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Airlines - Pilot

For a person that loves adventure, traveling to new places, meeting people and viewing the world from above the clouds, working for an airline as a pilot might be the perfect job for you. With the continued growth in the aviation field, there are many opportunities for pilots to work for commercial airlines or private airlines. Many individuals, such as celebrities, sports figures and often, large corporations, own or have private planes which requires a pilot to fly them. With pilots retiring and air travel increasing, there is a continued need for airline pilots.

To become a pilot requires extensive flight training and dedication. The pilot must first receive instrument flight training that is very detailed and attain a private pilot's certificate. This certificate lets them fly an aircraft and carry passengers onboard, but not for pay, as they cannot earn money until they have a commercial pilot's certificate. The private pilot certificate-training program provides a rigorous and structured foundation. This helps prepare a person to meet the requirements necessary to enter into a career pilot program.

The career pilot program gives a person with a private pilot certificate, the necessary knowledge and training to obtain their commercial pilots certificate. Recording a great deal of airtime is necessary to help a pilot obtain a well-paying job as a commercial pilot for a large airline. Many airlines require a minimum of 1,500 flight hours before they consider a pilots application for work. That could take anywhere up to five years to log that many flight hours.

Common work activities include:

• Reviewing flight plans with in-flight and ground staff.
• Checking the various safety and controls on the plane prior to take-off.
• Checking and making changes in flight plans based on information from air traffic controllers about weather conditions or other possible concerns.
• Ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers on board the airlines.
• Keeping passengers informed as the flight progresses as to any changes, delays or other issues that pertain to the passengers.
• Monitoring other air traffic, following air safety regulations and completing all in-flight data recording and information.

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