For my career, I choose to be a commercial airline pilot. I choose this career because of a program I went to called Reach For Tomorrow (RFT). We went to San Diego for free and got to go to Miramar and the other Naval bases. It was also the first time I actually got to handle an aircraft. Being a pilot is also one of the most fun jobs you can get.

Pilots are highly trained professionals. Before every flight, they have to plan their flights carefully to make sure they do not encounter bad weather. One of the most important things is communication. They have to be very good at this. They have to communicate with the air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, and weather forecasters. When they actually fly, the take off and landings are the most difficult because of the strain and alertness that is put on the pilot. The actual flight is easy unless weather is poor, where they will have to rely on instruments. After the flight, they record important notes of the flight.

The working conditions are not as easy and fun as it looks. Pilots often suffer from jet lag, mental stress, and the job gets very tiring. It also gambles with the pilot’s life. So there is a law that says pilots cannot fly more than 100 hours a month or 1,000 hours a year. The airlines also provide the pilot with life and health insurance plans, hotel accommodations, transportation between hotel and airport, allowances for meals and other expenses. The pilot’s immediate family is entitled to free or reduced transportation fare.

Most pilots that have a job in the airlines first flew in the Armed Forces. The airlines know that the Armed Forces have always provided with the best-trained pilots for civilian jobs. The pilot also needs at least a 4-year degree. He has to pass a physical examination. In this examination, he would have to be in good health, have 20/20 vision with or without correction, good hearing, and no physical handicaps. The pilot has to also pass a written examination. To be a commercial airline pilot, they have to at least a minimum of 1,500 hours of experience including night and instrument flying. Then they can go get a commercial pilot’s license and an airline transport pilot’s license.

The earnings are one of the things that attract future pilots. Pilot’s earnings are among the highest in the nation. The earnings start from $23,000 to $140,000. This depends on the size, type, max speed of the aircraft, and experience of the pilot. Pilot’s that fly international routes and night flights may get extra pay.

This report helped me learn more about what a pilot has to go through. I also learned about the downsides and I’m aware of that. I like all the things the airlines provide especially the free or reduced transportation fare so I can take my family to different places around the world. The salary is another thing I like. I plan to go to a college like the Air Force Academy or Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and I hope I can pursue my goal of being a commercial airline pilot.

Source: "Aircraft Pilots" from The Occupational Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor.