How to become A Commercial Pilot

• Airman
• Aviator
• Birdman
• Captain
• Flyer

What do Commercial Pilots do?

A Commercial Pilot would typically need to:

• Operate scheduled and unscheduled flights in a way that ensures the safety of the passengers, crew, cargo and the aircraft
• Arrange for maintenance of the aircraft; load luggage; file flight plans with air traffic control; study the route; prepare a detailed flight plan; check weather conditions
• Evaluate fuel load, the distance to be covered, and the altitude; determine potential risks
• Ensure that all engines, systems, and onboard protection and navigation equipment are operational during take-off and landing
• Navigate the aircraft; change mid-flight, if necessary; brief the cabin crew; closely coordinate with other pilots, flight engineers, air traffic controllers, and ground personnel
• Greet passengers; regularly check whether they are safe and comfortable; keep them informed about the status of their trip
• Keep a comprehensive record of technical problems; quickly act when issues arise on board; follow instructions from air traffic control; complete regular log and standard documentation after landing
• Instruct students; act as a brand ambassador of their employer

A career as a Commercial Pilot allows you to travel to new places. You will spend a lot of time on the plane, but depending on your flight routes, you might be gone for weeks at a time, living out of your suitcase. Your employer may put you up in star hotels but you will have to get used to being on the move away from home and hearth.

Commercial Pilots generally have unpredicted schedules. Your flight schedule and destination will determine your working hours. Commercial pilots must arrive four to five hours before the scheduled departure time and spend two to three hours upon arrival completing the necessary paperwork.

The typical workday may stretch across ten to twelve hours but aviation rules prevent you from flying beyond a certain number of hours per month.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Commercial Pilots can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media and contacting airlines directly.

Commercial Pilots are generally employed by:

• Air Taxi Companies
• Chartered Airlines
• Flying Schools
• Technical & Trade Schools
• Freight Airlines
• Private Airlines
• Ambulance Services

Professional associations and organisations like the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Association (IFALPA) are a global voice of experienced pilots representing, serving, and supporting the highest level of aviation safety around the world. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Fatigue and jet lag on long-haul flights; the need to adjust flight plans due to turbulence; close attention and quick response time essential at all points during the flight
• Flying at low altitudes and landing in areas surrounded by power lines and highways when involved in rescue operations during lousy weather
• Stress from having to spend a lot of time away from your loved ones and being responsible for the safety of the passengers, crew and the aircraft
• Loss of concentration during the flight in addition to subsequent fatigue and hearing issues caused by the sound of the engines

Since a significant flying experience of around 500 hours is critical to beginning their professional career, most applicants work as flying instructors and charter pilots to achieve this criterion before applying for the post of a Commercial Pilot.

There are several aviation internships available in the industry, but international students will need to devote time to thorough research to find them. Most airlines offer summer internships or academic semester internships in in-flight operations, aircraft maintenance, aircraft servicing, and client services in the aviation industry. Many of these internships offer a salary, academic credit, or accommodation.

Prospective Commercial Pilots who want more hands-on experience in the aviation industry choose an apprenticeship over an internship. In addition to on-the-job experience, most aviation apprenticeships provide educational courses which will give you an advantage in a competitive job market.

Airlines and on-demand air services companies conduct a six- to eight-week-long on-the-job training. A private pilot’s license allows you to fly different aircraft solo or as a co-pilot. The license along with a specific number of logged flight hours will help you get noticed in the job market.

You will undergo medical examinations throughout your training. As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession, talking with a high school counsellor, and interviewing those working in the aviation industry are other important ways to explore your interests.

A private pilot license allows you to fly a plane and begin accruing flight hours toward a Commercial Pilot license. The usual path includes attending an accredited training organisation after passing high school. Some flight schools are affiliated with two-year and four-year colleges and universities offering an aviation degree.

You might choose to take a full-time integrated course, typically lasting about 18 months. You may try out modular training, which gives you the option of becoming familiar with the theory through distance learning.

Commercial Pilots-in-training must usually spend at least 250 hours studying various facets of aviation, including aircraft servicing, instrument training, and different flight conditions such as weather and time of day. A test at the end of the course should demonstrate your expertise in all the above aspects.

Prospective Commercial Pilots do not have to obtain a degree or postgraduate qualification. Nevertheless, they might consider taking a related course like a scientific or an engineering degree to stand a better chance in the job market.

Focus on science subjects and English in high school.

Those aspiring to be licensed Commercial Pilots usually obtain their licenses and ratings in the following order: student pilot certificate; private pilot license; instrument rating; commercial pilot license; multi-engine rating; airline transport pilot certificate.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed a minimum number of flight hours. Student pilots maintain accurate records of their flying time in a logbook.

Commercial Pilots must pass a written and a practical flying exam, known as a check ride, in a suitable aircraft for each certificate and rank. Many also get a qualified flight instructor rating after they get their commercial certificate; it enables them to rapidly increase their flight time and experience.

When you first start training for your Commercial Pilot license, it will be in a "frozen" state, allowing you to work only as a co-pilot. You will have the same responsibilities as the captain except for people management.

After earning a degree, accumulating the required flight time, and obtaining a license, Commercial Pilots can become Airline Pilots.The promotion may be based on a seniority scheme defined in collective bargaining agreements.

Airline Pilots typically progress to First Officer positions after one to five years, and first officers may advance to Captain positions after five to fifteen years. You may apply for a full license after completing at least 1,500 flying hours; this usually takes three to five years. After gaining enough experience, you might consider becoming a Flight Instructor or an Operations Manager.

In developing your career, you can work with an aviation authority as an Inspector. Another viable career option is to start your own business, such as a flight instruction school or a chartered airline company.

Candidates with significant experience and the requisite licenses will have the best job prospects with regional airlines and non-scheduled aviation services where entry-level requirements are lower for regional and industrial work.

Successful, competent Commercial Pilots are never satisfied with their current qualifications or skills and are constantly looking for opportunities to enhance their qualifications, effectiveness, and the services they provide.

Various organisations collaborate with the aviation industry to hold safety seminars, which can be an excellent source of information.

Attending courses at local community colleges, technical schools, or universities will help you expand your knowledge and skills in aviation. Courses preparing you to work in a multi-crew environment are highly recommended. These schools will offer full-fledged degree programs in aviation and single-subject courses that will be beneficial to you.

Commercial Pilots should keep existing flight or maintenance publications on hand at all times. It includes current copies of relevant legislation, such as the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), acceptable Practical Test Standards (PTS), and pilot training manuals.

Hello Captain

The early days of aviation saw Commercial Pilots and their military counterparts dressed in an almost similar fashion. Aeroplanes had open cockpits that offered little protection from the cold weather. The regular outfit consisted of heavy leather jackets with wide pockets, khaki trousers, and boots. Today, most Commercial Pilots wear a black or blue blazer or leather jacket. The traditional hat is now optional in most airlines.

Funding Your Studies

Training is costly. Having the ability to work a part-time job and study at the same time could be appealing. Modular courses are often less expensive, but you should check the qualifications first; some providers need a private pilot license and some flying experience. If you believe that financing your training would be difficult, there are several options available to you. Airlines occasionally provide sponsorship, but these opportunities usually are highly sought after.

Close to X-Ray Vision

Commercial Pilots who have earned an instrument rating can fly during times of low visibility. To qualify for this rating, you need a minimum of 40 hours of instrument flight experience and an additional 50 hours of cross-country flight as the pilot-in-command.

When two planes meet in the sky, their Commercial Pilots flash the landing lights or wing inspection lights to greet each other, just like bus drivers.

It is a blast getting behind the wheel of a massive vehicle, pressing the throttle forward, and taking off from the runway. Even after the initial rush of adrenaline has worn off and your acts have become almost automatic, there is still somewhere new to fly or a new aeroplane to master. And remember, nothing can stop you. The sky is the limit.

When you are stuck on a complex subject, do not panic. Flight training is not always straightforward, whether crosswind landings, efficiency measurements, or radio work. During preparation, every pilot faces a challenge...and they all work through it by dint of dedicated practice.