How do I become a commercial airplane pilot?  What would the complete process be, how long would it take, etc?
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1) HOW DO I BECOME A COMMERCIAL PILOT?\n\n CIVILIAN ROUTE\n1. Get your pilot certificates and ratings via a flying club or school at the local airport, a university aviation program. A newly certificated commercial pilot with instrument and multi-engine ratings usually has about 250 hours. This is not enough for the airlines*. (See note* at bottom)\n\n2. Build up flight experience until about 1,000 flight hours. Most regional airlines require pilots to have at least 1,000 hours of flight time, with 100 of that being in multi-engine aircraft and a Commercial/Multi/Instrument certificate. (An Airline Transport Pilot certificate is not required until you make captain.) Common time building jobs are: banner towing, skydive pilot, pipeline patrol, traffic watch or flight instruction (with the additional Certified Flight Instructor rating)\n\n3. Get a degree. You do not need a degree in aviation, but having a degree in any subject is a requirement to getting hired on at a major airline. The regionals aren't so picky. Many think they must have an aviation degree to have an edge but when or if you are ever furloughed during your career an aviation degree is useless.\n\n4. Upon reaching the magic 1,000 hours begin applying! Hopefully you will get hired. Learn to live on a budget as regional airline pay is not very good. After building up about 2,000-3,000 hours and "paying your dues" at a regional you then qualify for a job with a major carrier.\n\n5. Begin applying all over again at the majors.....\n\n* There are some airline academy programs (Delta Connection Academy, Mesa Ailines Pilot Development, Flight Safety among others) that offer a "quick entry" scheme into the right seat of a regional airline. They are very costly and do not guarantee a job, but an interview only. If you pass their program and the airline interview, you could very well be hired as a First Officer at 300-400 hours. Some are very pro this method while others in the industry are not as they feel it's "buying a job". Some academy grads will face discrimination during their career because of this.\n\nMILITARY ROUTE\nJoin the military and hope to get selected as a pilot candidate for one of the highly competitive openings. Manage to pass flight school (failure rate is about 25%). Become a military aviator. Don't get killed while serving your country. Get out after 12 years and apply to the airlines.\n\nVisit these informative sites for more info:\nhttp://www.jetcareers.com\nhttp://www.flightinfo.com\n\n2) HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?\nIt takes as little as 18 months but more often 2-3 years to get hired by a regional airline as a First Officer (the starting point in the industry for airline pilots) .\n\nThe usual route to the airlines is flight training for the Private license, Instrument rating, Commercial license and multi-engine rating in about 12-18 months. Quite often a person will also get their Flight Instructor certificate and teach as a way to build flight time. The regional airlines hire people with 1,000 hours of flight time. (You don't need 1,500 hours and the Airline Transport Pilot certificate to get hired, although it makes you a better candidate.) Once a new commercial pilot with 250 hours has instructed or built up time via other small jobs, which takes another 12-18 months, they can apply at 1,000 hours and be hired by a regional airline. For about 85-90% of the industry, this is the usual route. It costs about $40,000-50,000. (Sometimes considerably more depending on where you go.)\n\nThere are also some "academy" style programs that will train you for the PPL, Instrument, Commercial, & ME in 12-18 months, plus some airline style ground school, then offer a pilot an interview with an affiliated regional at substantially reduced flight times. This method of training often costs $60,0000-$80,000 and doesn't guarantee a job- only an interview. If the candidate passes it successfully, they will g
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Usually the first step is to get a "Demo Flight" from your local airport. If you like flying after that, you need to save up some serious cash, find a flight school (Flying Magazine is okay), word of mouth is better. Plan on flight instructing to build your time. You will starve for 10 years before "making a living" at the commuter airline level. If you are lucky
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Many of the big airline companys train thier pilots from scratch !!\n\ntry British Airways..\n\nthey have thier own training facilities !\n\ngood luck
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Go here for information about flight training in india-\n http://www.IndianPilots.com\n\n"IndianPilots.com is an Indian Aviation Portal, which was originally launched in April, 2004 for the purpose of awareness and knowledge to those who seek information about Aviation and its practices in India.\n\nIndianPilots.com is designed, maintained and moderated by a group of commercial pilots. The main activity of the site is the discussion forum, which has an active participation of aviators, enthusiasts and aspirants. If you have just landed, we welcome you to become a part of the group and start logging your time here."\n\nThey have a message board for training questions and career advice, so I suggest you try there.
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go to any flight school at your local airport or airfield.  also look for colleges that carry the degree because you stand a better chance of getting a job be3cause a degree carries more weight with aviation businesses
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In order to get a Private Pilot certificate, it will cost you between $5,000 and $9,000 depending on the rental rates in your area and how fast you progress through the curriculum. If you already have knowledge of necessary subjects, it will require less ground instruction, so you may save yourself a small amount of money as less time will need to be spent on that.\n\nFAA Private Pilot requirements must include at least 40 hours of flight time with a minimum of 10 being solo and 20 "dual" or with an instructor. (Note: most students take almost TWICE that amount of flight time to actually finish.)\n\nHere is a cost estimate at a MINIMUM based on average rates:\n\nCessna 172 aircraft:\n40hr x $85/hr= $3,400\nFlight instruction:\nInflight 25hr x $25/hr= $625\nGround 15hr x $15/hr $225*\nBooks & Supplies $100\nWritten Test Fees $75\nFlight Test Fees $300\nMedical Exam $50\nTotal $ 4,775\n\n*Not all CFIs charge a lower rate for ground instruction.\n\nIf you apply yourself and fly 3-5 times a week you will finish for the cheapest and in the least amount of time (a month or two).
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The percentage of commercial pilots who were military is not as high as answerer 1 states.  There are many flight schools in the USA. Pick up a FLYING magazine to get an idea of what is out there. Look at your local flight school and see if they have packages.  There are some cheaper flight schools in Oklahoma, that is where I trained for part of mine. Universities will suck you dry of $.  Find an accelerated, affordable, guaranteed program for a fixed price regardless of how many hours it takes. They will get you through quicker when their meter is running instead of running up your meter.  Do the training in chunks if you can't afford all of it. Get $3,000 cash and approach a flight school with a lump sum. Get things in writing. Finish your private, then move on to the Instrument. Build some time, get your commercial and get your CFI certificate as soon as possible. Flight instruction is the best way to build your time, your knowledge and your competency. You might try www.cfischool.com
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You definitely need to get more information.  You say that you'll finish the degree in 2 years.  Will this be an associate's or bachelor's degree?  (The airlines are preferring the bachelor's.)  You say that you'll finish with a Commercial certificate; how many hours will you have at that point?  If you have minimum hours, just about the only available job will be as a flight instructor.  Generally, you can't make enough as an instructor to live on.  How far have you gone with aviation already?  Do you know you'll like it?  Do you know you'll qualify medically?  You wouldn't want to make big changes only to find out you also didn't like the new situation, or that you couldn't follow through.\n\nYour question makes sense, but the details definitely reveal that you shouldn't make the decision without getting more information first.\n\nYou might also consider other possibilities such as keeping the house and taking an equity loan, or taking out edcational loans once you're in school.\n\nBest of luck.
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You don't need to be a pilot, but it helps! Thanks for picking my answer as the best one for the other question! I love those web sites! As for the stuff to become a pilot, if you fill the astronaut requirements, you are set!
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First of all you will need to take your first flight with an instructor to see if you will like it. Second you will need to take ground school courses and start flight lesson in a single engine aircraft with an instructor. One website you can check out is www.beapilot.com\nEyesight is not a problem unless you plan on being a fighter pilot. You just need your glasses to be up to date. Height could be a problem if you exteemly small. How tall are you?\n\nBy the way, Im about to start myself. Its been a life long dream of mine and I cant wait. I have more info if you want to contact me. Best of luck!!
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After 12th? I assume you mean 12th grade? A person can take their Private PIlot test at age 17. An aspiring civilian pilot can do their flight training and earn their licenses & ratings via these routes:\n\nA university aviation program (career track)\nAn aviation academy program (career track)\nA local flight school or flying club (career track OR recreational pilot)\n\nIf you simply want to be a Private Pilot, you should go to your local airport and investigate the schools or clubs on the field. Then get PPL course and rate info from each. Not all schools or clubs charge the same prices. Some are much more expensive than others.\n\nTo become a Private Pilot in the USA you must:\n1)meet the physical/medical requirements\n2)pass a written examnation*\n3)log a minimum of 40 hours of flight time (10 alone as a student and at least 20 with an instructor)\n4)pass an oral exam*\n5)pass a flight test\n\n*study for these tests can be one onone with an instructor or be taken via a 'ground school' course.\n\nMy flight training and pilot career website addresses How To Become A Pilot, espcially for those on the career track. Visit: http://www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/faq.html\n\n"Have you ever dreamt of learning to fly? Perhaps you would like to pursue aviation as a full-time profession, or maybe you'd like to fly for your personal enjoyment. But where can you go to learn to fly? What costs are involved? How long does it take? What are the age limits?" Visit http://flightinfo.com/learntofly.htm\n\nGet additional info at these links:\nhttp://www.aopa.org/learntofly/startfly\nhttp://www.beapilot.com\nhttp://www.jetcareers.com
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I think this can help:\nCommercial pilot licence:  A student can get the CPL by doing his flying training for 129 hours to complete 250 Hour of flying.\nTraining facilities are available with Flying Clubs in India, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, Raibarelly, UP, Private Academies or Flying School in USA or Europe, Australia, Gulf,etc.\nEducation eligibility : XII(physics and Maths), Non-Science students who started flying before jan1,1994 were eligible for 1996 admission. Current PPL Licence needed with flying experience in the last 3 year.\nEligible Age : 18 years to 30 years.\nMedical fitness- As granted by AFCME, New Delhi/IAM, Bangalore.\nWritten Exam - Awritten exam in the following subjects is needed for getting the CPL:\nAir Regulations, aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Technical, Planning. These exams are conducted 6 times a year.\nActual flying experience required - 250 hours of total flying time(150 hours of solo, 25 hours of cross country, 10 hours of instrument flying , 5 hours of night flying).\nFurther Growth - CPL licence and training as a particular aircraft leads to a co-pilot assignment. Promotion depends as flying experience and vacancies. Co-pilots must have the required numbers of flying hours and licence. A pilot undergoes a never process of training. Proficiency tests have to be cleared almost thrice a year or more depending on the licence category and age of the pilot. The highest among the category of licences is the Air Transport Pilot Licence(ATPL) which allows the pilot to fly any type of aircraft. Licence has to be constantly renewed through passing medical and other tests every six months.\nhere the link that can be helpful http://www.careerage.com/resources/career_choices/airlines/pilot.shtml
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Well I am a long haul flight attendant for a major airline - and I absolutley love it! Different airlines have different standards when it comes to hiring crew. Some airlines are more unfair than others however a good airline will hire someone based on merits rather than looks and age. I was 20 when recruited. In my intake I had people of all shapes, sizes, ages, sexuality, religion, backgrounds - the list goes on.\n\nAlthough not required to do any of the following they may be of an advantage - you may want to look at taking a short course in cabin crew (to show your interested and serious), working in the food and beverage industry (which is one of your primary functions onboard after safety), or study a 2nd language (I speak Japanese and get about an extra $500 of year because of this)\n\nIt's definately are very prestigous job and when walking through the terminal everyone just looks at you - it's an amazing feeling. Most people that travel know that becoming a flight attendant is not easy. more than 500 people applied and only 30 were selected at my intake.\nNot only are we waiters and cleaners, but nannys, policemen, firefighters, good listeners, entertainers, mechanics, plumbers, medics and most importantly are able to help evacuate a plane in an emgergency, which is the part of the training which takes the most. There is an 80% pass mark for tests and practicals when it comes to emergency procceduers and we are tested every 6 months.\n\nCareer wise there is plently of career progress. You start of as an economy attendant - but don't think business class is out of reach, I was also trained in business. From there you can become a dedicated Business Class and first class attendant which means you will 99% of the time work in these cabins unless called out of catergory. From there you can become a second senior, then a supervisor, then a manager. you could also become a trainer. You may decide to be invloved with many of the companies programs to develop better techniques on board.\n\nI learn dozens of new things everytime I fly. From other crew and the passengers. I might learn about a different city or why a governmentt has introduced a new policy. you'll also encounter many situations on board - some make you laugh and some will be a test of character. My favorite though is dealing with passengers that don't speak english. It's great fun trying to get the message to them such as what do you want to drink or sorry we've run out.\n\nIn regards to perks every airline has different perks. Although my airline doesn't give free tickets (and can't imagaine many that do) We get unlimited travel at nearly 95% off the price - Not bad. As a flight attendant your travelling to different places and getting to stay there in 5 star hotel\n\nThis is airline specific but I work on averaged over a 2 month period the equivlent of less than 4 hours a day. And I get plently of days off not only home but of course overseas.\n\nOf course there are a few downsides. You will miss birthdays etc. but that just means you have to celebrate when you get back - And you'll probably give better presents too that you've sourced from you adventures abroad. \n\nSo in conclusion - I love my job and if you have the opportunity to apply for an airline - Just try - you never know your luck and hope you get to be part of a very exiciting industry!!
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BEng\n3-year full-time\n4-year thick-sandwich\n\nMEng\n4-year full-time\n5-year thick-sandwich\nBEng\n\n\nMEng\nBEng\nBEng/AEWPS\nBEng/AEPS4\n\nMEng\nMEng/AEWPS\nMEng/AEPS\n\nThere are a few routes... Aviation Management/Systems Operations/Engineering/Design.\n\nDetails of the BSc Aviation Mgmt and Ops: This course gives you a broad understanding of the aviation industry and of core management competencies. You may choose either the Management Pathway, focusing on the management of airport, airline and ancillary businesses, or the Pilot Pathway, covering the foundation technical education required to be an Airline Transport Pilot. If you are following the Pilot Pathway you are required to complete practical flying training to obtain your Private Pilots Licence before entry to level 2. Unless you already hold a Private Pilot Licence you should plan to complete your own practical flying training between levels 1 and 2.\n\nYou are responsible for financing your flying training, which will cost approximately £4,000 for the Private Pilot Licence and about £20,000 to complete the Commercial Pilot Licence. To add the Instrument Rating, you will need a further £12,000. You should therefore ensure that you meet appropriate medical standards before starting the course. Flying training for Management Pathway students is optional.\nCourse structure\n\nYou study eight modules at each of two levels.\n\nLevel 1\n\nModules\n\n          o Introduction to Aviation\n          o Study Skills for Aviation\n          o IT Skills for Aviation\n          o Airline Operations and Procedures\n          o Airport Operations\n          o Introduction to Aviation Marketing\n          o Aircraft Operations (Private Pilots Licence theoretical subjects)\n\nLevel 2\n\nManagement Pathway modules\n\n          o Health, Safety and Security for Aviation\n          o Airline Business Management\n          o Airport Business Management\n          o Aviation Financial Management\n          o Work-based Learning\n\nPilot Pathway modules\n\n          o Aviation Flight Operations - Parts 1 and 2\n          o ATPL Aircraft Technical\n          o ATPL Aircraft Advanced Systems\n          o ATPL Aviation Law, Regulationsand Operations Procedures\n\nDirectly after level 1\nPilot Pathway students are required to complete the practical flying training for the Private Pilot Licence to progress to Level 2. You need to achieve the standard required for the issue of the Commercial Pilot Licence to obtain a degree. The addition of an Instrument Rating and successful completion of a Multi-Crew Cooperation course is required for the issue of a frozen Airlines Transport Pilot Licence, which is the minimum standard for entry into a Professional Airline Pilots career.\n\n\nManagement pathway students will undertake a work-based learning placement. These must be arranged individually.\nTeaching, learning and assessment\n\nAssessment and teaching methods include lectures, workshops, tutorials, seminars, field trips and guest speakers.\nCareer opportunities\n\nThe course equips you for a career in management and in supervisory levels of airline and airport businesses and other transport-related areas. The Pilot pathway satisfies the requirements for the Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) Commercial Pilot Licence and provides a springboard into a career as an Airline Pilot. European Joint Aviation Authorities Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) (if you are on the Pilot Pathway).\n\nI found another specific uni which gives plenty of info:\n\n"The CCBC Aviation Program offers a variety of courses to meet your needs, whether you are looking to take ground school classes, complete a degree in aviation, or transfer to a four-year aviation college or university.\n\nThis program is designed to be flexible to accommodate both non-degree and degree-seeking students. Students wishing to complete an aviation degree may do so one or two courses at a time, or may opt to take classes full-time t
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Get a job with an airline.
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I was in that search also. I'm a member of GA Wing in the C.A.P. I've been a member for 8 monthes and I've loved every minute of it. \n\nCAP is the way to go. We offer Orientation flights which are part of your approx. $50 yearly dues. You'll probably fly 4 times a year, and you actually fly the plane, not just fly in a plane. Also, CAP has flight academies so you can get your pilots license FREE!!!!\n\nWe also do Ground team tasks such as: Air Show security, Search and Rescue, Disaster Relief, Counter Drug, etc.\n\nYou'll learn about aerospace topics, survival skills, leadership-followership, military protocal, and much more.\n\nYour dues pays for...\nUniform (BDUs and Blues)\nMembership\nO-Flights\nVehicles\nInsurance\nMilitary discounts\nMore, More, and More!!!
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Depending on your age, you can attend college on a ROTC scholarship and apply for naval aviation, go to college then apply for OCS/AOCS or apply for the Naval Academy and pray to be picked up for naval aviation.  There is an age cut-off of 26 at the time of comissioning to become a pilot. To fly jets takes about 2-2 1/2 years of school.  THEN, you go to the operational fleet for a tour, then usually a tour with a training squadron as an instructor pilot.  Then, back to the fleet, then apply for test pilot out of PAX River MD.  Most test pilots are LT (O-3) that are close to becoming LCDR (O-4) and above.  And, by the way, unlike some of your other answers, military jets  that are pre-production are not flown by only contracted test pilots.  That's why the Navy and Air Force HAVE test pilots.