I've always thought about being a pilot (especially a fighter pilot) for a long time, but got sidetracked and went into medicine instead. Part of what discouraged me was my early onset nearsightedness (which is correctable to 20/20). There's no way for me to become a 'top gun' now, but I was thinking about becoming a commercial pilot after my tour in the military is over. Does anyone know what qualifications, education, and other things are necessary to become an airline pilot? I'll stay in medicine for a few more years, and during that time, maybe I can do steps that can help me become a pilot. Thanks for any info!

 

I was one for a while. The pay was really good and all, but recently they told me that I couldn't be drunk and work at the same time and I lost my job over it. Can you believe that?

 

i know nothing on the subject, but i would assume you have to become a private pilot first.. that requires some book work and a lot of flying time (instructor and solo) to become a visual flight rules (VFR) pilot.. then you would have to study for instrument flight rules (IFR) pilot.. and then on to dual engines.. and then on to jet engines.. and then on to the big boys

 

Hey I had the same problem with my airline employer just recently!!!...........or somethin ............JR

 

I've never flown a plane drunk but I have been drunk on a sh*#load of them

 

Hi. Good questions (and some funny replies).

I flew F-15s for 15 years in the AF and ANG, and have been flying for a major airline for the past 7 years. Below are our basic qualifications. Most of the majors have similar qualifications, but the total PIC time may vary. Good luck.


Typical qualifications for consideration as a pilot.

* Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-engine and Instrument rating (without limitations)

* Current ATP Certificate or written

* Current FE Turbojet Rating or written (FEX or Basic/turbojet)

* Must pass FAA mandated drug screen

* Recency and type of experience is considered

* Meet requirements for and currently hold First Class Medical certification

* Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university

* Eligibility for rapid visa issuance, issued by offices in the United States to fly to any FedEx destination.

* Ability to obtain clearance from United States Postal Service for handling or access to U.S. mail, which includes FBI fingerprint check, and candidate must have resided in the United States for the last five consecutive years (except for U.S. military assignments)

* Eligibility for issuance of US Security Clearance

* 1500 hours total fixed-wing time as pilot-in command (PIC) or first officer (SIC) including a minimum 1000 hours PIC in fixed-wing jet, fixed wing multi-engine turbo-prop, or multi-engine recip over 20,000 LBGW or combination thereof.
Note: PIC for this purpose is defined as Captain/Aircraft Commander of record, not simply the sole manipulator of the controls.
Note: Only pilot time in fixed wing aircraft is considered toward minimum qualifications. This does not include simulator, helicopter, flight engineer, bombardier, navigator, RIO, EWO, WSO, NFO, or Special Crew.

* All certificates and ratings required to be U.S.A. FAA issued

 

If you start practicing now maybe in about 8 years you can apply. You will be 86,353rd in line, about 5,000 of those will have experience because they will have been laid off from 2003 to 2011. Stick with medicine, ever seen a Doctor or Nurse laid off

 

Well, I am currently an Airbus A-300 Captain for a cargo airline. While I have alot of satisfaction from the job it isn't the easiest lifestyle. They say you aren't a real airline pilot until you've been divorced or furloughed at least 3 times. The big reason for this is for the majority of pilots it is a tough climb to the top.... and even if you make it...you'll still spend a huge amount of time on the road away from your family. I've spent the last 10 years flying jets and have yet to even obtain a single interview with a major airline...and I have my bachelor degrees in aviation,etc.

If I had to do it over again, I probably would've gone into a different professional field, made alot of money and bought my own small general aviation aircraft for fun on the weekends.

Not to discourage ya...just thought I'd shed some light on the "real" world of aviation. Then again, for me it sure beats sitting behind a desk from 9 to 5!

 

I don't know if you are in the AF or the Army down there in San Antonio, but if you are AF, then you could stay in and have the military pay for your flight school. The AF is going to start paying 100% of all tuition in October and it will cover flight lessons. Atleast it does up here, anyway. From what I hear, flight lessons are pretty expensive.

I am separating in a few months, but if I was staying in then I would let the AF pay for my flight school and get my private pilot's license. Don't know if I would ever make anything out of it, but I think it would be great to do and have.

P.S. I used to be stationed in Del Rio, and made many trips to San Antonio. A little too hot there for me, though.

 

I hate to discourage you, however, with the current financial straits of the U.S. and Foreign Air Carriers with the exception of Southwest it looks like more layoffs are in store.

L iminator
Quote "If you start practicing now maybe in about 8 years you can apply. You will be 86,353rd in line, about 5,000 of those will have experience because they will have been laid off from 2003 to 2011. Stick with medicine, ever seen a Doctor or Nurse laid off"


Red00Lght,

It could be worse, you could be a 18 year F.O. with US Air.

Jim

 

Reality1


You are right....it could be worse. I am very thankfull at this point just to be employed. I had a lot of buddies that got hired by USAirways Dec of 99 and after all the celebration of finally making it, they are all on the street now. Hopefully things turn around soon for the entire industry.

 

Thanks for the responses! Sounds like we have a few flyers on the board!

I'm in the Air Force doing my last year of Pathology Residency training, and since the scholarship paid for med school+residency, all I have to do is work for four years to 'reimburse' them. After 8+ years of medical training, I'm finding out that medicine just isn't my thing. It's okay, but I can't see myself doing this job for 30+ years. Most of my work is looking through a microscope, and it gets boring and monotonous. And it has lots of the same pitfalls that plague other medical fields. I'm thinking about other professions that could (potentially) be more enjoyable in the long run. I'm single, so being away for long periods won't be a problem. I guess I could do flight training in the military, but I don't want to incur any more 'payback' time.

I was afraid someone was gonna mention the current financial situation of the airlines, and it looks like it's not good. Must be a sign of the times. From what Bomeyer15 mentioned, it looks like I have a lot of homework to do! Anyway, I still have 5 years to think about all this...

 

When I was a kid we hammered a couple of boards onto an old ammo box and made our first plane. We then lifted the makeshift aircraft on to the roof of my garage. We all wanted to fly it but were to chicken. It's first solo flight sent it crashing into the drive way and adjacent BBQ. I was severly disappointed and joined the Marines and became a grunt.

Do you have a garage? try it.

 

ZX being in medical field haven't you checked out Lasik corrective surgery. As young as you must be, you should be a good candidate? If so, AF might take you. By time you're finished airline situation may have corrected itself. Or combine medicine & flying,but would have to spend a lot of time in remote parts of country/world? Could be an adventure.

bomeyer, when we corresponded last on forum about SVT dealer for service you said you drive Fed Ex or something truck, if i remember correctly?

 

Don't get any eye surgery before checking the AF's rules. That used to be a disqualifier.

Jake, FedEx B-727. No, don't know what happened to them (TLH).

Hiring has come to a complete halt mostly everywhere (although we are hiring 24/month), so it's not the easiest time to get hired at a major airline. However, when things turn around (tbd) there are lots of retirements over the next 10 years. If it's something you want to do, go for it; be persistent.

Bo