- Associate’s Degree, or. …
- Successfully complete an Admissions Flight with ATP.
- US Citizenship (or Permanent Resident)
- 18 years of age or older.
- High School Diploma or GED.
- FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
Are You Ready for Flight School? | Airline Pilot Explains
Flight school requirements
You can fulfill flight school’s requirements by doing the following things:
1. Earn a high school diploma
You must be at least 16 years old and possess a high school diploma or a GED in order to enroll in airline training programs. Although there are no set requirements for high school courses, courses in math, science, geography, and psychology can be beneficial. Foreign language classes may also be helpful if you want to work as a pilot for international flights. You could look into flight schools while you’re still in high school to see which ones appeal to you.
2. Earn an approved college degree
Although many major airlines require a bachelor’s or associate degree from a recognized aviation program, the Federal Aeronautics Administration (FAA) does not require an accredited degree to become a pilot. Common degrees include a bachelor’s in aviation, aviation technology or aerospace engineering, aeronautical science, aviation management, or air traffic management.
At this level, courses in physics, engineering, electronics, math, and geography are beneficial. You might enroll in classes for airport management, aircraft maintenance, or other aviation-related studies, depending on your career path.
A four to six-year degree program in aviation may be required. You’ll be required to complete an internship with an airline or business with a connection to aviation during your final two years. You might receive your full commercial pilot certification after graduation.
Additionally, now is a good time to start honing crucial abilities like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and decisiveness. There are student programs at some colleges that can help you develop these skills. They can also help with networking. There are several options for student associations, including Alpha Eta Rho (Collegiate Aviation Leaders of Today) and the American Association of Airport Executives.
3. Obtain a student pilot certificate
You will need an FAA student pilot certificate. With a student pilot certificate, you can fly a plane while receiving training from a certified instructor. To fly a hang glider or hot-air balloon, you must be at least 16 years old and proficient in reading, speaking, and understanding English. To avoid any delays once you reach the solo stage of training, you should apply as soon as possible.
Your application will be processed by the designated individual, who will also deliver the necessary paperwork to the Airmen Certification Branch. The student pilot certificate will be mailed to you in about three weeks after it has been reviewed.
4. Get medical clearance
The AEM may conduct a drug test and examine other aspects of health. Certain medical conditions can prevent people from obtaining commercial pilot licenses.
What to expect during flight school
You will gain the aeronautical expertise and training experience required to become a licensed pilot during this time.
Depending on the type of license, different pilot license requirements apply. But typically, a pilot’s license calls for a certain number of flight hours, passing a test, receiving a clean bill of health, and passing a practical test. To take the FAA-mandated knowledge test, you need your flight instructor’s endorsement. An FAA examiner conducts the practical test, also known as the “checkride.”
What is flight school?
For those interested in getting a pilot’s license and flying an aircraft, flight school is an option. Most offer the ground training and flight instruction needed to obtain a pilot’s license.
The fundamentals of aviation, including how airplanes fly, the weather, and other topics, are covered in ground training, which is typically provided in a classroom setting. It offers information to assist you in passing the written, oral, and flight pilot licensing exams. Flight instruction is provided in a variety of aircraft types and certified flight training equipment. You can gain experience flying and maintaining aircraft through ground school, and it will also get you ready for a mock exam with an examiner at the end of flight school.
How to pick a flight school
Here’s how to pick the right school for you:
Types of pilot licenses
You may aim for one of the following types of pilot licenses:
FAQ
What qualifications do you need to become a pilot?
- Earn a high school diploma. You must be at least 16 years old and possess a high school diploma or a GED in order to enroll in airline training programs.
- Earn an approved college degree. …
- Obtain a student pilot certificate. …
- Get medical clearance.
How hard is schooling to become a pilot?
- be over 21 years of age.
- possess a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)-issued Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
- before you can enroll in a course, you must pass the Civil Aviation Authority medical, which includes tests of your hearing, vision, and fitness.
- pass enhanced background checks.
How many years do you need to be an airline pilot?
Most pilots begin their training on single-engine aircraft before moving on to larger, more complex aircraft. To become a certified private pilot, you typically need to complete 40 hours of training. Typically, training entails 20 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of solo flight.
