Do you need a college degree to become a certified pilot? If this question borders you, here is a guide that best explains if one needs a college degree to become a pilot.
Acquiring the required experience, qualifications and other rudimentary requirements to become a commercial pilot takes a considerable amount of time and financial resources. However, the type of pilot one aspires to become may determine if a college degree is part of the requirement.
Do you need a college degree to accomplish your dream of becoming a certified pilot? Well, keep reading to find out the basic requirements involved in becoming a pilot.
What you need to know before you become a pilot
- As an airline pilot, you control passengers or freight on long or short-haul flights for leisure, commercial proposes, or business.
- The aircraft is usually operated by two pilots; One will be the captain while the other will be the first support officer. Pilots usually fly alternately to avoid fatigue. One operates the controls, the other talks to air traffic control, and takes care of the formalities.
- In some cases, e.g., on long-haul flights, three or four pilots can be on board so that everyone can take the breaks required for the flight.
- The master pilot bears overall responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft and the safety of the crew and passengers.
- You face great responsibility and personal commitment. You must complete rigorous training, followed by recurring training every six months to obtain the license required for the position.
Become a pilot with no college degree
No, you do not need a diploma to become an airline pilot. There is no such requirement in the regulations for obtaining your commercial pilot license. You can become a commercial pilot provided you are physically fit and over 18 years old.
However, you have to wait up to 21 years to thaw your ATPL (Air Transport Pilot License). This happens after 1500 flight hours have been logged (according to EASA regulations).
This means that you can start your pilot training at a flight academy right after high school.
The theory is not very difficult, but you need to have a good grasp of the basic concepts of maths, physics, and English.
Requirements to become a pilot
Aside from the conventionally hyped educational requirements qualifications for everything. There are other important requirements and qualifications that you must possess to be considered a potential pilot.
Below are some of the basic qualifications and requirements needed to become an airline commercial pilot or just a pilot.
A passion for flight
While this is vital for personal growth, you need to reconcile it with a good amount of the qualities desired by today’s airlines. Motivation and ambition, self-discipline, technical skills, pressure tolerance, maturity, and spatial awareness are important factors in the pilot’s profile.
Complete secondary or high school education
Completing your secondary education (high school) with a pass in English, Mathematics, and Physics is very important. These important high school courses are essential, as they teach common concepts to help you understand your chosen profession.
Certain airline-sponsored or partnered programs may have additional educational requirements.
Medical certification
Before training to become a pilot, you need an exam to assess your hearing, coordination, eyesight, and general health.
After that, you will receive a class 1 medical certificate, which all pilots must have throughout their flight career. Contact the aviation authority in your locality for more information.
Nationality eligibility, age and entry requirements
You can apply from the age of 17 but only start training from the age of 18. Depending on the program you are interested in, you may need to be able to live in the country where your training program takes place.
Visit the individual training program page to view the specific requirements for your program of interest.
Evaluation
This ensures that people who are most likely to complete pilot training and become pilots are identified and suitable for an airline pilot career. The process includes computer-aided aptitude tests, teamwork exercises, competency-based interviews, and personality questionnaires.
How to become a pilot, Learning to Fly
There are many ways to learn how to fly an airplane and how to get the license to do so. The best option depends on your situation and circumstances.
Part 61 or Part 141 Flight School
Flight schools are classified according to Part 61 as flight schools or according to Part 141 as flight schools. They refer to the FAA regulations and part 61 contains details of the requirements for pilot certification, 141 describes the regulations for pilot schools.
Part 61 flight instruction is the least regulated, making it the most informal and often cheapest option. Part 61 instructors can conduct training without much supervision from the FAA. Part 141 flight schools, on the other hand, must follow a strict training program that has been approved by the FAA.
Both training methods can provide an informal environment at your own pace, but training in part 141 is known to be a little faster. Most flight schools offer evening and weekend training.
Aviation College or University
The obvious benefit of attending a college or university with an aeronautical or aviation program is that you will earn a four-year degree as you learn to fly. The courses consist of aviation-related courses for professional pilots and the quality of the training is high. The universities provide students with work experience and the latest technology and equipment in the country.
The downside to college programs is cost, but there are grants and other types of scholarships to help offset tuition and airfare. Consider joining a professional aviation organization in your community, such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) or the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). They often offer free grants, scholarships, and important training seminars.
Aviation Academy
Aviation academies offer students the opportunity to quickly obtain pilot certificates and the required knowledge. These programs train people in a year or two with short courses and intensive, airline-focused training as part of a Part 141 program on pilots.
These companies work with airlines Antenna to offer guaranteed interviews with graduates for job positions. The biggest downside is the cost since aviation academies are the most expensive option.
Military Aviation Career
A career in military aviation can reduce the financial burden of flight training by committing to a 10-year commitment to the military. Since the cost of the training is covered, this is a desirable option for some. In addition to the financial advantages, military pilots can travel around the world and gain experience with large aircraft. Becoming a military pilot means meeting strict physical and psychological acceptance requirements.
The disadvantages of becoming a military pilot include long engagement, a long absence from home, and the likelihood of deployments. When the commitment ends, employment prospects are generally very good as the airline’s recruiters seek military experience.
Earning Seniority
Once hired by an airline, the only way to achieve seniority and possible promotion to the captain is to spend time. Since airlines naturally want their most experienced pilots to be the captains of their planes, they hope to spend several years as co-pilots. Prepare to spend more time before winning the most popular hours. Expect to be seen as a senior if you fly at night and on weekends.
