How to Be Airline Pilot - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 13, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for airline pilots has been steadily increasing in recent years due to the growing popularity of air travel. This has caused wages for airline pilots to rise significantly, as the supply of qualified pilots is not keeping pace with the rising demand. As a result, the cost of training for new pilots has also increased, making it more difficult for aspiring pilots to enter the industry.

the increased competition for jobs has caused airlines to be more selective in their hiring process, often requiring more experience and qualifications from applicants. This trend has made it increasingly challenging for new pilots to find employment in the airline industry, as the pilot pool is becoming increasingly more competitive.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. The first step on the path to becoming an airline pilot is to earn a high school diploma. Having a solid academic background will help you understand the physics and aerodynamics of flying, and it will give you the skills you need to succeed in college.
Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most airlines prefer pilots to have a four-year college degree. A degree in aviation, aeronautical engineering, or a related field is ideal, but many airlines will accept any bachelor's degree.
Get Flight Training. Once you have your degree, you must obtain a commercial pilot's license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This requires completing at least 250 hours of flight training and passing written and practical tests administered by the FAA.
Accumulate Flying Time. After you get your commercial pilot's license, you will need to accumulate more flight time in order to qualify for an airline job. Most airlines require pilots to have at least 1,500 hours of flight experience before they will hire them.
Obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. After accumulating the necessary flight hours, you must obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate from the FAA. This certificate is required for all pilots who want to fly for a major airline.
Pass a Flight Physical. Before you can be hired by an airline, you must pass a flight physical administered by an aviation medical examiner. This exam is designed to ensure that you are physically and mentally fit for duty.
Complete Airline Training. After you have passed the flight physical, the airline will send you to their training facility for a period of several weeks or months. During this training, you will learn all of the specific procedures and operations of the airline.
Earn Your Airline Pilot Wings. Once you have successfully completed the airline training program, you will receive your wings and be officially certified as an airline pilot. Congratulations!

Becoming a reliable and qualified airline pilot requires years of training and dedication. To become qualified, an individual must first obtain a private pilot license and then build on their skills and knowledge with more advanced training. This includes obtaining an instrument rating which allows the pilot to fly in all weather conditions, and a commercial pilot certificate which allows them to fly for compensation.

After this, airline transport pilot certification must be obtained, which requires passing both written and practical examinations. pilots must maintain their skills and keep up to date with the latest technology and regulations by attending recurrent training sessions every few years. With all of this training, experience, and dedication, airline pilots can become reliable and qualified professionals who ensure the safety of passengers.

You may want to check Firefighting Pilot, Cargo Pilot, and Flight Engineer Pilot for alternative.

Job Description

Plan flight routes and flight times, adhere to air regulations and ensure the safety of passengers
Monitor aircraft performance and manage fuel consumption during flights
Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections of aircraft
Monitor flight progress, altitude and speed, and make adjustments as necessary
Communicate with air traffic controllers, other pilots and airline personnel
Prepare flight plans and flight log documents
Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and other airline policies
Complete checklists for aircraft systems and safety procedures prior to takeoff
Monitor weather conditions and adjust plans accordingly
Conduct emergency procedures in the event of an in-flight issue

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aircraft systems and components
Knowledge of aircraft performance
Knowledge of weather patterns and safety regulations
Ability to multitask and prioritize
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Ability to handle pressure and stress
Good decision-making skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to follow strict protocols and procedures
Attention to detail
Knowledge of navigation systems
Knowledge of flight planning
Knowledge of airspace regulations and procedures
Ability to react quickly and accurately in emergency situations

Being an airline pilot requires a range of skills and expertise, but one of the most important is the ability to think quickly and make decisions in a timely manner. This skill is critical in every aspect of flight operations, from preparing for takeoff to responding to in-flight emergencies. Pilots must be able to assess the situation, identify any potential risks, and determine the best course of action to take.

they must be able to communicate effectively with air traffic controllers, passengers, and crew members, as well as keep their aircraft and equipment in good working order. In order to do this, airline pilots must have a thorough understanding of the aircraft systems, be aware of all safety regulations and procedures, and possess a sharp eye for detail. Furthermore, they must be highly organized and have the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

These attributes are essential for ensuring a safe and successful flight.

Air Tour Pilot, Recreational Pilot, and Traffic Reporter Pilot are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aviation?
What type of aircraft have you flown in the past?
How have you handled difficult flight conditions?
How have you handled emergency situations while flying?
What have been your most memorable flying experiences?
What have been your biggest challenges in aviation?
How do you manage professional relationships with other pilots and air traffic controllers?
What safety protocols do you follow when preparing for a flight?
How would you handle a passenger who is unruly or disruptive during a flight?
What do you believe makes a successful airline pilot?

Common Tools in Industry

Flight Planning Software. Used to plan flights and generate flight plans, including route, fuel calculations, weather forecasts, etc. (eg: ForeFlight)
Flight Recorder. A device used to record flight data such as altitude, speed, and location. (eg: Flight Data Recorder)
Flight Simulator. A computer program that simulates the experience of flying an aircraft. (eg: X-Plane)
Communication Radio. Used to communicate with air traffic control, other aircraft, and ground personnel. (eg: Garmin GTR 225)
Navigation System. An onboard system used to navigate and find the shortest route between two points. (eg: GPS)
Aircraft Checklist. A list of tasks to be completed before and during a flight. (eg: Jeppesen Checklist)
Weather Radar. A device that provides real-time weather information, including storms, wind speed, and turbulence. (eg: Avidyne Entegra EXP5000)
Emergency Procedures Software. A computer program that helps pilots prepare for and respond to emergency situations. (eg: EmergenSee)

Professional Organizations to Know

Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA)
National Air Carrier Association (NACA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Regional Airline Association (RAA)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Cargo Airline Association (CAA)

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Common Important Terms

Aircraft. a powered, heavier-than-air machine that is supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its wings.
Cockpit. the compartment from which a pilot operates an aircraft.
Flight Deck. the area in an aircraft from which the pilot and other crew members control the aircraft.
Navigation. the art and science of directing a craft from one point to another.
Airspace. the area of the atmosphere that is regulated by a government or designated authority.
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). regulations that govern all flights conducted in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Visual Flight Rules (VFR). regulations that govern all flights conducted in visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
Air Traffic Control (ATC). the communication and management of all aircraft operations within a designated area of responsibility.
Pilot Certification. the process of demonstrating competence to a governing body in order to be legally allowed to perform certain duties as an airline pilot.
Aircraft Maintenance. the act of inspecting, servicing, and repairing aircraft components and systems to ensure airworthiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to become an Airline Pilot?

To become an Airline Pilot, you must have a valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, which requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time and a minimum of 250 hours of cross-country flight time. You must also have a valid medical certificate and a high school diploma or equivalent.

What is the average salary of an Airline Pilot?

The average salary of an Airline Pilot is around $140,000 per year.

How long does it usually take to become an Airline Pilot?

It typically takes about three to five years to become an Airline Pilot. This includes obtaining the necessary flight hours and completing the necessary training and certifications.

What is the job outlook for Airline Pilots?

The job outlook for Airline Pilots is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 7% increase in job opportunities from 2019 to 2029.

What are the responsibilities of an Airline Pilot?

Airline Pilots are responsible for operating and navigating aircraft safely and efficiently, ensuring that the aircraft is in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, communicating with air traffic control, and monitoring the aircraft's performance during flights.

Web Resources

Airline transport pilot certificate | Lynn University www.lynn.edu
Airline Pilot, Copilot, and Flight Engineer - City Colleges of Chicago www.ccc.edu
4 Incredible Benefits of Becoming an Airline Pilot - CalAero calaero.edu