Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
All pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must have a commercial pilot's license with an instrument rating issued by the FAA. Helicopter pilots must hold a commercial pilot's certificate with a helicopter rating. To qualify for these licenses, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of flight experience. The time can be reduced through participation in certain school curricula approved by the FAA. They also must pass a strict physical examination to make sure that they are in good health, have 20/20 vision with or without glasses, good hearing, and no physical handicaps that could impair their performance. Applicants must pass a written test that includes questions on the principles of safe flight, navigation techniques, and FAA regulations. They also must demonstrate their flying ability to FAA or designated examiners.

Job Outlook:
Pilots are expected to face considerable competition for jobs through the year 2005 because the number of applicants for new positions is expected to exceed the number of openings. Aircraft pilots understandably have an extremely strong attachment to their occupation because it requires a substantial investment in specialized training and can offer very high earnings. In addition, the glamour, prestige, and travel benefits make this a very desirable occupation and pilots rarely change occupations. However, because of the large number of pilots who will reach retirement age over the next decade or so, replacement needs will generate several thousand job openings each year.

Sources of Additional Information:

Information about job opportunities in a particular airline and the qualifications required may be obtained by writing to the personnel manager of the airline. For addresses of airline companies and information about job opportunities and salaries, contact: