How do I become a pilot? I am looking forward to becoming one, but I am very lost…please help!

My answer to How do I become a pilot? I am looking forward to becoming one, but I am very lost…please help

Answer by Thomas Zerbarini:

I remember when I was in high school trying to figure out how to become an airline pilot. It all seems so elusive until I started asking questions and digging around like you are doing now.

Let me start off by saying I think your going after a Civil Engineering degree is a great idea. It really doesn't matter what degree you have when you want to become an airline pilot. It does make it easier to master more knowledge of the aviation industry if you get an aviation degree; but, you can study aviation at your leisure. Studying what you love is always easy.

I’ll share with you a previous post that gives links to aviation college resources and aviation flight schools as well. I would recommend visiting several colleges and schools and ask lots of questions. Prepare a folder with questions and a pad to write down you thoughts and observations when visiting.

The main obstacle for most pilot students is the financing and cost of flight training. You will find when you contact the flight schools and colleges that the “lab fees” or “flight training fees” are a big additional cost.

Consider going to a college that offers the civil degree and aviation flight degrees. I recommend this because when you are in college and get you flight training in college, you can use your financial aid and student loans for much of your training costs. Otherwise, you’ll have to self fund all of your flight training.

It is also a good idea to map out you post college and post training goals for gaining experience and your first commercial flying job. As an airline pilot you’ll need 1500 hours of flight time before the airlines can hire you. So, consider being a flight instructor, cargo pilot, bush pilot, etc… Be sure to ask questions on placement assistance and job search for graduates when you go to the schools.

What are the steps of becoming an airline pilot and how much time will it take?

How do I become a pilot?

I hope this helps.

Thomas Zerbarini

How do I become a pilot? I am looking forward to becoming one, but I am very lost…please help