Being a pilot is an exciting career. Whether your goal is to fly for a major airline, corporate jets, charter, or perhaps being a flight instructor or examiner, flying is a diverse career.
Whatever your goal, the first step to becoming a pilot is obtaining your private pilot license. The private pilot license is where you learn to fly. This involves flying an aircraft to a practice area near the home airport and practicing various air exercises. The student will develop confidence and competency in handling the aircraft. The next step in training will be done in the “circuit” at the airport.The student will learn take-offs landings, the airport traffic pattern, and radio communication.
These skills are essential in becoming a competent pilot. One of the biggest milestones in a pilot’s career is the first solo. After the first solo, the student will learn specialty take-offs and landings such as short and soft field. The student will then return to the practice area to learn more advanced man oeuvres, as well as what to do in the event of an engine failure. The student will do a cross-country flight to another airport with an instructor, and then solo. When all this is done, the student needs to successfully complete a flight test.
In addition to the flying, the student must complete ground school. Theoretical subjects such as: air law, theory of flight, meteorology, operations management and medical factors are taught. The student must write an exam on these subjects. Only when the student completes the required hours, and passes a written and flight test will the student be issued a license.
Many people only want to fly for pleasure, not a career, and stop at their private pilot license. For those who wish to pursue flying as a career, the next step is their commercial pilot license. This involves flying until at least 200 hours are obtained. The student does advanced dual exercises with an instructor including how to fly on aircraft instruments. The student must complete ground school and pass a written exam. A flight test must also be completed.
The commercial pilot license is required to work as a pilot, but additional training and ratings are usually required for one wishing to make flying a career. Often one starts their career as a flight instructor,teaching others to fly. This is a good way to start a career and build hours quickly.
For those wishing to pursue an airline, corporate or charter career, a multi-engine and instrument rating are required. The instrument rating allows the pilot to operate in reduced weather,while the multi-engine rating allows the pilot to fly an aircraft with more than 1 engine.
There are as many careers paths in aviation as there are people to take them. A lot of hard work and dedication are required, but the potential rewards are enormous. Are you up to the challenge?
Whatever your goal, the first step to becoming a pilot is obtaining your private pilot license. The private pilot license is where you learn to fly. This involves flying an aircraft to a practice area near the home airport and practicing various air exercises. The student will develop confidence and competency in handling the aircraft. The next step in training will be done in the “circuit” at the airport.The student will learn take-offs landings, the airport traffic pattern, and radio communication.
These skills are essential in becoming a competent pilot. One of the biggest milestones in a pilot’s career is the first solo. After the first solo, the student will learn specialty take-offs and landings such as short and soft field. The student will then return to the practice area to learn more advanced man oeuvres, as well as what to do in the event of an engine failure. The student will do a cross-country flight to another airport with an instructor, and then solo. When all this is done, the student needs to successfully complete a flight test.
In addition to the flying, the student must complete ground school. Theoretical subjects such as: air law, theory of flight, meteorology, operations management and medical factors are taught. The student must write an exam on these subjects. Only when the student completes the required hours, and passes a written and flight test will the student be issued a license.
Many people only want to fly for pleasure, not a career, and stop at their private pilot license. For those who wish to pursue flying as a career, the next step is their commercial pilot license. This involves flying until at least 200 hours are obtained. The student does advanced dual exercises with an instructor including how to fly on aircraft instruments. The student must complete ground school and pass a written exam. A flight test must also be completed.
The commercial pilot license is required to work as a pilot, but additional training and ratings are usually required for one wishing to make flying a career. Often one starts their career as a flight instructor,teaching others to fly. This is a good way to start a career and build hours quickly.
For those wishing to pursue an airline, corporate or charter career, a multi-engine and instrument rating are required. The instrument rating allows the pilot to operate in reduced weather,while the multi-engine rating allows the pilot to fly an aircraft with more than 1 engine.
There are as many careers paths in aviation as there are people to take them. A lot of hard work and dedication are required, but the potential rewards are enormous. Are you up to the challenge?
