Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/1/2009

Question
I want to become a Pilot, the only thing i want to know is that if i can get a scholarship of pilot training around the world, and the requirements needed of becoming pilot.

Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi, Sahil:

Thank you for your question.  I am happy to try to assist!

First of all, aviation scholarships, loans and grants can be available from a number of sources:

1.  Check this website:  www.uaa.aero for a listing of collegiate aviation scholarships from the University Aviation Association.  In addition, the University Aviation Association publishes THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE which lists colleges and universities that offer flight training.  This guide can be ordered from the above website.

2.  Check this website:  www.avscholars.com for a website that provides general financial aid information for aviation students as well as a listing of scholarships;

3.  Some national governments (such as the government of Kenya) might have national scholarships available for pilot training if they perceive that this is an area where they need more pilots trained.  You should contact the Ministry of Transport in Kenya for more information.

4.  Sometimes, scholarships are available to study aviation from the United Nations Development Programme or UNDP at www.undp.org  They have Human Development scholarships and fellowships available.

5.  You might also want to contact the International Civil Aviation Organization's Eastern and Southern African Office at UN Office at Nairobi, Limuru Road, Gigiri Road, P. O. Box 46294, 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya  Web address:  http://www.icao.int/esaf

The requirements to become a pilot are normally:

1.  Certification as a pilot by the nation in which you train--to become a commercial pilot you will need to go through private pilot licensing first and then proceed into commercial training including an instrument rating (gives on the ability to fly in poor visibility).

2.  Experience flying as a pilot in command....this experience can be gained by flying with a military organization or flying for a civil aviation organization such as a charter company, a flight training company, a sightseeing company or a missionary support company.  Normally, you need 1500 hours or more in overall flight experience with at least 500 hours in multi engine pilot in command experience to fly for even the smallest of airlines as a co-pilot (or first officer).

3.  Overall education:  Normally in recent years, pilot candidates for airlines would be assumed to have a baccalaureate degree or at least two years of college work at a minimum. Again, this will depend on each airline employer.

I hope that this helps!

My best wishes to you,

David A. NewMyer