i am still in high school, i want to be an airline pilot when i grow up and i need to know how to get started?

Question

like what classes i should take and where should i go after high school, like what should i do because i think im kinda lost right now :/ please help me

Answer 1

That is an excellent goal, and it is possible for you to achieve it. I don't know your age, but I recommend several courses of action, which you should undertake concurrently: 1) stay in school, and get good grades, 2) start flight training as soon as possible - you can take and log dual instruction at any age, solo at 16, obtain a private pilot certificate at 16, a commercial certificate at 18, and an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) rating at 21. Of course, you must attain the training and experience requisite to each rating prior to taking the written and practical tests for them. I also recommend going to college and obtaining a 4-year bachelor's degree in a non-aviation field. Although this seems to fly in the face of logic, airline selection boards generally look more favorably on a pilot who has a well-rounded educational background than one who went to an "aviation university" and has one of the "I can fly an airplane" degrees. In addition, this will give you a much better chance of getting into a decent profession should you either decide you no longer want to be an airline pilot (that happens) or you are not successful in attaining a pilot job at one of the major airlines (after building a lot of flying time and "paying your dues"). Remember, the airlines typically receive between 1,200 and 2,000 applications from qualified pilots for each pilot job opening - it is a highly competitive field, and far more qualified people do not get hired on than do. Its always good to have an alternative course of action. Relative to experience, you will need to build a lot of flying time. The airlines don't really care if you took your flight training from a college or "big name" flight school or from an independent instructor at the local airport, as long as you have the appropriate ratings. They are far more concerned with the amount and quality of flight time you have. There are several ways to do this. I recommend starting flight training as soon as possible, acquiring time and moving up in certificates and ratings as quickly as you can afford it. It is a stepping stone process, first train for and obtain your Private Pilot certificate (minimum 40 hours, typically 60-65), then build another 100-200 hours, train for and attain the Instrument Rating (legal time minimum is lower, but it is a good idea to get some decent experience before becoming licensed to fly in the clouds, as you need to develop some weather judgment first), the the Commercial Certificate. Following that, I recommend that you get a CFI and CFII (flight instructor/instrument) rating, as that will allow you to build time while instructing and being paid (very minimally, I might add) - it can be useful as a job during college. Following that, get a multi-engine rating, then a multi-engine instuctor rating. After you build somewhere in the range of 500-1,000 hours, you may be able to get a job with a Part 135 firm, flying charters and/or freight. You can train for and get the ATP at 1,200 hours, which will make you more attractive to charter firms for flying passengers. You will also need to obtain a significant amount of turbine time (most major airlines are currently requiring a minimum of 2,500 -3,500 hours total time and 1,500 - 2,000 hours turbine time for initial hires), so you want to get on with an upscale charter operator or, possibly, a corporate fllight department. Regional airlines usually want, at a minimum, an ATP, 1,200 - 1,500 hours total time, and 500+ multi-engine, and they are a good source of turbine time, although the pay is pretty low. That brings up another point - pay. All through this process you are not going to be making much money (too many pilots, not enough flying jobs). There is a great deal of truth in the T-shirts sold at your local pilot shop that say "Will fly for food." Even if you make it to a major airline, the first year or two is not a well-paying position. Also, most of the major airlines have reduced their pay scales significantly, and those who have been hired within the last few years will never attain the pay levels of the older pilots, as the pay tiers for new hires are much lower (and remain that way for the balance of their career, by comparison to former pay schedules).

A second approach is to join the military (either Navy or Air Force, the Army only fly helicopters, which won't be much help when going for an airline job) after college (go through ROTC and become an officer, you can't be a pilot in either as an enlisted man), and try to be selected for flight school. I still recommend learning to fly as soon as possible, as that will still build time, and may help in attaining a military pilot slot. This will give you training an experience in turbine (jet) aircraft, which will be of great help in attaining a major airline position after concluding your service.

It is also possible that you may decide to not become an airline pilot, or that, once attaining that goal, that you don't really like it. I decided I didn't like it, as it is relatively restraining, and was turning flying, which has always been my greatest passion in life, into "just a job." I have a lot of friends who still fly for the airlines, and most of them have lost their passion for flying (not all, of course). I decided I'd rather do something else at which I could earn enough to indulge my passion for aviation, own my own airplane, and fly when and where I want, without putting up with the quirks of the seniority system, getting trips you don't want (rising at 2AM in Buffalo to fly a 5:30 departure in snow and ice is not much fun after the fourth, twentieth, or 100th time), and putting up with the silly "security" checks at each gate.

It can be a good career, just do your research, and start flying as soon as possible, because even if you change your mind about flying for the airlines, you will have one of the greatest skills you can learn, and you will enjoy it throughout your life.

Answer 2

Listen up, your in good shape right now, just having an idea of what you want to do, and buddy, you couldn't have picked a better career path. Somebody asked the other day how to afford the training, if you can find that question, I highly recommend reading the answer I posted there, it will clear up a lot of questions that you may not have even considered yet, but you will. I highly agree with the gentleman that offered the advice of studying math/physics, and thinking classes. I am enrolled at Delta Connection Academy right now, working on my Instrument Rating. I can tell ya, the hardest thing for me is studying. . . I've never had to before, but this is some really brainy stuff, particularly weather theory. It seems to me that meteorologists don't understand the weather, but man, the FAA wants us pilots to understand it to the T (so to speak). As far as the basics, a keen understanding of physics is important, and I'm not just talking about gravity (what goes up comes down). You should get in contact with a local airport as soon as possible to help you gather information. I hope your parents are supportive, it is a huge help to have your parents patting you on the back the whole way, and helping you decipher all the things that need to get done. Start your training during the summer, when you can concentrate on it, and don't much have to worry about school. You can get your student pilot certificate at 16 for airplane. Another thing to consider, but it is very hard to get the moms to approve, is Gliders, you can operate a glider at 14. This way you can build time until you turn legal to get your private for airplane. You can get your private pilot certificate at 16 for a glider and 17 for airplane. I have so much advice for you, if you have any other questions, please feel free to E-mail me, [e-mail] Good luck, Scott

Answer 3

The best way to get started is to find a local flight school and take an intro. flight to make sure this is exactly what you want to do, and then you can start taking lessons at that school. A good way to find a local school is to visit http://www.beapilot.com/ they have a database that you can search for schools. As far as after high school, I would suggest that you attend a college/university that has aviation as a major. Some of the more prominent schools that you can look into are Embry-Riddle and U. North Dakota, but there are plenty of schools, so do some research and find the one that fits you best.

Good luck, and also check out my yahoo 360 page, I have been writing about the process to getting you Private Pilots License.

Answer 4

Friend!
First of all your IQ should be above 90 or A=
This the inborn quality!
Regarding studies you can offer mathematics or Physics major
in the University graduation studies. There is a preparatory exam and final exam. If you score the required percentage, your name will be listed for medical check up, where you will be tested for physical fitness in which you should be free from the infections and in prescribed medical standards.

After that you will enter the aviation school. It is almost 6 years rigorous training to get a twin engine pilot license after completing nearly 1000 flying hours, is cl lI pilot. You will be a co-pilot in a large aircraft. Later after getting cl I plot license, you will be absorbed as the commander.

I am not a pilot, I read it in a magazine long back and tried to reproduce it. I have my own doubts the hours that I mentioned is 1000 or less.

Answer 5

All pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must have a commercial pilot’s license with an instrument rating issued by the FAA.
Helicopter pilots must hold a commercial pilot’s certificate with a helicopter rating.
To qualify for these licenses, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of flight experience. The experience required can be reduced through participation in certain flight school curricula approved by the FAA.
Applicants also must pass a strict physical examination to make sure that they are in good health and have 20/20 vision.
Applicants must pass a written test and must demonstrate their flying ability to FAA or designated examiners.

Answer 6

First off, if you're in high school, you can probably qualify for a pilots license (in CA the age is 14 last time I checked)... so start training on single engine planes and get some hours in.

And talk with your trainer on what you need to do to advance to multi engine, and jet aircraft.

The other option is to try and get into the Air National Guard... cheaper, as long as you don't get killed... no joke, just a warning...

-dh

Answer 7

You need to know your math. Take as many different types of math classes you can. Physics will help also. Other than that, take classes that are tough, that make you learn to think. This is actually good for any tough job. You need to train your mind to learn and memorize.

There are a number of aeronautics colleges. Unless you have money, it may be best to take ROTC in college and join the military with a guarantee that you will fly. If you are smart enough they will do that. You need to have a lot of hours flying before you can get hired to fly planes. The best way to get those hours is to be in the military unless you are rich and can rent the plane for the hundreds and hundreds of hours you need before you can get a job flying.

Answer 8

Go to a reputable college that has a pilot program. they will take care of everything. If you want a sure thing once you get out of college go into the military as an officer and get into the academy there. you will be set. if not the job of a pilot can be hairy with the unemployment lines.

Answer 9

Take lots of Math classes in H.S.

Get into a good university that has a Air Force ROTC program,
for free flight training, and PP license.

Study and earn a degree in Aeronautical Engineering so that you'll have something to fall back on if can't get on with the majors.

Best yet would be to get in to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, but... you have to be one of the best in your class, there's lots of competition.

Answer 10

Sign up with the Air Force. That's how most of the commercial pilots get their training. Pilots licenses cost an arm and a leg due to all the instructed air time you have to pay for.