Pilots are very well trained to deal with aerial vehicles to perform functions like transporting items and passengers. Though this choice of career sounds adventurous, it involves extreme stress and responsibility in handling aircraft under critical situations may it be terrible weather or some technical obstacles. Mainly two pilots are required while flying any aircraft and experienced among them is considered as Captain.
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Things required to be a Pilot
The main requirement to be a pilot is an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aeronautics or equivalent discipline. These days, several pilots are also trained by military. One must also have minimum of 250 hours in flight. Candidate should also have a pilot’s license and few airline certification. Most importantly, a pilot must be in a good health and also should have great depth perception, instant reaction, good communication, perfect problem-handling skills and knowledge of on-board systems.
Steps a candidate can follow to be a Pilot
- Education – Aspirants can take a college degree available in several institutes. Mostly airlines prefer applicants with a graduation degree in comparison with associate degree. Streams or subjects like aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or computer science can give good background for aspiring pilots. Mainly, flight classes are given by an instructor who are certified by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Increasing hours of flying – As told earlier, before trying to get pilot’s license, one needs to experience a minimum of 250 hours of flight experience. Also, the FAA licenses flight instructors and flight schools help upcoming pilots earn necessary flight experience. Several pilots begin their careers as flight instructors and gradually become commercial pilots after gaining more flying time and experience.
- Achieve Pilot’s License – After getting the required flying hours, pilots must pass a physical examination to get certified that they have good vision and hearing capability. Also, they have no physical impairments that might interrupt while performing flights. A candidate must be minimum of 18 years of age and must also pass a written examination which includes safety information and a skills test which is inspected by an FAA licenses flight instructor.
- Qualifying remaining tests and trainings – Depending on the type of choice of pilot position, one has to clear few tests and need few licenses. FAA offers several certification like airworthiness certificates and medical certificates. Few top airlines also require their pilots to go through psychological and intelligence tests.
- Job of a Pilot – Like other professions, pilots too need to start from somewhere. Top airlines don’t prefer in appointing inexperienced pilots. Normally reputed airlines appoint pilots with the experience of 4000 hours of flying. Several pilots get appointed as co-pilots and gain required experience. Several pilots start their career by flying charter planes or helicopters before working opting for commercial airlines. Some start as flight instructors, while continuing to learn and become more efficient fliers.
- Promotions – Pilots get seniority on the basis of rank system. After working for 10-15 years in the position of first officer, they may get promoted to the rank of Captain. Few airlines also offer further the position of Director of chief pilot.
Pros and Cons of becoming a Pilot
Pros
- One gets chance to explore the world.
- It is an exciting and adventurous job.
- Handsome salary is offered with timely perks.
- Once the working hour is over, there is no work.
Cons
- Fees to become a Pilot is extremely high.
- Personal life becomes negligible.
- Working hours are not fixed, hence it creates several health issues.
- Pilot is always expected to be perfect in health to fly.
For becoming a pilot, one has to have a proper training either through well qualified degree or through military training and finally experience flying.