What possible paths could I take to become a pilot?

Question

I would like to know from anyone who is a pilot or has a good understanding of the process to become a pilot- what should I do to become a pilot (or what have you done). Please tell me possible processes after getting my physics and maths A levels (what I am going to do) I live in England.
Also if anyone knows the eyesight requirements then it would help and any possible ways of funding for training etc. Whatever you know will be apreciated!
Thanks! x

an airline pilot that is sorry

Answer 1

First, the airline pilot is the "top of the heap" and probably the job with the biggest competion. Secondly, because so many airlines are laying off, the number of positions that pay really well is small. One reason the up-and-coming airlines offer discount fares is because they don't pay the high wages and expensive pensions that the traditional airlines are busy defaulting on. Yes, all those Delta and Northwest pilots are seeing their big pensions disappear down the toilet.

The quickest way to become a fully trained pilot, with lots of hours, is to join the US Air Force. Everyone else has this idea, and the AF needs 100 ground people for every pilot, so competition is intense. You gotta be smart and in perfect health. (Especially eyesight. My nephew was rejected because he wore glases).

The other route, that most pilots take is this:

First, take a study class, usually offered by the local flight training school at a small local airport. This teaches the concepts of the book-work you have to know to pass pilot tests - flight theory, engine theory, navigation, weather, etc.

Also, take an introductory flight if you haven't actually had hands-on before. See if it's really for you. Get a medical; certain issues - high blood pressure, heart problems, colour-blindness (did you see "Little Miss Sunshine"?) will disqualify you from flying.

Second, get your private pilot license. When I did, 30 years ago, it involved 45 hours or more of flying instruction, about half of it dual. Half-way through this course, if you're good, they will certify you to fly solo. This is not cheap. Figure about $20,000. An hour of solo is about $100+, an hour of dual $200+. If you're lucky, you can get into this through some program like scouts or air force reserve cadets. At the end, you have to pass a flight test. If you fly about 2 to 4 hours a week, this will take several months.

Third, you build hours and take extra flight training (i.e. instrument training, float flying, twin engine, night rating, whatever) to reach the magic number of 200 hours for getting your commercial license.

When you pass your tests for Commercial, the trick is to find someone to hire you with such minimal instruction. Usually (as with my nephew, who now flies big jets for United) you start off getting instructor rating and giving others lessons while living at home; because you only get paid when you fly.

Eventually, you get a job with some small charter or commuter airline that flies tiny aircraft like those 4 to 8 seaters, or remote bush airlines, and then work your way up.

You go from 8 seaters to those sharp little twin-engine 12 seaters to small commuter planes with 15 or 20 passengers to commuter jets. If you hire with the right company, they pay for your training as you progress to each step and have bigger planes to train you on. You need a type rating for each one, and there's a transport license for craft over 12,500 lbs. It took my nephew about 10 years to go from instructor living at home to 737 pilot for United. now he flies 7-somethings transatlantic.

Good luck!

Answer 2

A flight path!!! Seriously I cannot give you an accurate answers but I know it is extremely difficult. I think only the 'creme de la creme' (which I hope you are) get their training though places like BA etc. Also I believe through the RAF it is the same and very few get in to do this training. My friends son became a pilot funded by his parents as although very bright couldn't get in to places I have mentioned.I know they literally spent thousands of pounds - at one stage they had spend £56,000, also for some reason he had to go to America to do with his training which was additional costs. After he had qualifed they actually had to pay an airline to get his required flying hours. Unsure also about the eyesight side but if you can wear lenses or specs shouldn't imagine this would restrict you. Good luck.

Answer 3

hopefully not the flight path of another plane , sorry , dont know .

Answer 4

you should join the military

Answer 5

could you please e-mail the results to me, [e-mail]

your help would be deeply appreciated, thanks