Aviation Education

Become commercial pilot

Be physically and mentally sound. In order to obtain more than the most basic of licenses, you'll need to hold a first or second-class medical certificate from the FAA. Vision is the main concern here; in order to work your way up the totem pole of pilot-hood, you'll need to have vision that can be corrected to 20/20. And if you're colorblind, well, it depends. Since there are different variations and degrees of severity when it comes to being colorblind, you may or may not be a candidate.

• You can be as young as 16 to hold a student license, 18 to hold a commercial license, and 23 to hold an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) license.
• You will be going through routine assessment as you progress. When you hit the big time, you'll also be examined to make sure you're of sound mind, both personality-wise and intellectually.

Get your finances in order. If you ever want to work for a major corporation or airline, there will be background checks, and that includes a credit check. In addition to this little factoid, becoming a pilot is expensive. While assistance does exist (from schools or the military), it's still not cheap.

• It all depends on the route you go. If you do learn to fly through a private flight club, you're paying for every hour you're in the air. Getting your CPL may cost you $10, 000. Getting other certifications (like IR and ground school) can also cost thousands of dollars too. Pilots can make very good money, but it may not be for a while.

Go to college. While some employers will hire licensed pilots with only a high school degree, most prefer at least two years of college. And if you ever dream of working for a major company, a degree is necessary. Since more and more people are getting them, they're becoming par for the course.

• At the minimum, complete general education requirements. We'll talk more on the what-you-need-to-know stuff later, but college starts you on the math, the English, and the physics skills. It also shows employers that you can commit to a strict regimen and succeed.
• Some schools offer aviation degrees and even offer training as part of the degree. When you graduate, you'll have your Commercial Pilot License and a degree. This can be done through a four-year university or a technical program.

Consider joining the military. The brunt of the obstacle when it comes to becoming a pilot is money and having to learn how to fly. A surefire way to solve that problem is to join the military. Not only is it financially easier, but major airlines definitely hold military pilots in high regard. If this is something you can see yourself doing, it's a good idea.

• Now comes the reality check: Joining the military is no small decision. It's a commitment of a decade or so (depending on your branch), you have to be physically fit, have the right mindset, and be willing to risk your life. While it's a good route to becoming a pilot, it's not the only one.