Expert: David Bidwell - 3/22/2005

Question
First off, how long have you been a Chief Flight Instructor and director of Skylark Flight Academy?

What type of schooling did you go through to become a Chief Flight Instructor and director of Skylark Flight Academy?

What type of schooling does one have to go through to become a commercial pilot?

What are the requirements for the amount of hours needed; with an instructor in the plane, solo, at night, in simulators, and flying under the hood?

What do the writing test consist of?

What form of commercial flying is considered the hardest to get into; a large commercial airline (united) a small commercial airline (Net-Jet) or like a FedEx type company?

What is the average commercial pilot salary?

What is the average weeks work consists of?

Thanks for all your help.  

Answer
Hi Ben,
Wow, I'll do my best to answer these questions.

I have been the director (and partner) of Skylark Flight Academy for about ten years.  I have a bachelors degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in FL.  I have been a Flight Instructor for about 17 years and have given over 5,000 hours of instruction in flight to students.

To become a commercial pilot you need to obtain the ratings.  First you need a Private Pilot certificate.  Then you can move on for the advanced license of commercial.  The catch is that no one will hire you without an Instrument rating and many also require a multi-engine rating.  The requirements are too many to list here.  I suggest that you visit your local airport flight school and spend some time with them getting the specifics.

The writing test is now done on a computer and consists of topics such as aerodynamics, meteorology, flight physiology, regulations, navigation, etc.  You should attend a ground school to learn this material.

It is equally difficult to get with the airlines as it is with a FED Ex.  You must have a lot of experience.  Usually pilots work up through the commuters.

Salary ranges from about 25,000 - 250,000+ (very rare)  It depends on what type of flying, the company you work for, your ratings, seniority. You get the idea.

The work week depends once agin.  Sopme take you away for days at a time others require daily routes.  One thing for sure, forget weekends and holidays.  That's a very busy time, espcially for new hires.

It is a long but rewarding road.  Once again, you need to sit down with a flight school and get the facts.
Good Luck, Dave Bidwell