You're considering a career in aviation. What are the key things you need to know?

1 Training and Education

To become a pilot, you need to obtain a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which requires passing written, oral, and practical exams. You also need to complete a certain number of flight hours, depending on the type and level of license you want. For example, a private pilot license requires at least 40 hours, while a commercial pilot license requires at least 250 hours. You can get your training from flight schools, colleges, or airlines, but be prepared to invest a lot of time and money in your education.

3 Skills and Qualities

Being a pilot is not only about flying a plane, but also about managing complex systems, communicating effectively, and making quick decisions. You need to have strong technical, mathematical, and analytical skills, as well as good vision, hearing, and physical health. You also need to have certain personal qualities, such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and stress tolerance. You should be able to handle emergencies, weather changes, and fatigue, and to cope with the responsibility of transporting passengers and cargo safely.

4 Regulations and Requirements

As a pilot, you need to follow strict rules and regulations set by the FAA and other authorities. You need to comply with the standards of safety, security, and performance, and to keep your license and certifications current. You also need to undergo regular medical exams, drug tests, and background checks. You may need to meet additional requirements depending on your employer, such as having a certain amount of experience, education, or seniority.

5 Lifestyle and Challenges

A career in aviation can be rewarding and fulfilling, but also demanding and stressful. You may have to work irregular hours, weekends, holidays, and nights, and to deal with jet lag, time zones, and weather changes. You may have to travel frequently, spend long periods away from home, and miss important events with your family and friends. You may also face risks such as accidents, injuries, or terrorism. You need to have a strong passion, motivation, and resilience to overcome these challenges and enjoy your career.

6 Benefits and Rewards

Despite the drawbacks, a career in aviation can also offer many benefits and rewards. You can earn a good income, depending on your experience, qualifications, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pilots was $121,430 in 2020, while the median annual wage for air traffic controllers was $130,420. You can also enjoy perks such as travel discounts, insurance, and retirement plans. Most importantly, you can experience the thrill of flying, the beauty of nature, and the diversity of cultures, and make a positive impact on the world.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?