What do I need to do to become a commercial pilot?

Question

I'm 14 years old and im Grade 9 and i wanted to know what courses I should take. I'm planning to start Air Cadets soon and I think that will help. By commercial I mean big airplanes like Air Canada, British Airways, etc. Bobo D...if you're out there plz help me, your answers are always good. Any other pros please help as well.

Answer 1

well for one thing they get paid the most if you live in america you get to work for the FAA and the civil service meaning good benefits and retirement also you only have to work 20 years and you can retire.

Answer 2

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 14.  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!