Easiest Way?

Question

I am a sophomore in high school (15) and i want to be a commercial pilot when i get older. what can i do to guaruntee a chance of becoming a pilot. is the best way to join the air force, navy, get a pilot license, or go through early training.

What can i do to prepare?

Answer 1

The cheapest choice, by far, is military. Getting a private pilot's license is expensive, but will give you a slight edge. (around $8000-13000 in Canada, should be about the same in the US or maybe cheaper.) It's always good to know your stuff, so you can definitely start learning your ground-school material. You can look up books like From The Ground Up, which is an excellent text for private pilots. The more you know, the better your chances.

An alternative to military is university. Some universities offer commercial pilot's license programs. But ultimately, military would probably be your best route. They pay YOU to fly THEIR planes, and you get a shitload of hours. When you're applying to a big airline, a goodly amount depends on how many hours you have. The more, the better. Ballpark 2000 hours, but you might want to check that.

Answer 2

The FAA has some great information on how to choose a school and what to look for when choosing a school. Since they are the ones who will certify you, I think they would be the best place to start. (PS - Even if you are not in the US, there is a lot of good information here.)

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/

There is all kinds of info on the FAA site that you may find helpful.

Added:  Who is the idiot going through and giving the thumbs down to technically correct answers?  There isn't a bad answer on this page yet.  Grow up!

Answer 3

go through early pilot's school and get your license sooner than later. they will be more likely to train and hire you if you have more experience. Air force is typically not a good option, since a very small percentage actually get accepted as pilots

Answer 4

The main thing you need to give your attention to right now is just doing a good job of the tasks that are on your plate today.  You will be old enough to consider the technical details of your training and career development sooner than you think.

Right now, concentrate on being a person of good character and achievement.  Stay out of trouble:  no drugs, no alcohol, no trouble with the law like stealing or assault.  A reputation as a person of good character and social skills will work in your favor.

Take the courses you want to take, and talk it over with your school guidance counselor and your family.  Make sure you do well in mathematics and sciences, and also spend some time on civics and government, and also on geography.  A professional pilot has to have a really good understanding of law and regulations, and has to know where things are around the planet.

At the same time, do well in some physical pursuit.  You can't be a couch potato.  Do okay in Phys Ed, and find a personal sport that will help you develop strength and coordination.  This is important.

Also, read everything you can get your hands on about airplanes and aviation.  The more detailed knowledge you have, the easier it will be for you to learn the things you need to know to pass your aviation tests when the time comes.  Spend time in the library and read all the books and magazines about aviation and related subjects.

If you want to go by way of the military (and that's the most certain way of getting into the flight deck of an airliner), see your Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps recruiter.  You can go to see them any time, even at age 15.  Your recruiter will advise you what college to go to and what to major in to maximize your chances of getting into military flight training.

When you are about 17, find the nearest flight school and go talk to the instructors.  Sign up for an introductory flight, and see what it feels like to fly a real airplane.  Do it that way, and avoid computerized flight simulators like FSX.  The simulators will teach you bad habits and give you a mistaken impression of what it's like to fly a real airplane.  Get some experience in the real thing before you mess with simulators.  This is important.

Get your private pilot certificate as soon as you can.  It will get you a head start on whatever additional training you need, either civilian or military.

Good luck, and have fun!

Answer 5

Frankly, the best way is to come in from the military.  The majority of major aircarrier crews are from the military.

To do that, you'll need to pass a commissioning program, get a Bachelor's degree, and be accepted into that service's flying program.

If you want a shot at an academy, you'll need great (not perfect) grades, plenty of extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, student gov't.  Need to show leadership and initiative.  Also, you need a recommendation from your congressional rep.

There are two other ways: ROTC and OTS/OCS which will also get you there.

Right now, work on getting good grades, stay out of trouble (runs with the law/drugs alcohol are NOT going to impress a board), and get in shape.

Consider joining JROTC and/or Civil Air Patrol.  CAP is a good way to get some free flying, and a taste of military life.  If your parents approve, you're old enough to start flying lessons.  It ain't cheap, but it is VERY impressive on a flying board application regardless of which service you choose.

Good Luck.

PS:  John K:  don't worry about the "thumbs down".  I've been an F4 WSO, USAF Weapons School Grad, and I get thumbs down ratings on questions about air combat and flying fighters for goodness sake.  I think it's because we don't give the expected/easy/Discovery Channel version as answers...

Answer 6

In flying, as in all things in life, here are no guarantees. Why would you think there is such a thing?

Answer 7

Let me tell ya, there is no easy way or cheap way.

I wouldn't recommend joining the forces.

Get your private pilots, Instrument rating, Multi engine rating, commercial pilots certificate and your Airline transport pilots license.

Get your CFI become a flight instructor for a few years and build enough hours to get hired by a Airline.

This profession requires Time effort and money and is a challenge.

Good luck

You can start training right now but you cant get your privates until your 17, commercial  until your 18 and ATP until your 23....