Every young person has the dream of becoming an aircraft pilot when they are young. As they get older they begin to realize that their dream can become a reality if they are willing to put the time in to get started. Here are the steps that you will need to take in order for you to become a pilot by profession.

How to Become a Professional Pilot

$92,060



103,500
11%
11,500

Find Related CareersSOURCE: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

• Many people start working on their pilot’s license when they are young. In order to get your license you must meet all the requirements put out by the FAA. There is an age requirement and a lot of book work and flight time that they will have to complete in order to just get their pilot’s license.
• You will also want to complete high school or get your GED in order to move on to higher education. Many pilots get their start by joining the military and becoming military pilots. During their time in the military they are able to get the training they need to move ahead in the aviation field.
• As a pilot you will want to get a college degree in English, math, aeronautical engineering and even physics. More and more aviation employers want to employee people with top level skills.
• Be ready to take and pass all psychological and aptitude testing that may come your way. Pilots have to be people that are able to react quickly when a situation demands them to think on their feet.
• As a pilot you will have to go through more training to learn the ropes of the company. Pilots may face up to eight weeks of training and more flight time in order to get familiar with the aircraft.
• A pilot must also complete regular training in order to stay current with new technology and FAA requirements.
• Take the time and develop these skills as a pilot: Communication, paying attention to details, problem solving, working on a team, your reaction time and other important skills that are needed to become a pilot.

What You Should Come to Expect as a Pilot

• As a pilot you can come to expect a median salary of $92,060 per year. As of 2010 there were 103,500 jobs and there is an expected 11 percent rise in the number of jobs available in the next 10 years.
• Pilots must be willing to spend time away from home and work a wide range of hours. In some cases the hours can be long into the night and even on the weekends.
• Pilots much be flexible and willing not to fly when the circumstances do not permit them too. Flight cancellations and weather conditions can keep them from taking to the air.
• Pilots are also the front lines to the airline. They must be willing to connect with their passengers on long flights and be willing to meet the needs of their crew.
• As a pilot you will even have to take classes to improve your knowledge of aircraft operation and the various technological advances in the instruments they use.

Pilots have a big job to do and they take peoples lives into their hands every time they get behind the controls of an aircraft. If you are looking to become a pilot and make a living at it you must decide how your path will shape up. Take the time to explore all of your options and then decide which path you are willing to take. The aviation field will continue to grow as the demand for people to be in other countries and locations continues to increase.