- High School Diploma

-College degree (Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, Aviation, or a related field)

- Flight training (minimum of 1,500 hours)

Experience Requirements

- Commercial pilot license (CPL)

- Instrument rating

- Multi-engine rating

- Airline transport pilot license (ATPL)

Certifications and Ratings

- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate

- FAA written exams

- FAA practical exams

- Type ratings for specific aircraft

Physical Requirements

- Good vision

- Good hearing

- No disqualifying medical conditions

Personal Qualities

- Excellent decision-making skills

- Strong leadership skills

- Ability to work well under pressure

- Good communication skills

- Ability to work as part of a team

Salary

- Median annual salary: $121,408

Job Outlook

- The job outlook for airline pilots is expected to be very good over the next few years. The demand for airline pilots is expected to increase as the economy grows and more people travel by air.

How to Get Started

- Get your high school diploma.

- Enroll in a college degree program in aeronautics, aviation, or a related field.

- Start flight training.

- Earn your commercial pilot license (CPL).

- Earn your instrument rating.

- Earn your multi-engine rating.

- Earn your airline transport pilot license (ATPL).

- Get your FAA medical certificate.

- Pass the FAA written exams.

- Pass the FAA practical exams.

- Get type ratings for specific aircraft.

- Apply for jobs with airlines.