AboutNed Dolan Expertise 38 years as a professional pilot. Worked as an instructor for a major airline, as a tow pilot towing gliders and flew international routes until 1998. Do not know much about the maintenance end of the business.
Experience Teaching new Captains the skills and knowledge needed to
occupy the position.
Helping develop procedures for use in a new airplane
type. (B757)
Question Hi, I've been interested in becoming an airline pilot for sometime now and I've finally decided that this is the career that I want. I already have my bachelor's in communication and am trying to find out what I need to do to become a pilot. I've been looking at different flight schools online, but I don't know which one would be the best one. Two of the schools that I came across are ATP Flight School and National Pilot Academy. Are these good schools and if not can you tell me what schools that would be the best. I've also heard that you need 1000 hours to get hired by an airline. Can you please let me know what I need to do, how many hours I need and the best way to go about this.
Thanks,
Mike
Answer Hi Mike, Sorry I can't recommend any of the flight schools. As to airline requirements, they are subject to supply and demand and change with some regularity. Recently they do require about 1000 hours with 500 hours of PIC time and some turbine experience too.
After you select a school and finish your commercial license and instrument ratings you will need to start building flying time. A good way to start is with one of the schools as an instructor.
Another avenue is to go into the military. They will pay you as you learn and you will leave with the experience you need for an airline job.
