Sep 11
26
Airline Pilot Training Part 1
Airline Pilot Training
To discuss the topic of Airline Pilot Training I will break it into two parts. This first article will look at the training that is required in order to to obtain the requirements necessary for application to an airline. The second article will then discuss training that is carried out within a major airline once a suitably qualified pilot has been offered a job and is now earning a pilot salary.
There are three basic steps you will need to undertake before you will be eligible to be employed by a major airline. Step one is undergo a pilot medical from a suitably qualified doctor. Step two is to successfully complete flying training up to the level of a commercial pilot license. And finally you will need to get a job so that you may build up a certain amount of flying hours.
The Medical Check
Before commencing your airline pilot training it is imperative that you visit a doctor who is qualified to carry out medical checks for pilots. A medical is a requirement for any pilot license to be valid so naturally it would be a waste of time and money to commence training without knowing that you meet the medical standards. Pilots are required to be in good health but contrary to popular belief does not need to be perfect. For example someone who requires corrective vision can still fly with glasses as long as a spare pair is carried on the flight deck.
Commercial Pilots License
Once you have your medical you are able to commence your airline pilot training. The first goal here is to complete your Private Pilot License (PPL). This will enable you to fly an airplane with non paying passengers around the country in which you hold your license. Once this is completed you will move on to obtaining your commercial pilots license (CPL). To achieve this you will have logged a minimum of 250 hours, passed your written examinations and passed a flight check. With this particular license you are now certified to carry passengers and or cargo for remuneration or reward.
There are two general methods for obtaining your commercial license, one is to enrol at a flying academy or college and the other is to carry out your training at a flying school or aero club. The larger academies and colleges offer a total training package which includes full time training, theory classes and a specific itinerary to complete the training. The flying schools however will not offer this but do allow the flexibility of conduction training part time which is preferable if you are restricted by your budget. An advantage of the lager academies is that some will offer a guarantee of a job if training is successful. This is either within their own organisation or through a partnership with some regional airlines.
Building Up Your Flight Hours
The final step in your airline pilot training is to get your first job and start accumulating hours. Most airlines have a minimum requirement of 1,500 hours that you will need before you can apply to work for them. An instrument rating and multi engine endorsement will normally be needed for you to obtain that elusive first flying job.
About admin
I am an Aussie living and working in Japan as an Airline pilot. I fly Boeing B767's on international routes from Osaka and Narita on both passenger and freight operations.
I enjoy writing and try to update my Blog and FB Page on a daily basis.
