I want a Professional Pilot Career. What do I have to do?

The most important thing to note is that one does not need an aviation degree to fly professionally. Many airline and corporate pilots hold business, finance, public relations degrees, etc. from two- or four-year schools. Many of our students are currently enrolled in college while working on their pilot certificates and ratings.

To qualify for any number of professional pilot jobs, you will generally need at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-engine ratings. Generally, after completing the Private Pilot Course, students will move on to instrument training, learning to fly and navigate solely by reference to flight instruments (for flying in clouds and during low visibility under Instrument Flight Rules).

Next, students will trade their Private Certificate for a Commercial Pilot Certificate after completing detailed training in maneuvering, cross country flights, emergency situations, and more. Multi-engine training comes next, and students will train in a light twin-engine piston aircraft—like our A-55 Beech Baron—where they will study multi-engine aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and operations.

Aviation employers of all types are mainly concerned with experience, knowledge, and hours of flight time. In order to build flight time, most pilots choose to obtain their Certified Flight Instructor Certificate and teach new aspiring pilots. This allows them to build flight time and gain  experience while being paid for their services.

AirOne can provide all of this training, from Private to CFI. Even if your career choice involves higher certificates, such as Airline Transport Pilot, CFII or MEI, your career needs can be met here.