Expert: Heiko Hanusch - 9/26/2007

Question
I was wondering what the Requirements are, If there is a deadline for getting an application in? Will I have to go to the Air Force before i go to pilot school or training?

Answer
Hi Robert,

Thank you for the question.
There are no deadlines for applying when you want to become a Pilot.
Essentially there are 2 routes that you can take...first...military training...second...civilian training.
If you choose the military route you'll have to apply with the armed forces and get accepted, go through pilot training then commit for about 10-15 years and then you can apply to commercial carriers.
The civilian route is quite different, all you have to do is find a school that you like and get your ratings. Once you are finished you'll have to instruct for a little bit and then apply to commercial carriers.
On the civilian side you also must decide wether you want a degree while training or not. If you require a degree you must apply to a university and it will take between 2-5 years to finish pilot training and your degree, if you do not require a degree you can finish pilot training in as little as 6-20 months depending on your commitment to time.
Pilot training will cost you appr. $25000-50000 and if you require a degree this can go up to above $100000 easily.

Since you didn't give me much information I just gave you a general overview.

Feel free to contact me for additional questions,

H2