How to become an airplane pilot?

Question

After i graduate high school, what should i do to become an airplane pilot? Should I graduate from undergrad school then go to grad school to learn how to "drive" an airplane or should i go to a special school after i graduate from high school to become a pilot?

Answer 1

Join the civil air patrol and your school ROTC corps. That is the best start for a young aviator. You will be taught search and rescue from the CAP, as well as survival skills. They do actual search and rescue of downed and missing aircraft.

The ROTC is affiliated with the CAP and the U.S. Air Force. You may be fortunate enough also to fly with an instructor in the CAP, that can start you on flying lessons. The CAP is like the boy scouts, but do realistic and real life rescues. Ask your local school about a local chapter!

After high school I would look into the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. They have an excellent aviator program. Do a search on their academy, you will be impressed. Too much info to post here, so check it out yourself. Good Luck!

Answer 2

There are many ways to become a pilot, and there is no one best way that works for everyone. You will have to do a lot of homework to find exactly which path is best for you.

The two most basic paths are civilian and military. They each have pros and cons. Either way, you will want to get a 4 year college degree to be competitive for jobs or to be eligible for military pilot positions. Your degree does not have to be related to aviation in any way. Some colleges, like Embry Riddle, combine a degree in aviation with flight training. I personally think these programs do not offer any advantage to make the higher cost worthwhile. If you think the military might be for you, then you should ask around at your university about the ROTC program. I'm sure they will have lots of info for you. CAP is also a popular program.

http://www.cap.gov/

You can search for civilian flight schools in your area on the sites below.

http://www.flightschoollist.com/

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/learntofl...

http://www.bestaviation.net/

http://www.aviationschoolsonline.com/sch...

You can learn more about becoming a pilot in general here:

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/learntofl...

http://www.beapilot.com/

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

I strongly recommend that you talk to multiple pilots who have been down whichever path you choose. Don't exclude any possibilities until you are sure you have chosen the right one, and don't decide anything until you understand fully what you are getting into. You might spend some time browsing or participating in pilot forums like the ones below to get more feedback from different pilots. Each pilot has a different perspective, so try to learn from as many as possible.

http://www.pprune.org/forums/

http://airlinepilotcentral.com/

Good luck!

Answer 3

Take private pilot lessons from your local airports.  It is easy.

Good Luck...

Answer 4

Obtain a lot of money so you can afford to get the license... it's easy-take lessons from an instructor, usually at a local airport.

Answer 5

If you mean AIRLINE pilot... it takes 3 to 5 years and about $50,000 to go all the way.

You start by going out the FBO at your local airport and talking to them about getting a private license... and go from there.