How to become an airline pilotby Manny Osias Due to the numerous e-mails and messages I've received concerning this topic, its probably best that a thread be made on "How to become an airline pilot." So, in a no-nonsense manner: From an airline point of view, if you're an undergrad, you won't be considered. Nowadays, airlines require their pilot applicants to be college graduates. More importantly, you should realize that the "filtering" process towards becoming an airline pilot is long, harsh, and gruelling. Not all of those who "dream" of becoming a pilot, make it. Even fewer actually become airline pilots. If you become one of those who do not "make it", a college degree (prefereably a non-aviation related course), ensures that you have a "fall-back" and that your life doesn't get stuck in a rut. This is not meant to discourage anyone, it's just a reality that you have to come to terms with. I mentioned that you should preferably have a non-aviation related course. This is because the aviation industry itself is a volatile one. Companies (not necessarily airlines) come and go. Having knowledge of a different field, again, offer you more options regarding career paths. 2. Take Care of your Health You must be physically fit to fly. There are a number of medically disqualifying conditions (which I won't elaborate on). If you don't take care of your health, your "dream" can be over before it starts. If you can help it, avoid alcohol and cigarrettes. Both lower your physical tolerance. Drugs are a definite no-no. The airman's medical exam is a tough one. Airline pilots do it every 6 months. If you fail - end of career. 3. Attitude is Everything Maturity, discipline, intelligence, initiative, dilligence, patience, team player, emotionally stable - these are traits that airlines look for most in their pilot applicants. Its best that you mentally shape yourself accordingly as early as possible. "Maverick"in the movie "Top Gun" popularized the "hot-shot, loose cannon" pilot stereotype. But that's Hollywood. In the real world, that type of attitude nearly guarantee that you will fail airline interviews. You could be the greatest pilot in the world, but if you have a lousy attitude, you won't find airlines willing to hire you. 4. Be Prepared to Spend for Training Company sponsored ab-initio training is difficult to obtain and slots are very limited. If you get it, good for you. If not, then be cautious about choosing where to learn how to fly, and be aware that good training often comes at a price. Going to a "fly-by-night" flying school is a quick way to sabotage your goal. During interviews, questions concerning "basics" applicable to all pilots (regardless of background) are asked. If you fail to answer a few of them, you're history. Having the "fundamentals" of flying down to the nth degree cannot be stressed enough, and this can only be brought about by good quality training. As I mentioned earlier, the path to becoming an airline pilot is a long and ardous one. It will involve much sacrifice on your part. I haven't met any airline pilots that said they had an easy time becoming an airline pilot. But if you do ultimately become an airline pilot, you'll find that it can be very rewarding, both from a personal and financial standpoint. Last year, I was selected to be a, "role model", for a calendar themed, "Aspire to Inspire", by the Kythe Foundation. Let me share a thought which was chosen for that calendar:
"Becoming a pilot requires a definite resolve to achieve your ambition. It is a very difficult endeavor, but it all comes down to how badly you want it. Its all about attitude."
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