We all had a childhood dream. It is, unfortunately, by virtue of it being a childhood dream, unlikely we will ever be able to pursue it. This is because most childhood dreams are absolutely fantastic, or as we grow older, we find ourselves more cynical and less enthusiastic about becoming, shall we say… a wizard? There are some childhood dreams, however, that is possible. One such dream is that of a pilot. Working as a pilot is a dream for many and is a dream that is definitely possible – providing you give it your full effort and determination.
This page will tell you all of the steps necessary to make that dream come true. Becoming a pilot can be achieved by following this guide to the letter. Many people believe they cannot achieve their dreams (providing they are reasonable), but this is a falsehood, and they can. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. By the end of this page, you will know everything that there possibly is for you to know about becoming a pilot.
Here is how to make your childhood dream of becoming a pilot come true.
Preliminary Qualifications
It may be worthwhile achieving preliminary qualifications beforehand. You can do this by attending a local university or community college. The qualifications vary from country to country, and unfortunately, we cannot tell you which qualifications are necessary. A good way to find out is to check online with a local educational service provider, who will be able to tell you which qualifications you need and which will be essential to your achieving your dream of becoming a pilot. Qualifications will always make you look better than someone who does not have any at all.
PPC
Once you have acquired the relevant preliminary qualifications, you can move onto the next stage toward becoming a pilot. The next stage requires you to go to flight school and receive your PPC [Private Pilot Certificate]. These certificates can be gained once you have successfully flown and managed a single-engine plane. This will teach you the foundations of flying and becoming a pilot, and while you will still have a lot to learn, and many more months of grueling and intense studying, you will be one step closer toward achieving your dream, and will have piloted your first plane, despite how small it is.
Instrument Rating
Once you have gained your private pilot certificate, you will next want to acquire your instrument rating. Your instrument rating will certify you are able to fly a plane through many different weather types. One can get their instrument rating only after receiving their private pilot certificate. It is a very important step toward becoming a pilot and will ensure you are qualified and have learned enough to achieve your dream. You will never be able to become a pilot without an instrument rating. It is an important stepping stone.
CPC
A CPC (Commercial Pilot Certificate) is the next stage toward becoming a pilot. Your CPC, post-receipt of an instrument rating, will allow you to work as a commercial pilot. Your CPC training can be very intense and rigorous and will be far more difficult than your initial private pilot certificate, as this certificate will certify you can earn money as a pilot and can fly for a living. Commercial pilot training will see you being taught to fly much larger planes. Once you have achieved your commercial pilot license, your dream of becoming a pilot is in touching distance. It can be very difficult and time-consuming, but it is essential.
FIC
Post-completion of your CPC, you will want to apply for an FIC. Your FIC is your first foray into commercial piloting. You will work as a flight instructor once you have completed your FIC, thereby securing your first gig as a commercial pilot, and you will earn your first salary from flying alone. Airlines will look upon you much better when applying for a job as a pilot if you have worked as a flight instructor. It is a necessary component of becoming a pilot and you should not proceed without your FIC.
Multi-Engine Rating
Your multi-engine rating is a very important part of becoming a full-time official pilot. Your multi-engine rating will allow you to work as a commercial pilot and will allow you to fly jets and planes with multiple engines. Your multi-engine rating is a lot like your instrument rating. It will be added to your commercial pilot license and will mean you are ready to get started as a pilot. What comes next is work. You have officially become a pilot in theory and need only apply for jobs now.
Experience
What follows becoming qualified is experience. You will need to find a job as a commercial pilot before moving onto larger feats (airline pilot / private pilot). There are many commercial piloting jobs you can do, and it is essential that you do find one. Airlines and private air companies will look upon you much more favorably if you have experience working as a commercial pilot. Experience is crucial for anything in life. You must get experience, not only to find work but for your own safety. Working as a pilot can be very dangerous, and you should look beyond requirements for work and consider your own safety.
Career
Now you are qualified and have experience working in the flying industry, you can begin looking for a career; there are many careers available for you and the world is now your oyster. Many pursue a career as an airline pilot, as it can pay a lot of money. Working as an airline pilot is a very rewarding career and can see you traveling throughout the entire world. You should definitely consider this – but if you do not – then look carefully and find a career that you love and want to work for the rest of your life.
Now, with the help of this page, you know how to become a pilot. With this page, you can achieve your dream and make it a reality. Good luck and have a safe flight!