College and Career Wednesday: Every Wednesday KM staff members would like to spotlight a college, university, career, or apprenticeship. College and Career exploration is essential for students to create and cultivate a plan for their future. This week's College and Career Wednesday focuses on Pilots.
Imagine a workday spent soaring above the clouds, traveling to new places. Every year, millions of people and tons of cargo travel have to travel all over the world. Many people work hard to make sure planes and other aircraft provide dependable service. Foremost among them are pilots. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of planes and helicopters.
The type of aircraft pilots fly depends on the work they do. Pilots for major airlines fly large passenger jets. They carry people and cargo to cities all over the world. Other pilots fly smaller planes used for corporate travel. Military pilots fly planes that are suited to combat and support purposes. They may fly huge transport craft that move troops, gear, and cargo. Other military pilots fly high-tech jets. They might be equipped with radar-jamming devices or smart bombs. Some pilots fly the aircraft used for search and rescue missions.
In general, you need at least a high school diploma to become a pilot. You will need to graduate from a certified pilot training school. The first step is to learn how to fly an airplane. As an aspiring pilot, you must complete ground school and flight training. Ground school usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks. This is how you earn a private pilot's license. Next, you acquire enough flight hours to get a commercial pilot's license.
All pilots who get paid to fly must have a commercial pilot's license. They also must have an instrument rating. These are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old. You must also have a set number of flying hours.
Classes at KM that will help you prepare for a career as a Pilot include Physics, AP Calculus, and English 101.
|