If you are thinking of being a commercial pilot, it is a fun and rewarding career. However, here are 10 things you should know. With incredible opportunities awaiting you, it’s time to take a closer look at becoming a pilot.
You are Going Back to School
First, let’s get you geared up to go back to school. If you haven’t gotten your license yet, you will need to hit the books, watch educational videos, take notes and do practical application exercises. Of course, there will be tests, including but not limited to, FAA Recreational and Private Pilot Exam.
Most of your training happens on the ground. What you learn here will allow you to excel once you are in the cockpit.
You will Learn A New Language or Two
Pilots must be able to correspond well with other pilots and ground control. There is ZERO room for error and I cannot emphasize enough on ZERO.
The first language you will learn is “radio talk” like:
• Wilco = I will comply
• Roger = I received and understand your last transmission
• Affirmative = Yes
Radio talk isn’t difficult to learn. But knowledge to use it constantly without sliding into “normal speech” can be a task. Similar to any other languages, it will be used with guidelines for usage like:
• Listen before you transmit
• Think out what you are going to say before you begin
• Be alert regarding the potential failed transmission
By learning to efficiently converse in this manner, you can keep yourself and others out of harm’s way.
Second, you will learn to read Textual Weather. An alphamerical code will update you about weather conditions in your zone. Two common documented whether coding systems are METAR or PIREP. PIREP is a record of the actual circumstances that your aeroplane encountered during flight. METAR is a report of the weather conditions that you will receive hourly or half-hourly.
Aerodynamics Will Become More Than an Abstract Concept
If you are not a physicist, chances are that aerodynamics is more of an abstract concept to you. You will develop an intimate knowledge of how aerodynamics works.
Get Ready for the Regulations
You will need to familiarize yourself with hundreds of FAA regulations. As with any regulations, not knowing isn’t a justification for not following. Regulations assist in keeping everyone safe while flying, both domestic and abroad.
Some of these laws can seem puzzling or even opposing. But by working with a great instructor, you will learn what you need to know to comply. Regulations are one of those things you will learn in the classroom before ever entering the plane. As a student, you are held to the same standards as a fully licensed pilot when it comes to following regulations.
You will Eat Sleep and Dream Aerospace Systems
Aerospace systems are a compound grid of aerospace units. Within these systems, you will apply certain weather minimums at various altitudes. These minimums will alter, contingent to day or night.
As you study, you will learn these systems by heart. They will become such a part of you that you will likely think about them randomly or in your dreams.
You→ Good Resume →Job
Flying Is Nothing Like Driving a Car
While driving a car you can just stop in the middle of the road if the ‘check engine’ light is on. All you need to do is steer clear of other drivers to stay safe. If you are like most people today, you may not even get past changing your oil and repairing a flat when it comes to maintaining your car.
But as a pilot, you must be able to identify your plane on a profound level. You will know:
• How a plane works
• The mechanisms involved in flying
• What can go wrong
• How to compensate when things go wrong
• How to repair damage
You get hands-on with an aeroplane.
Training's Expensive but There Are Ways to Save
Working with an inexperienced instructor will make your training take longer and you will undoubtedly feel frustrated. You may not pick up things that you need. The whole procedure might take longer.
Find an instructor who has taught many successfully. They will have a clear plan and method of teaching. The more regularly you fly, the quicker you learn. You will be prepared for your assessment in no time.
Requirements
Essentially, to get a pilot license, the requirements are:
- 17 or older
- Able to read, speak and understand English fluently
- Complete Training
- Pass your exam
To work as a pilot, you might need to meet added requirements like hours flying, prior employment, etc.
Alternate Ways to Use Your Pilot License
The most vital thing that you must know about becoming a pilot is how many ways that you can be one. Some great prospects for pilots include:
- Working charter flights
- Mastering your region to build demand for your service
- Building your own planes
- Restoring classic planes
- Exploring “uncharted” territories from the sky
- Transporting the sick
- Saving lives with search and rescue
Getting your license might need hours of dedicated hard work, but once you do… it is one of the most exuberant feelings. You get to fly into the sunset over the horizons, what more could anyone want as a reward!
– Chandni Sethia
