Expert: D. Norkus - 3/21/2011

Question
What kind of subject's do we have to focus in being a pilot and do we need to have a great pass to do be a pilot.........

Answer
What kind of subject's do we have to focus in being a pilot[?]

As my profile states, I can only address pilot careers in the United States. Since you do not live here, it is possible that airlines in your part of the world prefer to hire pilots with certain criteria. You should check into some airline hiring requirements to see what they are looking for in pilot candidates and that will help you tailor your education.

Here in the USA, airlines do not care what subjects are studied. They simply prefer applicants to have a degree (most require it). Before cockpits became so automated, the prevailing career advice was to take math, physics or even engineering if you wanted to become a pilot but it doesn't matter here. If two pilots are vying for a job and one has an aero engineering degree and the other a business degree for example, the airline isn't making their choice based on that. They will select the candidate with the most flight experience, aircraft type ratings, check/instructor pilot experience and letters of recommendation from pilots already with the airline. Those two factors are the most important to U.S. carriers. Again, abroad it may be a little different- especially since most pilot candidates are not expected to have thousands of hours experience before they will even be interviewed by a major or national carrier like here in the United States. It is a different job market.

Do we need to have a great pass to do be a pilot[?]
A great pass? That doesn't make sense. Do you mean a great passion?
Well, yes it helps! There are a lot of hurdles to get over and your whole career you will have proficiency exams, which if failed could end your career. The schedules may not be what you want and your time at home or with family will be sacrificed. It can be stressful. It helps to truly have passion for what you do to help make the negatives more tolerable.

If you are interested in career information more specific to Asia, visit http://www.pprune.org and go to their Asian forum.

Regards,
Dottie