practical understanding of the training you will receive and assess whether a career as a pilot is the right choice for you.

The admissions flight is typically offered as a free or low-cost option with no obligation to commit to the flight school. It is a great way to compare different flight schools and make an informed decision about where to pursue your pilot training. You can also use this opportunity to assess the location, facilities, and overall environment of the school to ensure it aligns with your needs and preferences.

Keep in mind that the admissions flight is not just about evaluating the school but also about giving you a taste of the exhilarating experience of flying an aircraft. So, if you're ready to take that first step towards becoming an airport pilot, go ahead and book your admissions flight today!

Apply for a medical certificate

To become an airport pilot, you must meet basic medical requirements to fly. If you want to fly professionally, you must meet higher medical standards than recreational pilots. To do this, you should apply for a first-class medical certificate through an Aeromedical Examiner (AME).

The first step to getting a medical certificate is to pass a medical examination. Pilots must have a first-class medical exam to act as a pilot in command and a second-class medical exam to be second in command. The exam must be performed by an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. There are approximately 6,000 of them across the country.

There are three different classes of medical certificates:

• First-class: For airline transport pilots
• Second-class: For commercial pilots
• Third-class: For private pilots

If you plan on flying commercially, you will need a second-class medical certificate. This certificate requires you to have a minimum of 250 hours of flight time. However, if you are doing Part 141 training, you may need fewer hours.

One of the most common disqualifiers for a first-class medical certificate is being colour blind. If you are colour blind, you should check the specific limitations and whether you can still obtain a medical clearance.

Earn a private pilot certificate

To earn a private pilot certificate, you must first decide what type of aircraft you plan on flying and obtain the relevant pilot's license. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has different rules for obtaining a pilot's license depending on the type of aircraft you fly. For example, you can choose among airplanes, gyroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons, or airships. If you are interested in flying ultralight vehicles, you don't need a pilot's license.

The next step is to research flight schools and training programs. This involves learning about and comparing the available programs offered by flight schools and picking the best match for your aviation goals. It is recommended to take an admissions flight or discovery flight, which is an introductory flight lesson that allows you to compare flight schools and training programs firsthand.

After researching and selecting a flight school, you can begin working with a flight instructor to learn the basics of flying. This includes learning basic flight methods, aircraft maneuvers, navigation, flight planning, and emergency training. During this time, you should also start studying for the FAA private pilot written exam. Once you feel ready, you can take the written exam.

The final steps to earning your private pilot certificate involve completing your flight training and passing a practical exam. This includes both an oral and flight portion, where you will demonstrate different maneuvers and your ability to respond to different emergencies. Once you have successfully completed these steps, you will officially be a private pilot.

Gain experience and flight hours

Gaining experience and flight hours is a crucial step in becoming an airport pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the minimum total flight hours requirement at 1,500. This can be achieved through training classes, flight instruction, and working as a commercial pilot. Accumulating flight hours is essential for developing proficiency and confidence as a pilot.

One effective way to gain experience and build flight hours is to become a flight instructor. This allows individuals to earn a wage while logging flight hours. Most airlines require a minimum number of flight hours before considering applications for the position of First Officer. Working as a flight instructor is, therefore, a recommended path to quickly accumulate the necessary flight hours and experience.

In addition to flight hours, pilots also need to gain specific flight hours in different conditions. These include pilot-in-command (PIC), nighttime flying, and cross-country PIC. These specific flight hours are part of the requirements to earn an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification, which is the highest licensing issued by the FAA.

Beyond the minimum requirements, gaining extensive flight experience is beneficial for career progression and can open up opportunities with different airlines. The more flight hours a pilot accumulates, the more attractive their profile becomes to potential employers. Therefore, it is important to dedicate sufficient time to gaining experience and flight hours to meet and exceed the necessary requirements.

Frequently asked questions