Being a commercial pilot is exciting, challenging, and yes, a wee bit glamorous. But you can’t just send off a resume and expect to get a job flying planes. ROP broadcast student Michael Gandara talked with a local pilot about what it takes to become a commercial pilot…
Ever looked up at an airplane and wanted to fly it, like I’ve done plenty of times? If so, then you should consider becoming a commercial pilot. We spoke with commercial pilot Jim Bagley who told us being a commercial pilot requires several things: You must be 18, trained by a certified instructor, and have a third class FAA medical certificate, an instrument rating, and 250 hours of flight experience. Bagley also led to information letting us know once this is all completed you need to pass a knowledge test with a 70 percent or better and successfully complete a practical flight test. A degree is not required but it is definitely recommended. Getting a degree in a related field such as Aviation or Aeronautical Engineering can help get you hired by airlines. The demand for commercial pilots is predicted to go up; according to Boeing, between 2014 and 2033, 533,000 pilots will be needed globally and 88,000 in North America. So next time I look up into the sky, I’ll know what it takes to get up there.
