If you’re searching for an exciting and rewarding career path, one that doesn’t involve sitting behind a desk or punching a clock, then becoming a pilot may be the perfect job for you. Gain the freedom to travel the world in a high-paying profession, while taking on a refreshing sense of prestige. From transporting passengers for major airlines to operating charter planes to flying for wealthy corporations, there are a ton of job opportunities within the aviation industry. You just need to find the right training program to help you become qualified.
If you’re ready to enter a high-flying and fast-paced job market, you need the right education first. That’s where professional pilot programs come into play. These are normally completed through a university, vocational or specialty program that provides the graduate with an associate’s or bachelors degree in an aviation-based major.
But, before you can think about working in the sky, you first need to be accepted to a school so you can undergo the proper training. With that said, here are some things that will look good on a professional pilot program application. Let’s get ready for a new adventure!
Applying To A Professional Pilot Program
The process of applying to a professional pilot program isn’t much different than applying to a more traditional college – many such programs are offered at traditional colleges throughout the world. You’ll need to show how you excel as a student and that you have the drive to make it through a two- or four-year aviation-based curriculum. Most importantly, before applying to a pilot program, you should visit the school, talk to professors and meet like-minded students to see if it’s a good fit for you. Also, consider the cost of a pilot program. In the U.S., you can expect to pay a larger sum on a professional pilot program for every type of certificate. That includes a commercial pilot license, or the certification required to become a paid pilot, which averages $30,000 . One way students bring costs down is to work with a flight training center that has partnered with a higher education institution. For example, Inflight Pilot Training partnered with Purdue Global University to provide a Pro Pilot Program that allows the student to save money by training at a local airport, applying for school-based financial aid, transferring credits, and taking online courses – all while supplying the same high-quality education you’d get by being on campus.
What To Put On A Professional Pilot Program Application
When preparing your application for a professional pilot program, there are a few key things that will make you stand out among an admission committee. Let’s take a look at four key items you should include on your professional pilot program application.
1) Flying Experience
To become a professional pilot, you’ll need to acquire a series of certifications to move up the ladder. Once you achieve a commercial pilot license (CPL), you’re legally eligible to make money in certain aviation professions, including as a corporate, agricultural or charter pilot, for example. Many aspire to be airline pilots, often considered the pinnacle of a pilot’s career path. But with the added training and intensity of the position, it’s certainly not for everyone. Regardless, on your application, list your flying experience starting with your current certifications and ratings. Even a basic private pilot license (PPL), a few hours of ground school or some experience behind a flight simulator will set you apart from those applicants with no experience.
2) Flying Hours
Another important aspect of becoming a professional pilot is the number of flying hours you’re required to log before you can become officially certified. To achieve a commercial pilot, you’ll need to acquire anywhere from 190 to 250 hours or more under a professional pilot program. Between your instrument rating (the step after a private pilot license) and a CPL, you’ll fly over 100 hours. The rest are completed under a commercial training curriculum. With more hours flown, it shows to admissions that you’ve already got some experience behind the yoke.
3) Professional Experience
A professional pilot program can be expensive, so it helps if you have some form of side income that can help pay your way. Make sure to list your job experience on your application, even if it doesn’t necessarily relate to aviation. If you’ve waited tables, you have experience dealing with customers. Those who’ve started a small business or a successful side hustle show obvious signs of ambition. It doesn’t matter what the job is, just remember to communicate your qualifications in a way that paints your job skills in a valuable light.
4) Why Do You Love To Fly?
Application administrators love to see driven, passionate individuals. Play up this angle by presenting a small summary about why you love to fly. In a U.S. News interview, Air Force Pilot Parker Northrup shared his thoughts about what makes a professional pilot successful: “The primary quality necessary to be a great pilot is to be determined to excel within the field because it is a challenging career field.” Whether it’s the freedom to travel, the fun community, the challenge or something else, find what makes you passionate about taking off on a new educational journey – and share it with the world!
Sign up for a professional pilot program today!
Are you searching for a professional pilot program that can put you on the right track toward a new, exciting career path? Then get in touch with the team at Inflight Pilot Training today. We offer all levels of certifications and ratings, and will help you obtain a commercial license, become a certified flight instructor or take-on more advanced challenges with an airline transport certification. Get paid to fly – sign up for our professional pilot program today!
Let our skilled instructors elevate your learning experience as you take to the skies. If you’re interested in learning more about Inflight programs, contact us now or call (952) 698-3000.