Becoming a Certified FAA Pilot

Inspection, flight testing, and evaluations of flight performance, engine operation, and flight characteristics of prototype aircraft or modifications of production aircraft and aircraft components presented for FAA type certification are performed by FAA test pilots.

Pilots are in charge of planes and helicopters. Commercial pilots or airline pilots are those who fly for a living. Airline pilots deliver passengers and freight on a set schedule. Commercial pilots operate for firms that provide charter flights, rescue operations, aerial photography, and other types of flights. If you want to be a pilot, then determine if you have the necessary personality traits, and then research the educational, training, and certification requirements.

Becoming a pilot is not the only way to get involved in the industry. There are many jobs, roles, and tasks that pilots perform on a daily basis. For example, captains act as team leaders who direct an aircraft from the cockpit. First officers are responsible for performing all of the crew members’ tasks as assigned by the captain during flight time. These roles can also lead to responsibilities for different levels of maintenance and inspection workloads. Also, aircraft mechanics maintain and repair aircraft systems and components. And air traffic controllers direct air traffic in international airspace.

You must first earn your FAA medical certificate and your student pilot certificate. To apply for it, go to the FAA MedXPress system and fill out an electronic application. After that, you can make an appointment with an FAA-approved medical examiner. To proceed to the next steps in acquiring your pilot’s license, you must pass the FAA medical test.

Next, you need to obtain a commercial pilot’s certificate. To do so, first get your private pilot’s certificate. Then take the DC-3 written test to receive your commercial pilot certificate. Due to the crash of a cargo plane in recent years, DC-3 pilots have been required to hold an instrument rating (IR). If you have IR, then study for this exam on your own or with someone who is an IR holder. You can also sit for it at an FAA-approved testing center and pay additional fees. Make note that these fees can add up quickly, so make sure you are prepared to pay them all. If you do not pass, you can do so at a later date. To obtain your IR, get your private pilot’s certificate and take the instrument rating knowledge test.

Before taking the FAA-approved tests, you must prepare yourself with a study guide that includes the subjects covered on there. The best way to prepare for it is to let someone else test your knowledge first. Supply your chosen instructor or examiner with a copy of the test and study for him or her in advance. The more time spent studying and practicing before the actual exam, the more likely you are to pass it on the first try.

Obtain at least 1,500 hours of cumulative flight time through gaining flight experience. Try to fly as many different types of planes as possible. Some are easier to fly than others.

Besides flight time, you must have 100 hours of night flight time that has been obtained in the last 24 months. You will also need to have a commercial rating and have 50 hours of instrument experience from within the last six months before taking your written test.

The FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test is for private pilots and is administered by the FAA or an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI). You must be at least 18 years old and hold a current certificate with an IR holder endorsement if you are looking to apply to become a certified pilot in the U.S.