Each day, professional pilots fly heavy equipment, turbo props and piston aircraft around the world, moving cargo and passengers safely. Flight schools, air charter operators, commuter airlines and corporate flight departments depend on well-trained and professional pilots for their business success. Learn how you can become a professional pilot! Some folks know from a young age what they want to be when they grow up. Others have a revelation a bit later in their lives. Choosing to become a Professional Pilot is an option available to anyone with time, dedication and discipline. First, though, I think it is important to understand what a Professional Pilot is. A professional pilot is a pilot, with appropriate certificates and ratings, who earns money flying. A private pilot is not a Professional Pilot for several reasons.

Private Pilot versus Professional Pilot

A private pilot holds a private pilot certificate. The requirements to obtain this certificate are not as stringent as those required to obtain a Commercial Certificate or an ATP, an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. A professional pilot must, at a minimum, hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate. With this type of certificate, a pilot can earn money flying. Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations outline the requirements to hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate. A combination of general eligibility requirements, aeronautical knowledge and aeronautical experience above the knowledge and experience required for the private pilot certificate are mandatory. Passing a written exam and a flight exam are also required.

 

The Commercial Pilot

With a Commercial Pilot Certificate in hand, a person can now legally accept compensation for flying. At a minimum, you can conduct sightseeing flights in your own aircraft, as long as you remain within 25 nautical miles of the airport from which you departed. Earning money while showing others the beauty of their surroundings from the air is a dream job. Adding a Ground Instructor or Certified Flight Instructor certificate to your wallet means you can now teach people how to fly and get paid to do that too!

To be hired as a Line Pilot for a charter company, though, a professional pilot needs more than just a Commercial certificate. Minimum flight time requirements along with experience in company aircraft are just the beginning. You will need another flight check with the FAA and you'll need to become familiar with the company's General Operating Manual and Operations Specifications. Once obtained, though, you are on your way to the level - the ATP or, Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.

The Airline Transport Pilot

The requirements of the Airline Transport Pilot certificate are the most stringent. Before a person can even be considered for an "ATP" they must have a minimum of 1,500 hours in an aircraft. They must also hold a Commercial Pilot certificate and an Instrument Rating. Some aircraft cannot be flown commercially - for hire - unless the pilot or pilots hold an ATP. Having this certificate is the mark of a truly professional pilot.

Across the USA, independent Certified Flight Instructors and Flight Schools teach people how to fly. Once you've obtained your private pilot certificate, you'll most likely move on to your Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine Rating. Your next step is your Commercial Pilot Certificate. After this, some folks obtain the Certified Flight Instructor certificate. Finally, after many hours and much more experience, you'll begin your training for the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.

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