Would You Like to Become a Commercial Airline Pilot?
The profession of airline pilot is fascinating, and it is delightful for those who actually fly the airplane. It is also fascinating to the observer, who appreciates the pilot’s ability to take responsibility for so many lives and an expensive piece of equipment. In order to become a pilot, an individual needs a commercial pilot’s license or certificate and flying experience. One has to be not less than 18 years old, have good health and good vision.
First goes the basic training. It is followed by flying with an instructor, who arranges different situations for a pilot to teach him cope with emergencies. An instructor flies with a pilot for 250 hours, and teaches him how to fly using instruments and how to fly aircraft that has two or more engines.
A potential pilot has to be skillful in math and science, since progress in technology requires particular levels of technical know-how from its pilots. Civilian training is quite an expensive undertaking, but it’s an investment that pays out perfectly.
Airline Pilot Jobs
If you are looking for work as an airline pilot, you must have noticed that news is constantly filled up with the quite unfavorable job situation in the industry. However, newsmakers usually don’t get the whole story, and pilot jobs are available, but one needs to broaden his scope beyond the conventional ways in which most pilots try to find work. Here are some of the options available for you.
Pilot jobs are available through many of the regional carriers. Pilot pay is very low, but the opportunity to fly can be very good with the regional carriers. Charter carriers have typically been a pretty good source for pilot jobs. Then there is the range of beginning airlines that have recently hired or are in the process of hiring. Discount carriers usually offer the best chance for finding pilots jobs.
Finally, for the pilot who is willing to work beyond the U.S., opportunities can be found with carriers based in the Emirates, India, China, Vietnam, and other destinations.
When making a career decision, it's important to know what your potential salary might be in the future. For a person who wants to be an airline pilot the same is true and it's important to know what recent airline pilot salary is. On average, airline pilot salaries range from about $26,004 a year at UPS to $50,400 and at Delta Airlines.