CHOOSING TO BE AN AIRLINE PILOT AND WAYS TO GO ABOUT IT
-
Debasmita
Das
In the world
of undergoing cliché of certain people saying airplanes fly themselves, it
becomes necessary to put dire importance on the fact that it requires a great
deal of investment of time and money for mastering the technical expertise and
nitty gritty. It should be understood that flying an airplane isn’t the
toughest, rather preparing for it requires dedication and hard work.
The
technical aspects of piloting an aircraft—even large, commercial jets—can be
mastered by most anyone committed to doing so, but being put in charge of an
airplane, its crew, and passengers, and its cargo is about more than just those
technical aspects. Gaining the necessary experience requires a significant
investment of time and money. So, in addition to flight experience, a
well-rounded education is important for prospective airline pilots. Airlines
also value pilots who have experience flying for the military and the
leadership skills that often come with that.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Requirements
There is a
requirement to hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate for getting
hired by an airline as a first officer—or, co-pilot.
The other
requirements aside passing the applicable knowledge and practical tests are as
follows:
· Be at least 23-years old
· Hold a commercial pilot certificate
with an instrument rating
· Have recorded at least 1,500-hours
total time as a pilot
· Have recorded at least 50 hours in a
multi-engine airplane
Prospective
candidates should keep in mind that the above requirements can’t be fulfilled
just by studying in a university or institute. A common path toward earning the
necessary hours and gaining valuable experience is working as a flight
instructor.
COURSES OF ACTION
The same
option won’t be suitable for everyone. It requires customisation according to
the suitability. A few ways to go about it would be as follows:
1. Part 61 or Part 141 Flight School:
Flight schools are categorized as Part 61 flight schools or Part 141 flight
schools. These refer to FAA regulations, and Part 61 details the requirements
for the certification of pilots, while Part 141 describes the regulations
surrounding pilot schools. Part 61 flight instruction is the least regulated,
making it the most informal and often the least expensive option. Instructors
at Part 61 schools can conduct training in the manner they choose, without much
oversight from the FAA. Part 141 flight schools, on the other hand, must adhere
to a strict training outline that has been approved by the FAA. Both training
methods might offer a casual, at-your-own-pace environment, but Part 141
training is known to be a bit more fast-paced. Most flight schools offer
training on nights and weekends.
2. Aviation College or University: The
obvious benefit of attending a college or university with an aviation program
is to earn a four-year degree while learning to fly. Coursework consists of
aviation-related classes geared toward career pilots, and the quality of
training is high. Universities might provide students with professional
experience and the most up-to-date technology and equipment in the country. The
disadvantage of collegiate programs is the cost, but scholarships and other
types of financial aid are available to help offset tuition and flight costs.
Consider joining a professional aviation organization in your community, such
as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) or the Aircraft Owners and
Pilots Association (AOPA). They often offer scholarships and free training
seminars.
3. Aviation Academy: Aviation academies
offer a way for students to gain the required pilot certificates and knowledge
in a short amount of time. These programs often train people to be airline
pilots in a year or two with condensed coursework and intense airline-oriented
training under a Part 141 program. Many times, these companies partner with
airlines to offer guaranteed job interviews to graduates. The biggest drawback
is the cost, as aviation academies are the most expensive option.
4. Military Aviation Career: A military
aviation career can ease the financial burden of flight training, with the
trade-off being about a 10-year commitment to the military. Since the cost of
training is covered, this a desirable option for some. In addition to the
financial benefits, military pilots can enjoy traveling the world while gaining
experience flying large aircraft. Becoming a military pilot means facing
stringent acceptance requirements, both physically and mentally. The drawbacks
of becoming a military pilot include the long commitment, a lot of time away
from home, and the likelihood of deployments. When the commitment is complete,
the job outlook generally is very good since military experience is highly
desired by airline recruiters.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PILOT LICENSE
-
DEBASMITA
DAS
Pilot
licensing or certification refers to permits for operating aircraft. They are
issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in each country, establishing that
the holder has met a specific set of knowledge and experience requirements.
This includes taking a flying test. The certified pilot can then exercise a
specific set of privileges in that nation's airspace. Despite attempts to harmonize
the requirements between nations, the differences in certification practices
and standards from place to place serve to limit full international validity of
the national qualifications. In addition, U.S. pilots are certified, not
licensed, although the word license is still commonly used informally. Legally,
pilot certificates can be revoked by administrative action, whereas licensing
(e.g., a driver's license) requires intervention by the judiciary system.
There are
several main classifications for FAA pilot licenses, certificates, and ratings.
The most common are Private Pilot (PPL), Instrument Rating (IR), Commercial
Pilot (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Multi-Crew Pilot (MCP), Certified
Flight Instructor (CFI). The Multi-Engine Rating (ME) is also common, and there
are popular certificates such as Sport and Recreational.
Though the
Private Pilot License is the most sought after, but there are others that can
also be given a thought.
1. Student Pilot License:
A student pilot certificate/license authorizes you to take flight
instruction from a licensed instructor. This is the first step toward earning
an actual PPL. To obtain a Student Pilot Certificate, which allows to pursue
flight training, there is need to meet some basic eligibility requirements.
First of all, one must be 16 years of age. Also, one must be able to
proficiently read, speak, and understand English. This is because English has
been designated as the universal language in aviation.
Next, have to complete an application through Integrated Airman
Certification and Rating Application (IACRA). Submit this to any Flight
Standards District Office (FSDO), an FAA pilot examiner, an airman
certification representative at a part 141 flight school (such as Epic Flight
Academy), or a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). The application will be
processed and submitted with the required documents to the Airmen Certification
Branch (ACB). Once it has been reviewed by ACB, one can expect to receive the
student pilot certificate by mail in approximately three weeks.
Becoming a student pilot also requires a medical certificate from an
Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Find an examiner near to schedule your medical
exam.
When student pilot certificate and medical certificate are obtained,
begin training.
2. Private Pilot License:
This is the most common type of pilot license issued by the FAA. In order
to obtain the FAA private pilot license one must log a minimum of 35 hours of
varied flight time, pass the written tests, pass the FAA check-ride, and hold a
valid driver’s license.
An FAA PPL certificate allows to fly in most single-engine airplanes and
aircraft, although some additional instrument rating tests may be required for more
advanced aircraft or if one wishes to be rated to fly under Instrument Flight
Rules (IFR). With a PPL, one will be authorized to fly alone or with other
people, but there might not be compensation for flying or taking people on
flights.
3. Commercial Pilot License:
The commercial pilot license (CPL) allows to be paid for pilot services.
In order to receive the CPL, there is a need to meet the following FAA CPL
certificate requirements.
One must be at least 18 years old, speak and understand English
proficiently, pass all exams, and log a minimum of 250 hours of varied flight
time. To work as a CPL, there is a need of 2nd Class Medical Certificate. Also,
a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) should write an endorsement stating one is
a sound pilot and have passed the ground school courses. One must also pass the
check-ride with an FAA instructor, have a current medical license, and, if one
wants to fly more advanced aircraft, there is a need to pass a multi-engine
check ride. Please note that in order to fly in inclement weather, they will
need to take and pass an instrument rating (IFR) course.
4. Airline Transport Pilot License:
The Airline Transport Pilot License
is what is needed to fly for the major airlines. If one is interested in
becoming a commercial airline pilot in the United States or becoming a
commercial airline pilot outside of the United States, one will need to
complete the first two types of pilot licenses (PPL and CPL) before one can
earn the Airline Transport Pilot certification (ATP). To earn the commercial
airline transport pilot license, one will need to meet the following FAA ATP
requirements. They must be at least 23 years old, have a valid driver’s
license, pass all exams and tests, pass the flight exams, log more than 1500
hours of flight time (in the U.S.) in various weather conditions and in
numerous types of aircraft, pass the IR courses and ground school courses, pass
all medical and eye exams, and be of sound body and mind.
5. Commercial Multi-Engine Land
Certification:
One can add the multi-engine rating to PPL or CPL. With the
CMEL certification, one will be authorized to fly twin-engine aircraft. To earn
this rating, they are required to fly specific manoeuvres in a twin-engine
aircraft. A training in a multi-engine
Piper Seminole training aircraft is conducted, which is defined as “complex”
because it has a constant speed propeller and retractable landing gear. The
course covers topics such as slow flight, stalls, and VMC demos, focusing on
proper procedures for complex emergency situations.
6. Multi-Engine Instructor:
MEI certifies to teach students who
want to become certified to fly multi-engine aircraft. They will also be
authorized to endorse multi-engine candidates to take their FAA oral and
practical exams. The MEI training requires to have already earned CPL and taken
10 hours of ground school and 10 hours of flight training. As with all ratings,
one will have to pass a check ride.
7. Instrument Rating:
Instrument rating refers to the
qualifications that a pilot must have in order to fly under instrument flight
rules (IFR). It requires specific training and instruction beyond what is
required for a private pilot certificate or commercial pilot certificate,
including rules and procedures specific to instrument flying, additional
instruction in meteorology, and more intensive training in flight solely by
reference to instruments.
Testing consists of a written exam
and a practical test (also known as a check ride). The check ride is divided
into an oral component to verify that the applicant understands the theory of
instrument flying and an actual flight to ensure the pilot possesses the
practical skills required for safe IFR flight.
For most private pilots, the most
significant value of flying under IFR is the ability to fly in instrument
meteorological conditions (such as inside clouds). Additionally, all flights
operating in Class A airspace, defined in the US as the airspace from 18,000
MSL up to FL 600 (roughly 60,000 feet), must be conducted under IFR. In the
United States, an instrument rating is required when operating under special
visual flight rules (SVFR) at night.
Debasmita Das [MBA HR]
Manager HR
AirCrews Aviation Pvt Ltd
www.facebook.com/AirCrewsAviation
Debasmita.Das@aircrewsaviation.com
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Manager HR
AirCrews Aviation Pvt Ltd
www.facebook.com/AirCrewsAviation
Debasmita.Das@aircrewsaviation.com
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