* High school diploma or equivalent. Some airlines may also require a college degree in aviation or a related field.
* Student pilot certificate. This certificate is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after you have passed a written exam and a flight training course.
* Private pilot certificate. This certificate is issued by the FAA after you have passed a written exam, a flight training course, and a checkride.
* Instrument rating. This rating is issued by the FAA after you have passed a written exam, a flight training course, and a checkride.
* Commercial pilot certificate. This certificate is issued by the FAA after you have passed a written exam, a flight training course, and a checkride.
* Airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate. This certificate is issued by the FAA after you have passed a written exam, a flight training course, and a checkride.
Training Requirements
In addition to the educational requirements listed above, you will also need to complete a flight training program. The flight training program will teach you how to fly an airplane and how to operate the controls. The program will also include instruction on navigation, weather, and emergency procedures.
The minimum flight training requirements for a commercial airline pilot are:
* 40 hours of flight time with an instructor.
* 20 hours of solo flight time.
* 10 hours of cross-country flight time.
* 5 hours of instrument flight time.
* 10 hours of flight time in a multi-engine airplane.
Once you have completed the educational and training requirements, you will be eligible to take the FAA written exam for the commercial pilot certificate. If you pass the written exam, you will then be scheduled for a checkride. The checkride is an oral exam and a flight test. If you pass the checkride, you will be issued the commercial pilot certificate.
To become an airline transport pilot, you will need to complete additional flight training and pass an additional written exam and checkride. The minimum flight training requirements for an ATP certificate are:
* 1,500 hours of total flight time.
* 500 hours of cross-country flight time.
* 100 hours of night flight time.
* 75 hours of instrument flight time.
* 25 hours of flight time in a multi-engine airplane.
Continuing Education
Commercial airline pilots are required to complete continuing education courses throughout their careers. The continuing education courses will help you stay up-to-date on the latest safety procedures and regulations.