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How to become a professional pilot

May 20, 2024/in Career/by Eric Radtke

Flying with Flight Simulator – Flight Maneuver Spotlight

May 20, 2024/in Flight Maneuvers/by studentpltnews

Welcome to the latest edition of the Flight Maneuver Spotlight series. Here we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your flight training and be expected to demonstrate during your private pilot checkride. This one is a little different—we’re sharing a flight simulator maneuver that you can fly on your own.

How to become a professional pilot

May 20, 2024/in Career/by Eric Radtke

Flying with Flight Simulator – Flight Maneuver Spotlight

May 20, 2024/in Flight Maneuvers/by studentpltnews

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How to become a professional pilot

May 20, 2024/in Career/by Eric Radtke

WANTED – PROFESSIONAL PILOTS

Stop Dreaming, Start Flying

Recent data indicates that pilot certification changes have had far-reaching effects on qualified commercial and airline transport pilots and flight departments are experiencing a shortage of qualified pilots. In addition to flying passenger aircraft for major and commuter airlines, pilots also crew corporate aircraft and serve the military and law enforcement. Others fly emergency medical services, perform aerial surveying and photography and conduct sight-seeing flights. Some pilots participate in firefighting, rescue searches and other public service flying, while others become flight instructors.

Immediate job openings exist for:

Airlines
Corporate
Charter
Military
Law enforcement
Education
Cargo

KEYS TO SUCCESS

As a professional pilot you must be able to make quick decisions and accurate judgments under pressure. You must be able to maintain a high level of alertness while working irregular work schedules and spending time away from home. You must be physically fit, have excellent eyesight and be able to pass the required FAA physicals. You must also be organized and detail oriented.

BY THE NUMBERS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics):

Quick Facts: Airline and Commercial Pilots
2023 Median Pay	$171,210 per year
Number of Jobs, 2022	142,600
Job Outlook, 2021-31	4% (as fast as average)
Employment Change, 2022-32	5,600

ACADEMICS

To be competitive in professional aviation, a baccalaureate (four-year) degree is desirable, but your options for attaining this level of higher education are numerous. While an aviation-specific course of study is not a requirement, a number of institutions offer Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree options in professional aeronautics.

There are also a number of institutions offering Associate level (two-year) programs in aviation – typically an Associate of Applied Science degree that will serve as a stand-alone credential for a career in professional aviation.

In most degree programs, your FAA certifications up through Commercial pilot and possibly beyond, will be included. If you currently possess a four-year college degree, our advice would be to focus on pursuing your Commercial pilot certificate.

WHAT’S NEXT

Regardless of whether you opt for collegiate or non-collegiate pilot training, your pathway to the flight deck will progress through multiple pilot certifications including Private pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial pilot for single and multiengine airplane and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). After earning your teaching certificate (CFI), many pilots have the opportunity to work as flight instructors. Flight instructors earn a competitive wage teaching pilots to fly while continuing to build pilot experience toward the 1,500 hours of total flight experience required of an airline pilot.

Challenge, adventure and opportunity await!

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Flying with Flight Simulator – Flight Maneuver Spotlight

May 20, 2024/in Flight Maneuvers/by studentpltnews

This is just one of the 14 flight simulator lessons included in Sporty’s 2024 Learn to Fly Course. Each one includes lesson goals, initial setup steps, performance standards, and common errors.