The flight hours required to work as a pilot in an airline vary depending on several factors among which we can find: the pilot market itself that will depend on the socio-economic context of the moment, the airline’s country of origin, the internal policies of each company or the post they need to cover as it won’t be the same for inexperienced pilots, experienced copilots or commanders.
To start training as a commercial pilot you must be overage at the time of taking exams, that is, you can start training with 17. Also, you will need to have a good English level and pass a medical exam to get the class 1 medical certificate that excludes any physical disability to become a pilot. In addition, a number of psychological and aptitude tests are also required to certify that the job can indeed be safely performed.
The requirements for taking the PPL license are to be over 16 years old and to be in possession of the class 2 medical certificate. The course ends after passing 9 theoretical examinations and a minimum of 45 flight hours performance, 35 in double control and 10 in flight only, including a triangular trip with landing at two airports different from the departure. Finally, it will be necessary to pass a skill test to demonstrate the required skills.
In addition to the ATPL licence, it is common for companies to require the type rating of the aircraft with which the airline operates. The rating course lasts about a month, and combines theoretical sessions with flight simulator.
Also, once selected, each airline gives additional training to its new pilots such as: operator conversion courses, dangerous goods, CRM, communications, safety, etc.
To apply for an unskilled pilot post you will need the ATPL license. This licence provides 1500 flight hours including, at least:
The flight hours for an inexperienced co-pilot are not so important as the companies themselves usually run a course to cover the minimum flight hours required for the post.
If you already have some experience as a co-pilot on multi-crew aircraft, the required flight hours will be around 1200-1500h on the aircraft type, although this number may vary depending on the market, country or company.
Access to the command post on multi-pilot aircraft will require between 3000 and 4000 flying hours in addition to passing the corresponding course in the company itself.
However, always complying with the legal minimum established, each company will adapt the margins to their needs. Therefore, to become a commander in a newly established company will require fewer hours than those required in one of the large consolidated companies.
It is relatively easy to accumulate flight hours to achieve the necessary experience that enable us to apply for a job in an airline.
Most training centers offer accumulation of hours courses that provide the expertise needed to apply to any airline.
In World Aviation Flight Academy you will find the perfect environment with the best facilities on the market to get the flight experience you need.
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