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College Requirements for Commercial Airline Pilots Do you Need a College Degree to be a Pilot?

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When looking at being an airline pilot as a career choice, the question of “Do I need a college degree to be an airline pilot?” often comes up. The answer to this question is no…

Regional Airlines

Currently, regional airlines are suffering from a considerable shortfall of qualified pilots. Regional recruiters are mostly concerned with a pilot having their 1,500 hours, having a good track record with the FAA, a good driving record, no criminal history and the pilot being a cultural fit. Pilots must qualify by meeting these criteria before being considered for employment at regional airlines. With that in mind, to be hired as a regional airline pilot in today’s market, there is no requirement for a college degree.

Learn more about the global pilot shortage and the current airline pilot hiring outlook »

Major Airlines

Major airlines also, don't currently require a bachelor’s degree from a reputable college or university. However, this fact leads us to another common question, should you get an aviation degree to become a pilot? The answer is no. Getting an aviation degree or going to an aviation college is not a requirement to become an airline pilot. In fact, major airlines accept any and all bachelor fields and aren't the least bit concerned with what you studied in college. The degree is more of a tool to demonstrate an applicant’s ability, discipline, and commitment. So, when choosing a degree major, choose something that you not only enjoy, but also think you could fall back on if necessary.

How do I become a pilot for American Airlines? »

Do you Need a Degree for Flight Training?

No. While ATP has found that students with some college experience are very successful in the program, they are not the only ones. ATP has successfully graduated students from all walks of life and as such, offers opportunities for those that show a solid work, personal, and/or military history.

For those looking to earn their undergraduate degree, it is possible to be awarded credit for flight certificates earned at ATP.

What are the admission requirements for ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program? »

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Airline Pilot Requirements

To become a professional pilot, you must meet comprehensive flight hour requirements set by the FAA for commercial pilot certification. These requirements include both ground training and flight training, which must be received from authorized flight instructors and can be completed at an FAA-approved training center. Ground training is a prerequisite for flight training and covers essential aeronautical knowledge areas; students must log ground training with an authorized instructor. After completing ground and flight training, applicants must pass the required knowledge test and the required practical test as mandatory steps in the certification process.

A key part of your training is logging solo cross-country flight and solo flight time, including pilot in command time, to meet the aeronautical experience requirements. You must obtain the appropriate aircraft rating and aircraft category for the type of aircraft flown, such as airplane category, airplane single-engine rating, and single-engine class rating. Instrument flight training, including training conducted in an airplane solely by reference to instruments, is also required. Training often utilizes flight training devices and simulators to fulfill part of the flight hour requirements.

Flight instructors play a crucial role in your training, and obtaining a flight instructor certificate is a common way to build experience and flight hours. Applicants must hold an student pilot certificate before pursuing a private pilot certificate. The private pilot certificate grants private pilot privileges, including the ability to carry passengers under certain conditions, but also comes with specific limitations.

Throughout your training, you will log specific maneuvers and procedures, such as basic instrument maneuvers, slow flight, emergency operations, unusual flight attitudes, recovery techniques, and ground reference maneuvers. Training must include operations at various takeoff and landing locations, including airports with an operating control tower.

Cross-country flights must meet specific requirements, such as a minimum straight line distance between takeoff and landing points, and your flight experience should consist of various phases, including takeoffs, landings, and navigation exercises.

Successful completion of all training and testing requirements is necessary to qualify for air carrier operations and employment as a professional pilot.

The steps required to become a commercial pilot »

Background and Medical Requirements

Becoming an airline pilot involves more than just completing flight training and earning a pilot certificate. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets strict background and medical requirements to ensure that every commercial pilot is fit to safely operate an aircraft. Before you can take to the skies as an airline pilot, you’ll need to pass a comprehensive background check. This process reviews your driving record, checks for any criminal history, and looks into any past substance abuse issues. A clean record is essential, as airlines and the FAA prioritize safety and responsibility in all flight operations.

In addition to background checks, all aspiring commercial pilots must obtain a valid medical certificate. This requires a thorough physical examination by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The exam ensures you meet the medical standards necessary for safe flight, including correctable 20/20 vision and the absence of any physical or mental conditions that could interfere with your ability to fly. Some conditions, such as certain types of color vision deficiency, may not automatically disqualify you, but could result in specific limitations on your pilot certificate. If you have questions about your eligibility, it’s best to consult directly with an AME.

Flight experience is another critical component. To qualify for a commercial pilot certificate, you must complete a set number of hours of flight training, which includes cross-country flight training, night flight training, and solo flight training. You’ll also need to demonstrate proficiency in operating aircraft systems, handling emergency procedures, and applying crew resource management skills. The FAA requires that you have a solid understanding of aeronautical knowledge areas, such as applicable federal aviation regulations, weather interpretation, navigation, and aircraft performance. These requirements ensure that every airline pilot is well-prepared for the demands of professional flight operations, from straight and level flight to complex cross-country flights.

By meeting these background, medical, and flight training requirements, you’ll be on the right path to earning your commercial pilot certificate and pursuing a rewarding career as an airline pilot.

FAA medical certificate requirements »

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