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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Established Values System
Successful applicants must be primarily self-motivated and have the ability to work unsupervised. Self-satisfaction must be found by treating others well, since feedback will come more often from customers than from supervisory personnel. This will allow you to maintain high standards even under pressure from peers to relax those standards. You must be self-confident and take responsibility for your actions, preferring to earn rewards rather than expecting entitlements.