How to become a Regional Airline Pilot?

Question

Hi everybody,

I am 14 years old and know I want to become a pilot when i am older. I was wondering if you guys could tell me how.

Thanks alot!

Mark

Answer 1

hey,

The first thing you're going to need is your private pilot's license.  You can get that at the age of 17.  You can solo an airplane at the age of 16.  So, honestly, until you're 15 you really won't be able to do much flight training.  

The ratings you'll need are as follows:  Private for single engine airplanes (first), followed usually by the instrument rating (allowing you to fly in clouds) time building up to 250 hours when you can obtain your commercial license in single engine airplanes (you'll need to be 18 to do this).  After this your multi-engine commercial.  Those are the necessities.  After that many pilots get their instructor ratings (instructor, followed by instrument instructor, and finally multi-engine instructor- 3 seperate checkrides) to build hours.  Once you have those all completed at, if you do this at a 'local' airport, you'll have spent right around 50k and may want to instruct.  Personally I instructed for around 1000 hours, all that time logable, and got a job flying freight.  Many people I know took jobs at regionals around 1000 hours total time (I waited for 1200 hours because my current job requires that).  The general rule is that most regionals want to see 1000 hours total time and 100-200 of that in multi-engine airplanes.  Some airlines hire with much less, some with much more (although you'll often find that the better jobs require more experience).

The best thing to do, in my opinion, would be to head out to your local airport and try and befriend a few pilots.  Many pilots (some pilots are just mean-- like everything else) will be more than willing to give you some insight and a few pointers on what to do or not to do.  Then, at the age of 16-17 try taking a few lessons.  This isn't for everybody.  If you like it, get your private... then go to college.  Get a four year degree (you'll need it for the best jobs- it doesn't matter what it's in), work on your additional ratings in college at your local airport, and once you graduate get a job flying.  

You'll end up at a regional quicker than you think-- make sure and enjoy the ride along the way (go to college for sure)... don't just aim for the destination.

Answer 2

I'm 16 and this is my plan.

Graduate high school.

Get an assosiates degree at my community college.

Get into a flight school like ATP.

And get a job with a reginoal airline.

I'm trying something different from everyone else...

Instead of getting a four year degree from a fancy state university, I will get an assosiates degree from a community college, which is much cheaper.

Then I will be able to spend more money on getting those precious flight hours.

A lot of airlines prefer experience over some kid that went to a party college.

I may be in over my head, but who cares, it could be a good idea.

Good luck, and never give up on your dreams, you CAN do it.

Answer 3

You should begin getting your private as soon as possible. If you are really serious, I recommend attending a purpose-guided school such as ATP Flight School or Delta Connection Academy (there are many others). These places specialize in getting you into a seat at a regional airline.

Best luck!

Answer 4

Maybe you should think of another career, its not as great as you think.

Answer 5

I would do some research online as to what flight schools are in your area and if you can afford these classes.Airlines hire on how many total flight hours you have, the more you have the better position and airline you will be able to work for.

Classes are expensive, but in the end you will make it all back. pilots make great money and get to travel for free so many exciting places!!