FAQ
- What is the hiring outlook for the airlines?
- What other positions are available to commercial pilots outside of the airlines?
- What amount of flight experience do I need to be employed by an airline?
- Do you have any interview or employment agreements with the airlines?
- Do I need an Associates or Bachelor degree?
- Is financing available?
- Do I need experience in any specific type of aircraft or a technically advanced aircraft to gain employment in the aviation industry?
- Will the completion of a jet transition course give me an advantage during the hiring process?
- How experienced are the instructors at Career Pilot School?
- What is the first-time pass rate for all programs at Career Pilot School?
- Does Career Pilot School teach instrument students in actual instrument conditions?
- How much simulator time is included in each program?
- Will I have a roommate if I am enrolled in one of the 4-6 month accelerated programs?
- Do I need aircraft rental insurance?
- Does Career Pilot School utilize syllabi for its courses?
- Is Career Pilot School a Part 61 or Part 141 certified flight school?
- Do I need time in a jet aircraft to gain employment in aviation?
- How much ground instruction is included in each program?
What is the hiring outlook for the airlines?
The outlook for airline hiring is expected to be excellent for the next 5 to 8 years, as there are an estimated 90,000 to 120,000 pilots needed. Most of this growth is attributed to the continued expansion within the regionals, though there are obviously new pilots needed in corporate aviation as well as freight/cargo, while many experienced regional pilots advance to the major carriers.
What other positions are available to commercial pilots outside of the airlines?
The possibilities are endless! Pilots are always needed in various areas of aviation, including, but not limited to: freight/cargo, corporate aviation, air charter/taxi, medical, aerial photography, surveying, aerial surveillance by police, FBI, and other government agencies, banner towing, skydiving, glider towing and research and development. There is an endless list of opportunities for employment outside of the airlines.
What amount of flight experience do I need to be employed by an airline?
The short answer is that it all depends. Some airlines will hire pilots with as low as 250 hours, but, more often than not, employers want to see closer to 700 hours, and at least 100 hours of multi-engine time. Some carriers will consider applicants with as low as 25 hours of multi-engine time. Contrary to what some may tell you, any more than 150 hours of multi-engine time is generally treated the same, and as such has no real impact on qualification over another applicant with similar total time but less multi time. An instrument rating and commercial certificates are a given.
Do you have any interview or employment agreements with the airlines?
No, nor do we plan to have any in the future. We are in the business of training pilots. Our graduates leave our programs as highly qualified pilots, and we feel very satisfied that our graduates get their first jobs based on merit, not on our ability to network within the aviation community.
Do I need an Associates or Bachelor degree?
While a college degree is not a requirement for most pilot jobs, it is preferred. Regionals do not require any formal education, though some do give preference to those with higher education. All major carriers do require a 4-year degree, and many corporate flight departments prefer their pilots to be college educated as well.
Is financing available?
Yes. We offer financing through MyRichUncle, NextStudent, and Sallie Mae. We prefer these programs for our students as they generally provide better interest rates than other programs offered by other flight schools. Contact us for more information.
Do I need experience in any specific type of aircraft or a technically advanced aircraft to gain employment in the aviation industry?
Absolutely not. You do not need experience “flying glass” or any of the more exotic general aviation aircraft in order to become a professional pilot, nor do employers expect you to arrive for an entry-level first officer job already type rated. Flight departments want to hire qualified pilots that are still trainable, and they will teach you how to fly their equipment, within their standards and policies. This is mandated by the FAA, and is known as indoctrination training.
Will the completion of a jet transition course give me an advantage during the hiring process?
No. Employers do not expect you to arrive for an interview type rated in their aircraft or having spent time in a jet simulator. Similarly, the 5 hours of “jet time” you may have gotten somewhere as Second in Command in a single-pilot aircraft prove nothing as to your ability to learn to fly a turbine powered aircraft. Flight departments want to hire pilots they believe they can train to fly their equipment the way they want you to fly it.
How experienced are the instructors at Career Pilot School?
In one word: Very. The instructors at Career Pilot School are career instructors. You will be learning from people who are not only highly qualified pilots, but people who love to teach. Our CFIs are not low hour pilots looking to build their own hours to get to the airlines, rather, they are here because they truly enjoy watching their students progress and succeed.
What is the first-time pass rate for all programs at Career Pilot School?
The first-time pass rate for all programs at Career Pilot School is better than 95%.
Does Career Pilot School teach instrument students in actual instrument conditions?
Absolutely! While students will certainly spend time in perfect weather with blinders on whenever there is a lack of instrument flight conditions, we certainly try to teach under actual IFR conditions whenever possible. If it is safe to fly, you can expect flying.
How much simulator time is included in each program?
All of the Career Pilot Programs include 50 hours of Multi Engine AATD time. While we feel it is more important to gain experience in a real aircraft, the AATD is a critical teaching tool with its ability to freeze time, especially for instrument training. Our simulator is also available for unlimited use, free of charge, to help students tackle hard to grasp concepts or simply get more practice on a tough lesson.
Will I have a roommate if I am enrolled in one of the 4-6 month accelerated programs?
More than likely, yes. The majority of our student housing units are two and three bedroom, so unless there are extenuating circumstances, you will likely have a roommate.
Do I need aircraft rental insurance?
We highly recommend obtaining rental insurance for your protection. We include rental insurance in the price of our Career Pilot Programs. Contact us for more information regarding insurance.
Does Career Pilot School utilize syllabi for its courses?
Yes. All of the programs at Career Pilot School are based around a proven syllabus that ensures you will learn the material needed for a particular rating, in the most logical sequence. However, it is worth noting that we are also extremely flexible when it comes to tailoring a program to suit a student’s individual learning needs.
Is Career Pilot School a Part 61 or Part 141 certified flight school?
Career Pilot School is a Part 141 certified school. We operate under both Part 61 and Part 141, depending upon the program. Our Career Pilot Program is focused around part 61 of the FAA regulations as it allows us more flexibility to work with a student’s individual learning style. 141 does have a distinct advantage for those looking to utilize Veteran’s benefits, or for those looking for a highly structured program. Part 141 also allows a student to begin their instrument training without the 50 hours of required cross country flight experience that Part 61 requires, in addition, allowing a student to obtain their Commercial Single at a minimum of 190 hours.
Do I need time in a jet aircraft to gain employment in aviation?
No. The minimums necessary to apply at the regionals vary company to company, and range from 250 hours total time up to about 1000 hours total time, generally assuming 100 hours of multi-engine experience, though 25 hours may suffice in some cases. Obviously, if you are applying to a major carrier to fly a 757 they will expect several thousand hours of turbine time, but for an entry level pilot slot at a regional or freight carrier you do not need any jet aircraft experience.
How much ground instruction is included in each program?
For any given program you are enrolled in at Career Pilot School you can expect to spend a considerable amount of time in ground school. We do not give you a book to read for the night and expect you to absorb everything by yourself. Instead, we teach with a very hands-on approach , and you will be fully immersed in aviation during you stay at Career Pilot School.
