What Type of Degree Do You Need to Become an Airline Pilot?
|
Posted By: Anica Oaks on January 16, 2018 Since airline pilots are responsible for the safety of their passengers, they need to undergo rigorous training that includes at least 1500 hours of flying time. In the old days, most airline pilots learned their profession in the military. As fewer people join the military, more airline pilots get their training at civilian schools. Education Most airlines require a pilot to have a bachelor’s degree. Airlines prefer majors like aeronautical engineering, aviation, or some other relevant field. The aspiring pilot will need to take classes in physics, mathematics, English, and aeronautical engineering, and they will have to enroll in an FAA-approved aeronautics or aviation program. One such school is the Institute of Aviation at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois that offers associate’s degrees programs. Its courses cover topics like weather, aircraft, and instrument rating, with the last being the ability to pilot in low visibility using only the plane’s instruments. Students may immediately go on to become flight instructors, private pilots or commercial pilots. Those who plan on becoming airline pilots, however, will need to transfer to a four-year school. Pilot’s License Airline pilots need to have a pilot’s license. They will need to have completed at least 250 hours of flight time to qualify for a commercial pilot’s license, and they will need another 1500 flight hours to qualify for an airline transport pilot certificate. The candidate also needs to be at least 18 years old. Getting a pilot’s license involves taking a written exam that covers topics like navigation, FAA regulations, and safety protocols. The written exam is followed by a practical exam during which the pilot will fly with an instructor and demonstrate their skills. Experience Airlines rarely hire people straight out of flight school. Most flight school graduates start off as flight instructors, flight engineers, or charter pilots, and they will need to accumulate as many flight hours as they can. New hires at an airline will serve as copilots. After they have accumulated 2000 flight hours, they may be promoted to pilot. Other Desired Traits Airline pilots need to be in good physical condition; airlines typically administer physical exams to their pilots every six months. While an airline pilot does not need to have naturally perfect vision, they should have contacts or glasses that bring it up to 20/20. Airlines also conduct FBI background checks that cover the past decade and will include credit checks, driving records, and drug tests. If the background check uncovers evidence of substance abuse or a felony conviction, the pilot is immediately disqualified. Airline pilots must also be able to react quickly and decisively in an emergency, and they need to be able to work as part of a team. Airlines rightfully expect a lot form their pilots, and it will take years for a candidate to complete the training and accumulate the needed flight hours. As of 2015, the median salary for an airline pilot was over $117,900. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Anica Oaks
Freelance Writer, Freelance University of San Francisco class of 2012 Member Since November 2016 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
FREE Valentine's Day E-Cards Available! ♥️Happy Valentine's Day! ♥️
♥️ Free Valentine's Day E-Cards Link: https://www.pinterest.com/shykerialifleur/valentines-day-greetings
♥️ What to Write In Va ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 127 Views • February 11th, 2026 |
 |
BLACK OWNED BEAUTY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION (BOBSA) AND JUNIQUES AD SERVICE CREATES DFY 30 SEC DISTRIBUTION SERVICEANNOUNCEMENT
Juniques Ad Service, a proud Juniques Company, is excited to share a powerful new collaboration with the Black Owned Beauty Supply Organization. Through this collaboration, members and s ...more
rickey johnson • 100 Views • February 11th, 2026 |
 |
MEDIA ALERT! USA -Call for Submissions- Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor with PowerMEDIA ALERT! USA
-Call for Submissions-
Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor with Power is currently under development by the visionary team of Gumbo for the Soul International®.
This a ...more
Beverly Johnson • 104 Views • February 10th, 2026 |
 |
Keeping the Faith!!!! 10 Videos, MindMap, CheetSheet, and so much more to discuss FAITH!!!!https://learners.juniquesadservice.com/courses/offers/21e32619-5774-44e2-93d9-a3df7d93a778
Welcome to the course for You!!! Keep The Faith
Video 0- Introduction
Video 1 Why Faith is So Import ...more
rickey johnson • 255 Views • February 9th, 2026 |
 |
RON CARTER & RICKY DILLARD Is Taking Church To The Jazz Club With New Single "Open My Eyes"@RONCARTER #RONCARTER@RICKYDILLARD #RICKYDILLARDLegendary in the genres of Jazz and Gospel music, the "Maestro" Ron Carter and the "Choirmaster" Ricky Dillard are taking church to the Jazz club with t ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 146 Views • February 9th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,796,115 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,224 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 75,011 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,505 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
