Airline Pilot Qualifications

The most critical qualification for airline pilots is FAA certification. The type of certification varies depending on the type of plane you will be flying, but typically is an airline transport certification with training specific to the type of fixed-wing aircraft you'll be handling. Other certifications may be required, depending on the type of aircraft you are assigned to.

There is also a minimum number of hours you'll be expected to have already flown; 2,500 to 5,000 is an average figure we've heard listed by major airlines. While some airline pilots are hired from corporate flying, most come from commuter airlines and the military.

The airline industry is strict about the use of intoxicants. As a pilot you'll be subjected to FAA-mandated drug tests. Some airlines also restrict smoking.

College is instrumental to landing a job as a commercial pilot. As a veteran pilot explains:

• While this airline doesn't require a four-year degree, we find that most of our successful applicants have four-year degrees because they seem to make them more rounded individuals. Pilot applicants must know the basics of mathematics, physics, and communication skills, but they don't need to have a degree in engineering. We're not talking calculus here. We have lots of applicants with majors ranging from business to philosophy, backed by these technical skills.

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To eliminate any confusion, all positions in the aviation industry are regarded as customer service oriented positions. Every second an employee spends with a customer or potential customer is critical. Most customers choose to buy, fly, or purchase based on the quality of service received. Customers may never see you, but they will remember their telephone conversation, the comfort of their flight, and the way their baggage or package arrived; safely, timely at the correct destination. They will thank you by buying, flying, and purchasing from your company over and over again.