Do you love to fly? Are you already an experienced pilot? If so, you might want to consider taking to the skies as a professional airline pilot. Airline pilots must undergo many hours of flight training before they begin to transport passengers or cargo. Read on for more information on how to become an airline pilot.

Airline pilots are highly trained, highly skilled professional pilots who may transport either passengers or cargo for air carriers, including regional and low-cost carriers. Most airline pilots undergo rigorous training to become certified to fly commercial planes.

• Nearly all major air carriers, and many regional ones, require airline pilots to have a bachelor's degree. While some of the smaller air carriers hire airline pilots without a college degree, having one will give you an edge in a highly competitive market.

• Taking classes at an FAA-approved flight school can give you a head-start on your training as a commercial airline pilot. New pilots can expect to learn about:

1. Operation of a plane
2. Aerodynamics
3. Flight characteristics
4. Navigation skills
5. Communications with other aircraft pilots and with air traffic controllers

• All airline pilots must have a commercial pilot's license issued by the FAA. Obtaining this license can take years of training and hundreds of hours of flight time. All commercial airline pilots must:

1. Have 250 hours or more of flight time
2. Demonstrate a high level of skill and competency in operating a commercial aircraft
3. Pass a rigorous physical exam. Potential airline pilots must have:
   1. Overall good health
   2. 20/20 vision, either with or without glasses
4. Pass a written exam. Questions may involve:
   1. Principles of safe flight
   2. Navigation techniques
   3. FAA regulations

• Once you have completed the necessary training and obtained certification to fly commercially, the job hunt can begin.

1. Write a resume, including information on all education and training certifications you have
2. Submit your resume to AirlineApps.com's website; you can also place your application on this central site
3. Check the FAA website for information on any potential piloting jobs
4. Network with other pilots; many times they will know about potential job opportunities

• Becoming an airline pilot is not an easy task. Years of education and training are often required. The rewards can be great, though—both financially and in the amount of satisfaction you have in your job.

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