Say “test pilot, ” and whose name comes to mind? For most people, it’s Chuck Yeager, the first test pilot to break the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 in 1947. While military test pilots make up the bulk of the profession, there are also civilian test pilots who work for aerospace industries, governments, and certification agencies. Even a few private citizens…
I have met some amazing pilots, some of whom were simply naturals at anything aviation related. They could fly a washing machine if you put wings on it. These naturals are few and far between though. In a class of 40, there might be one. There may be one in one class, and you might go a few classes before you see another one. Even for these naturals, they are…
Commercial airline pilots operate planes owned by well-known aviation companies. Commercial airline pilots must plan flight routes, communicate with air traffic controllers and understand the technology needed to safely command aircraft. Commercial airline pilots must pass rigorous flight training exercises while also being in peak physical condition. Education…
It’s an annual rite of passage for millions of high school seniors: anxiously checking their mailboxes for thick envelopes and weighing their options about where to go to college. For that special breed of student who couldn’t imagine anything less than a career in aviation, the choices become somewhat clearer. If your goal is to become an aviation professional…
Opportunities for unmanned aircraft system (UAS) pilots are now wide-open under the new FAA small UAS (sUAS) Part 107 rule, which legalizes and regulates these air ops. Drone work in the U.S. film and TV industry has also taken flight recently under the agency’s Section exemption waivers. Meanwhile, demand for experienced commercial and military pilots to operate…
What’s the difference between a cargo jet and a passenger jet? If you were to step onto the flight deck of a freighter, you probably couldn’t distinguish it from the flight deck of the passenger model; it’s the same front office. There is one minor but critical addition; at the back of our cockpit we have a small, private lavatory. It has the flushing blue water…
To rise to a challenge. To launch a career or travel for business. To experience the freedom and exhilaration of seeing the world from above. Whatever your reason for learning to fly, your flight training journey will likely start at your local airport. Search for flight schools in your area here, or consider flying clubs, which often also offer training. Taking…
International Space Station Program Description The ISS is the largest international scientific and technological endeavor ever undertaken. The ISS is a permanent laboratory in a realm where gravity, temperature, and pressure can be manipulated for a variety of scientific and engineering pursuits that are impossible in ground-based laboratories. The ISS is a…
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…
There are a WIDE variety of professional pilot positions, but the three that are the most common career paths are airline, corporate, and military. I will try to briefly describe each. The path to a corporate or an airline cockpit often starts off the same. Since the few desirable corporate pilot and airline jobs require a college degree and thousands of hours…
Steps Part 1 Learning about the Navy Understand your responsibilities. Being a Navy Pilot is an incredibly difficult, time-consuming, and emotionally and physically demanding job. Before you begin your career path, make sure you fully understand your responsibilities and are up to the task. As a pilot, you may take part in warfare. Your duties include antisubmarine…
It’s time for your pre-flight check. Delta Air Lines is looking for pilot candidates who meet our high standards of aviator skills, safety, professionalism, and customer focus. If you are interested in joining our team of professional pilots, you may apply or update your existing application via AirlineApps.com. General Requirements At least 23 years of age…
Your first step is to take an introductory flight in a sailplane. That flight will introduce you to a world you have never known. And it is so exciting that you will want to explore it, to learn more about it and to become part of it. Accept that challenge and you are on your way to becoming a part of the world of glider pilots. As with any course of study, the…
The North Texas Aviation Education Initiative was initiated by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) from a widely recognized need for additional aviation workforce regionally and nationally. Despite its preeminence in the aviation industry, and the demonstrated need to train additional aviation professionals, the region lacks a public university…
Steps Part 1 Joining the Army Enlist in the U.S. Army. Anyone who wishes to become an Army pilot must first become an enlisted Soldier or an Officer in the U.S. Army. There are two types of enlisted Soldier service: full-time active duty Soldiers, and part-time members of the Army Reserve. In order to qualify for service, all prospective Soldiers must be at least…
Even more stark is the percentage of gradutes produced by private institutions. While non-public schools are the minority (making up 35% of respondents), they produce nearly nine out of every ten AMTS graduates. AMTS are creating specialized aviation maintenance technicians outside of their A&P programs. Of those educational institutions reporting, half…
Becoming a pilot in the Canadian Air Force is quite challenging and potentially dangerous, but relatively inexpensive. The Air Force provides all necessary training and subsidizes your education. To apply, you need only be a Canadian citizen over 17 years of age with a High School education, however a degree WILL be required. Very few who apply succeed in becoming…
You can become an airline pilot via the civilian route by attending a local flight school or college/university with a flight training program, in which you can earn all your pilot certificates and ratings. If you choose the civilian route to become an airline pilot, the following steps will guide you in the right direction: Step 1: Obtain a First Class Medical…
