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Degrees and Schools
There are a large number of civilian flying schools, including some colleges and universities that provide degree credit for pilot training. Many pilots learn to fly aircraft in the military, however a growing number of pilots have a college degree with flight training from a civilian flying school that has been certified by the FAA. Some candidates take lessons from a FAA certified flight instructor.
Completing courses at a flight school approved by the FAA can reduce the amount of flight experience required to obtain a pilot's license. Pilots need flight experience to qualify for a license.
Classes
Students typically study the following subjects:
- Physics
- Aeronautical engineering
- English
- Mathematics
Online Classes and Programs
Those seeking to become airline pilots and flight engineers need to attend on-campus schools.
Employment Requirements
Most airlines require pilots to have completed at least two years of college and prefer to hire those with a college degree. Every pilot that is paid to transport passengers or cargo are required to have a commercial pilot's license.
The primary employers for airline pilots and flight engineers are regional airlines, major airlines and low-cost carriers.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The answers to the following questions can help students select the appropriate school:
- Training - Does the program provide plenty of hands-on training? What type of aircraft are used for training? What types of services are available at the airport?
- School's Reputation - Does the school have a good reputation with airlines?
- Job Placement - Are students provided job placement services?
- Years in Business - How many years has the school been operating?
- Instructors - What are the instructors credentials? How many hours do the flight instructors have? How many flight instructors are employed at the school? How much teaching experience do the flight instructors have?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school qualified to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Has the civilian flying school been certified by the FAA?
Airline Pilots and Flight Engineers Job Description
Airline pilots and flight engineers are in the air transportation business. It's their responsibility to safely take people to their desired destination via large aircraft. Most large aircraft have a pilot and a copilot, also known as the first officer. They share flying the aircraft and other tasks. Some large aircraft also have a flight engineer, who performs tasks such as monitoring and operating many of the systems and instruments; watching out for other planes and performing minor in-flight repairs. Flight engineers also assist pilots with air traffic control and cabin crew communications.
Aircraft typically include technology which can perform many of the flight tasks. Nearly all new aircraft fly with only two pilots who rely on computerized controls.
Most pilots spend a substantial amount of time away from home since the majority of flights include overnight layovers. The Airline Pilot's Association reports that pilots spend about 360 hours a month away from their home base.
Some of their responsibilities are shown below:
- Plan the flights
- Check aircraft and make sure engines, instruments, controls and other systems are functioning properly
- Make sure baggage or cargo has been loaded properly
- Find out about weather conditions en route and at the destination
- Select route, speed and latitude that provides the safest, smoothest and most economical flight
- When flying under instrument flight rules ensure an instrument flight plan has been filed with air traffic control
- Look at the instrument panel while flying to check fuel supply, the condition of engines and the hydraulic, air conditioning and other systems
- Monitor warning devices that help detect sudden shifts in wind conditions
- Rely on instruments when the visibility is poor
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