Anyone interested in becoming an airline pilot, flying a helicopter or learning how to fly a charter plane will need to obtain their pilot's license from a certified pilot school. Pilot training programs are available at flight clubs and pilot schools around the world, allowing candidates to learn several hands-on skills for handling a plane, and gaining knowledge about the history and future of the aviation industry. Pilot schools can also provide resources and connections to professionals in the aviation industry, opening up several opportunities for a successful and rewarding pilot career.
Job Description and Responsibilities after Pilot Training
Pilot training provides the foundation
for a successful career as a pilot or aviation professional,
and this goes far beyond learning how to fly an
aircraft. Common responsibilities of a certified pilot
include:
-
Working
with crew members
-
Testing
new planes
-
Flying
either cargo or people from place to place
-
Ensuring
safety of passengers and crew
-
Adhering
to ethical standards
-
Following
FAA rules and regulations
-
Preparing
a plane for takeoff or landing a plane
Types
of Pilot Training Programs
There are several distinctions in pilot
licensing and certification, and pilot schools offer a
different set of curriculum and training for each
level. The most common types of pilot training programs
include:
-
Military Flying – a program for
military aviators that involves flying the most advanced
aircrafts, learning military flying rules and regulations, and training
for
combat.
-
Private Pilot License (PPL) – the most
common license available through private pilot school, this
type of license allows candidates to fly their own
plane. This type of license is most common for those
who want to fly for leisure purposes or are a member of a
flight club. This license requires 40 hours of flying
time and passing a
written exam.
-
Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – the
license required for those who want to become a paid pilot
and fly aircraft from an airline. Commercial pilot
license requirements require between 190 – 250 hours of
flight time depending on how the training is delivered, and
holding a private pilot license (PPL) is required before beginning the
program.
-
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP) –
this license is typically acquired by those who want to
serve as a pilot captain on a multi crew aircraft. The
ATP requires at least 1,500 hours of flight time, and is the
highest license anyone can obtain as a
pilot.
Skills Learned at Pilot School
The training programs at pilot school are
not restricted to only learning how to fly. Pilot schools
train candidates to operate different types of aviation
equipment, learn about the history of aviation, and also learn
safety and precaution measures as they pertain to the
industry. Key skills learned at pilot school include:
-
Understanding visual flight rules (VFR)
-
Using instrument
flight rules (IFR) effectively during operations
-
Handling emergency situations
-
Jet takeoff planning
-
Corporate
aviation regulations
-
Crew resource management
Pilot Training Requirements and
Obtaining a Pilot License
A pilot school prepares candidates for a
rewarding career as a pilot or aviation professional, but each
prospective pilot must complete specific pilot training
requirements in order to obtain a pilot license.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all
prospective pilots to complete 40 hours of flying time before
they can obtain their Private Pilot
Certification.
Training for a professional flying career depends on the level of certification the candidate wishes to achieve. Professional pilots are trained in several fields including emergency procedures training, crew resource management and takeoff rules and regulations. A private pilot school may have additional training requirements and eligibility factors in order to obtain credentials as a qualified pilot.
Pilot School Costs and Financing Options
Most candidates attending a pilot school,
whether it is a private pilot school or a public one, will
have the option to select the number of classes or lessons
they take each week. This allows the pilot school to
offer a price for a set of pilot or aviation classes, and this
can vary depending on the location of the pilot training
program, whether the student is taking an accelerated training
program, and the trainer who is delivering the pilot
training.
Flight training costs for the private
pilot school training program can range anywhere from $5,500
to $10,000 depending on the type of plane, instructor and
location of the training school.
Pilot Career Potential and Employment Prospects
Employment prospects for a pilot career
look promising for regional and low-fare airline jobs, but
most pilots will be faced with a competitive industry in other
areas through 2016. Median annual earnings for airline pilots
were $141,090 in 2006 and $57,840 for commercial pilots in the
same year. Related jobs and career options include:
|