What qualifications do I need to become an airline pilot?

Question

I live in Vancouver, Canada, and I want to be an airline pilot.

My dream has always been to be an airline pilot! What qualifications do I need to do this?

Would i need to go to college or university?

What licences would I need?

e.g. private pilot licence, commercial pilot licence.....

If I have to go to college or university what rank would I start off as if I joined an airline?

How much would I get paid? (always helpful!)

thanks to everyone who answers!

cheers

Answer 1

First you need a private pilot license (55 hours, ground school, plus a FAA test), then you need to accumulate the following: instrument rating, multi-engine rating, commercial pilot license (>200 hours and check ride), turbo or jet rating.

To work for an airline they expect thousands of hours of flying time. You would have better luck with one of the freight (FedEx, etc) until you accumulated enough hours.

There are flying schools and college programs, Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida is a great school.

As to salary, it depends on experience and size of airlines.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Most airlines insist on a qualification in haberdashery.

Answer 3

It'll help if you have a history of taking off and landing safely.

The airlines are kinda particular about those points.

Answer 4

In your dreams Joe, and that is where they will stay son.

Answer 5

You need a degree in flying

Answer 6

Why don;t you look it up online? There are hundreds of career websites that'd tell you everyhing you need!

Good luck!

Answer 7

I don't think anybody answered your question. You'll need a comerecial pilots certificate with instrument and multi engine rating and most would require a college degree in anything. Now you do not need to be good at math or reading maps. We hardly ever use a map. As for Fed Ex Veekee, they demand just about the highest qualifications of all airlines and are probably the toughest to get into without a ton of experience. Quit guessing people.

Answer 8

I see no-one has answered the salary part of the question!

Most pilots get paid between £40,000 to £100,000 (around $80,000 to $200,000)

In the UK you would need a minimum of 5 GSCEs, and 2 A-Levels. A Degree at University is not essential but would help. I'm not sure of the equivalent in the US.

You would need an ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence). Most flying schools can get you to ATPL-F, Frozen, which means you can be second in command, First Officer. It takes a few years experience to become Captain.

I'm from the UK, and don't know the exact requirements for the USA, but I'm sure if you browse a few websites, and find the US equivalent of the CAA, you'll get all the info you need.

You do not need to be exceptionally good at Math, and you most certainly do not need to be a map-reader. Neither do you need 20/20 vision. Most pilots wear glasses.

I would certainly say, follow your dream. I won't be easy but it will definitely be worth it.

Answer 9

I hope Maths is your strong point.  And you need to be a squared-away individual, not a pot-head or a drunk.  I wouldn't want a pilot covered in ink and face-furniture!

Answer 10

I think a commercial pilot's license is almost a requirement at most airlines.

Answer 11

Are you god in math? Do you read maps well? Do you have 20 20 vision? Are you confident and maintain well under very stressful situations?  Are you comfortable on roller coasters?

Do you get sick on roller coasters

If no to any of the above then develop these skills  and go to a flight school. IF roller coasters scare you or make you sick then you must overcome these complications.

Good luck and follow your dream