Q&A for How to Become a Pilot

Becoming a pilot at 20 is possible, but you must first meet your country's age requirements, complete the necessary flight hours, and pass the flight test.

Yes, you can apply for a pilot job if your vision can be corrected to 20/20 with glasses or contacts.

As long as you can operate the controls and your hand has normal function, you should be eligible to become a pilot.

You should pursue an aviation-related degree or complete your 11th and 12th grades to qualify for pilot training.

While high school physical sciences are not specifically required, many airlines do require at least two years of college education for someone to become an airline pilot.

Geography is not a requirement, but it can be helpful if you plan to fly internationally.

You can play flight simulator games to expand your understanding of flying.

Yes, you can become a pilot as long as you have good vision with glasses or contact lenses.

Yes, math skills are necessary for becoming a pilot, as they are used in navigation, calculating fuel needs, and understanding aircraft performance.

You can start training at any age, but generally, you can get a pilot's license at 16, so it makes sense to begin around 15 and a half.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is highly regarded for its pilot training and degree programs.

Physics and math are useful subjects to study, although there aren't any specific courses that are mandatory for becoming a pilot.

Becoming a pilot typically takes two to four years, depending on the courses you take and your flight training program.

A flight simulator is a device or software that mimics the experience of flying an aircraft, providing a safe training environment for pilots without the risks of actual flight. Most flight training programs use simulators, and various options are available, including Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, and DCS World.

Ultimately, it's your decision. A good way to see if piloting is right for you is to try an introductory "learn to fly" lesson. These sessions usually last 30 to 45 minutes in a light propeller aircraft and cost around $400, depending on the provider. This experience will give you a sense of being in the sky and help you assess your comfort level.

Yes, you can become a pilot if you meet all the necessary requirements.

To become a fighter pilot while studying for your bachelor's degree, you should maintain a high grade point average (GPA), ideally 3.5 or higher. Develop leadership skills by participating in clubs or organizations and aim for leadership roles. Stay physically fit, and consult a military recruiter about fitness requirements. Consider taking flying classes or earning a private pilot's license. After graduation, apply to Officer Candidate School (OCS) for the Navy or Officer Training School (OTS) for the Air Force.

Focus on courses in science or engineering, such as thermodynamics or mechanics. These subjects provide a good foundation, but keep in mind that flight school courses will differ from college classes.

On average, you can expect to earn around $100,000 per year as a pilot in the United States.

No, you do not need to be ambidextrous to become a pilot. While being ambidextrous might be helpful, it is not a requirement for piloting aircraft.

As long as you are cleared by a medical professional, you can pursue becoming a pilot. If your asthma returns, it's important to carry an inhaler and inform your instructor or employer.

Yes, being a pilot does not require strong geography skills, but you do need to have a good understanding of mathematics and physics.

Yes, you need to be at least 17 years old to obtain a private pilot certificate. For a commercial pilot certificate and an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, the minimum age is 18.

The average annual salary for airline pilots in the United States is typically between $80,000 and $100,000.

Yes, you can become a pilot if you correct your vision to 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses. Regulations require you to have full vision, with or without corrective lenses, to fly.

Take a discovery flight with a flight instructor to experience flying firsthand. You'll have the chance to ask questions, try the controls, and see if you enjoy flying in a small single-engine plane. If you do, you can begin taking lessons and potentially pursue a career in aviation beyond just a hobby.

Airlines typically don't relieve pilots to make room for new hires. However, during financial crises, they may offer voluntary redundancies, often targeting older pilots.

Yes, you can obtain a pilot's license for private flying at age 60, but in the U.S., pilots must stop flying commercial airplanes at age 65.

Yes, math is essential for a pilot, as you will use it for calculating fuel requirements, determining headings, and identifying waypoints.