Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/20/2008

Question
hi, i am a junior in high school in Virginia and i am intrested in being a commercial airplane pilot. how do i get started with it? what do i have to do after my high school? can u please explain me those things and can i also get information about Fees , admission and Scholarships...
Thank you v. much
shiksha

Answer
Shikha:

Nice to hear from you, I will try to assist!

First of all, commercial airplane pilots need three things:

1.  Certification as a pilot:  You will need to earn the following certification from the Federal Aviation Administration:

FAA Private Pilot Certificate
FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings
FAA Flight Instructor (Airplane) Certificate....this one will help you build flight time by teaching others to fly

2.  Flight experience....regional airlines tend to hire you with 500 to 1000 hours of total flight time and between 50 and 200 hours of multi engine flight time.  Larger airlines will want 500 to 1000 hours of pilot in command (Captain) flight time.

3.  A baccalaureate degree.....in aviation or in business or in some related field.  Aviation degrees are good because they allow you to pursue flight time in addition to your other college work.

There is a listing available for college aviation degree programs called THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE and it is available from the University Aviation Association at www.uaa.aero or by calling 334-844-2434.  That guide will give you college and university contact information where you can obtain the tutiion and other information you seek.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
www.aviation.siu.edu