Become a pilot!
Being a pilot can carry many meanings, from working out of the remote Alaskan wilderness to landing in New York's JFK Airport, and everything in between. Here, we'll discuss the education needed to achieve a career in flying, and the upside of a life in that arena.
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Regardless of which airplanes you choose to fly, with 800,000+ new pilots needed to oversee the safe navigation of millions of aircraft, people, and cargo around the globe, there will be a place for you.
Below you'll find information on how to become an airline pilot, the ratings you'll acquire, the money you'll make, and more.
However, if that's not your thing and you want to make aviation more hobby than career, the next slideshow will give you insider information into Charlotte-area flight schools, their rates, and what it takes to become a Private Pilot holder in the United States.
STEPS TO BECOMING AN AIRLINE PILOT
Four year degree in:
aerospace​
aeronautical engineering
aviation
*related field
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Coursework in:​
physics​
aeronautical engineering
English
math
// See Spotlight Schools in Resources //
STEP 1: EDUCATION
Aquire your Private Pilot's License > Instrument License > Multi-Engine Rating > Commercial Pilot's License > Flight Instructing Certificate > Airline Transport Pilot's License
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When all said and done, you need 1,500 hours minimum to work at an airline. How you get these hours is up to you- whether they are earned working for a corporate operation, bush flying, transporting passengers for a small airline (flying turboprops), or even flight instructing.
STEP 2: FLIGHT TIME
Once you have completed your 1,500 hour ATP minimums, you must take a comprehensive examination, go through an FAA mandated 30 hour training session, and undergo mental and physical tests to ensure you are ready to fly. Once you've passed this, you are fully certified to fly at a commercial airline.
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STEP 3: LICENSING
Very rarely do pilots in the United States advance directly to the mainline carriers. Recognize the names "American Eagle", "Delta Connection", and "United Express"? These are all regional subsidiaries of the mainline brands, and are operated by companies like Republic, Piedmont, Mesa Airlines, or PSA.
To get to the big names like American or Delta, you must first go through these companies, gain experience, advance to captain, and build your resume. Most will spend 4-7 years as a regional pilot making an average of $66,000 over that time.
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STEP 4: EXPERIENCE
Pilot pay varies drastically on seniority, but for the most part is healthily in the six-figures once advancing to the mainline names. After six to eight years as a Captain, with minimal changing of jobs, you can expect to be making north of $300,000 per year and up to $350,000. And with salaries getting better year after year, by the time you retire flying will have been a very worthwhile endeavor.
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So, even if the initial training seems costly, the payoff in the end and the experiences to go with it are well worth it.
STEP 5: ADVANCE
GETTING YOUR PPL
To get your Private Pilot's License, you must have 40 hours of flight time, 3 of which at night, instructed by a Certified Flight Instructor. Additionally, you must pass a Knowledge Test with a 70% or better and pass a check ride/oral with an FAA pilot examiner.
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All of this costs on average $10,000, but that can be reduced through scholarships and made easier through free resources obtained if you take a Young Eagles flight with us. These resources include, but aren't limited to, the Sporty's Learn to Fly Course ($250 value), a free flight lesson, ($150 value), and the endorsement for taking the written test ($125 value). Learn more about these perks here.
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If you are interested and want more information, don't hesitate to contact us. We will connect you to some of the CLT-area flight schools, a few of which are listed below (Aerowood is best for Ballantyne people). Also, if you need financial aid, take a look at the scholarships page.
