How to become an airline transport pilot

For those who want to learn about becoming an Airline Transport Pilot, you have come to the right place. And if you are unsure of what an Airline Transport Pilot does then continue reading and learn more. Keep in mind that every pilot who gets paid must obtain a commercial pilot license, also known as a CPL., Pilots for pay must have an instrument rating which gives them permission to fly under Instrument Flight Rules or IFR, In the USA the rating is given by the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA. Airline Transport Pilot certifications or an ATP certification do not carry special endorsements like the IFR as the pilot is already expected to have the basic knowledge and training in the needed areas. However, every pilot for pay carrying a load of over 12500 pounds must have a type rating according to the aircraft's make and model for certification. Therefore, the Airline Transport Pilot must also carry an ATP certification.

Pilot Requirements

In order to become an Airline Transport Pilot, you must take the FAA practical test. have a certain number of flight hours including 1500 hours of flight experience of which 250 hours as the command pilot and be at least 23 years old. You must also be able to speak, read and write the English language and hold a minimum a third-class medical certificate. There are also restricted licenses that allow the pilot to only perform second command duties. In order to get a restricted license, you must have one of the following: graduate with a four-year degree in Aviation from an approved university and have 1000 flight time hours and be at least 21 years old, be a military pilot with 750 hours of flight time who is at least 21 years old, graduate with a two-year degree in Aviation with 1250 flight time hours and at least 21 years old or be a pilot with 1500 flight time hours who is 21 years old. The pilot can seek the official ATP certification once he receives the required prerequisites.

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

Ideally, you may want to obtain a Bachelors degree in Aviation before becoming an Airline Transport Pilot. There are approved universities across the country in the USA where you can obtain your degree. Some of these include Bowling Green State University, Purdue University, The Ohio State University, Middle State University, and others. There are many across the country in which to choose. The four-year Bachelor's degree cuts your flight time down to 1000 hours with an age limit of 21 years old.

Acquire Flight Experience

Depending upon your situation, you are required to meet certain criteria with regards to flight time. This is the most important part of the ATP certification. You may obtain a normal ATP certification and license or a restricted license, depending upon your status.

Obtain Licensure

Obtaining your licensure requires you to take the FAA examination. Topics including in the exam will cover the areas of aviation law, general aircraft knowledge, flight planning, and monitoring, operational procedures, instrumentation, radio navigation, mass and balance, communication in IFR and VFR, performance, and principles of flight just to name a few. The examination along with age requirements and flight time hours are all a part of obtaining your license.

Gain Professional Experience

After obtaining your ATP certification, it is important for you to gain professional experience. Remember the ATP certification is for pilots that get paid to fly a weighted aircraft of more than 12500 pounds. And the more professional experience you gain, the better. Professional experience will show companies that want to hire you, that you are ready and capable of flying the needed transport aircraft.

These are ways to become an Airline Transport Pilot, you must meet certain criteria of age, flight time hours, minimum medical class certificate, two-year or four-year aviation degree, and hours where you are the command pilot. The process can be challenging, but well worth it once you have obtained your license and are flying as an Airline Transport Pilot.