Congratulations on deciding to take the exciting leap into the world of flying! It’s time to start exploring your options for flight schools. Whether you’re pursuing piloting for leisure, business, or as a career, becoming a pilot is an incredible achievement. You’re embarking on a remarkable journey that will open up a world of opportunities. There are multiple reasons why people choose to become pilots. Some do it for the added freedom to travel for business or pleasure, while many others do it because of a dream to become an airline, cargo, or corporate pilot. One thing is certain: you must love airplanes if you want to be a pilot. Whatever your reason, it’s important to conduct thorough research before pursuing your flight training. With proper research, you could save yourself time, money and a lot of stress.
Choose your ultimate goal: Airline, Cargo, Corporate, or General Aviation Pilot.
Before jumping into flight training, think about what type of pilot you want to be. Are you wanting to be an airline pilot, a corporate pilot, or own or rent an airplane as a general aviation pilot. Airline pilots are regulated under 14 CFR Part 121 and operate flights that primarily carry passengers, such as those on Delta, United, or American Airlines, just to name a few. In order to become an airline pilot, you must obtain an Airline Transport Pilot License. For this you need to accumulate a total of 1500 hours of total flight, with a few specifics within those hours.
Most cargo and corporate pilots operate under Part 135 and Part 91, regulations that require a Commercial License. However, it is becoming increasingly common for employers to prefer candidates with an ATP license.
General aviation pilots, such as flight instructors, private pilots, recreational and sport pilots mainly fall under 14 CFR Part 91 and fall under the general aviation umbrella.
Whether your choice is airline, corporate, cargo or private you must be aware of the barriers that can prevent you from becoming a pilot or maintaining your pilot’s license.
1. Medical Conditions: Know Before You Spend Thousands of Dollars on Flight School
Pilots must be in good health in order to safely operate and airplane. For this reason, pilots are required to hold a medical certificate in addition to their pilot licenses. Whether or not you are aware of any medical conditions you may have, you must consult with an FAA AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) before starting this process. For most individuals, an appointment for your medical is completed in under a day, and you will receive your medical certificate the same day.
Others may have their medical applications deferred to the FAA for further review, depending on the specific medical issue.
Although you may have your medical certificate in hand, it is important to understand that your FAA medical is still under review for at least 60 days after your initial visit. If any issues are found during the review, you may need to send in additional paperwork and you may not be able to exercise your pilot privileges just yet.
You are also required to disclose any issues that could affect your flying skills if they are discovered after your medical examination.
Even if you have a medical condition, you may still have the opportunity to receive a special issuance medical certificate under certain circumstances, depending on your specific condition. While some medical issues might affect your ability to become a pilot, it’s important to remember that every situation is unique. Discussing your medical concerns with your FAA AME is a great step toward understanding your options.
There are three main classes of medical certificates: First Class, Second Class, and Third Class. Major and regional airlines, as well as most large cargo airlines, require a First Class medical certificate. Corporate and smaller cargo operations typically require at least a Second Class medical, while private pilots, recreational pilots, and flight instructors are required to hold at least a Third Class medical. Sport pilots can fly with a valid government-issued driver’s license, and while there is no requirement for a medical certificate, there are some limitations. For example, sport pilots are restricted to specific speeds and are typically allowed to carry only one passenger, among other constraints. It’s important to note that more corporate and cargo employers are increasingly requiring first class medicals, even though a second class is the minimum legal requirement.
For more information about medical certificates, be sure to check out our guide on everything you need to know about medical certificates.
You may be wondering; how do I find a FAA AME? Well, a quick google search for nearby FAA AME’s will show you the nearest examiner.
2. Criminal convictions and becoming a pilot: DUI’s, Drug Convictions, Felonies.
It’s unfortunate, but as humans, we can make mistakes and errors at various points in our lives. Some people even do things in their younger years without considering their future. Any offense involving alcohol or drugs will lead to a disqualification of your medical certificate. Even if you have a past arrest or conviction, it must be disclosed on your medical application, or your application for a pilot’s license.
In the aviation industry, there is a strong emphasis on the impact of criminal convictions, whether they are felonies, misdemeanors, DUIs, or drug-related offenses, which can make pursuing a career as a pilot more challenging. However, it is still possible to have a career in aviation with a criminal conviction, depending on the nature of the offense. For example, there are pilots who have successfully navigated strict and highly monitored programs after past DUIs, allowing them to return to flying.
While the process may be difficult and can take years, it’s important to remember that it’s not impossible. What’s more important is if it happens one time, you may get your medical back. If it happens repeatedly then you will more than likely have an extremely difficult time trying to get your medical back.
If you are concerned about past issues, and for more information, it is recommended that you contact a FAA HIMS AME, who can guide you through the process before you start your flight training.
Criminal Convictions and Canada CANPASS
Although a pilot with a criminal conviction may get his medical back in the USA, that is not the end of the road. The harsh reality is that even though the time has been served and the FAA gives you another chance, Candian laws are very strict when it comes to criminal offenses that occur outside of Canada. Many American companies require pilots to be able to get CANPASS. This is mainly to allow pilots to enter into uncontrolled airports within Canada, something that is highly common in the 135 and part 91 community. Because of your past offenses, you may have trouble even entering Canada upon arrival at the border. You will have an even harder time trying to get approved for CANPASS. This can lead to many employers rejecting your job application.
Stay out of trouble.
3. Too Many Failed Pilot Check rides
You must pass your pilot exams to obtain your license. While it’s common to experience failures, too many can often lead to rejection during job applications. Airlines, or any company for that matter, may be hesitant to accept applicants with numerous failed check rides. However, it’s important to remember that it is not impossible to pursue a career as a pilot despite failures; it will be challenging, and you’ll need to give a good explanation and demonstrate why a company should hire you and what you have learned from your mistakes.
You want to approach your job interview with confidence, and not having to explain a failed check ride will make your dream of becoming an airline pilot much more achievable than for someone with setbacks. Take your time while studying and ensure you are fully prepared for your exams. It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to rush through the process, but hurrying to obtain your license can lead to failures and make it harder to find a company that will hire you.
Seek out an experienced and supportive Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) who prioritizes your success over their flight hours. Don’t rush into check rides; take the time you need to feel truly ready.
Want to learn how to minimize your chances of failing a check ride? Consult with a polishedpilot.com CFI to discover strategies that can help you succeed.
4. Discrepancies in your pilot logbook
If discrepancies are found in your logbook during your interview, your job application could be denied. It’s essential to carefully log your flight time throughout your training, and you should ensure that you and your CFI review your logbook prior to any check ride. For the most part, CFI’s do their job well when it comes to logging your required hours, and most mistakes will be caught by the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) during your logbook audit on the day of your check ride. Unfortunately, sometimes, some mistake seep through the cracks and are discovered during your big day at the job interview.
Also, make sure that you have all of your endorsements from past check rides as this can be a potential problem during the logbook review portion of your interview. Although your CFI should be giving you the correct endorsements you should Make sure to find the regulation that applies to your training and confirm that your logbook calculations align with what is required by those regulations.
5. Your past work history and gaps in your resume.
When applying for pilot positions, you’ll often be asked for your employment history from the last 5 to 10 years. Employers typically view gaps in work history with concern, as they can raise questions about a candidate’s stability, dedication, and reliability. A consistent work history is seen as an indicator of commitment, while gaps may lead hiring managers to speculate about potential issues, such as poor performance, difficulty maintaining employment, or personal challenges that could impact job performance.
In today’s competitive job market, continuous employment is often perceived as a sign of an active and engaged candidate, while gaps can suggest a less proactive approach to career development. This can result in biases during the hiring process, making it essential for candidates to address any employment gaps confidently and clearly. Therefore, it’s crucial to be prepared and have valid reasons for any gaps when applying for a pilot job. Start tracking your work history and gathering relevant information now, so you’re ready when it’s time to submit your applications.
6. Networking and building strong connections
It can’t be emphasized enough how important networking is in the aviation industry. Regardless of whether you are pursuing a corporate or airline career, the days of simply applying online and receiving a callback are gone. There are tens of thousands of qualified pilots applying for jobs, so what makes you stand out is going the extra mile through networking.
There are various networking opportunities for aspiring airline pilots. Examples include pilot career fairs such as the PAPA Expo and the Women in Aviation Conference. Many airlines set up booths and host meet-and-greets at these events. This gives aspiring airline pilots a great opportunity to get their face seen and shake hands with recruiters. By submitting a résumé online and delivering one in person, you improve your chances of receiving a conditional job offer. For a list of pilot hiring events and tips on how to prepare, read our post, Pilot Hiring Events: How You Can Prepare.
If your goal is to get into a Part 91 position, then networking at local FBOs is essential. Spend time at your local FBO and start conversations over a cup of coffee—you never know who you might meet.
In conclusion, the aviation industry has changed tremendously. With thousands of newly qualified pilots entering the market, securing a job offer has become increasingly competitive. To stand out, you need to build strong connections, maintain a clean record, avoid failing multiple checkrides, and, most importantly, take care of your health. Regardless of the path you choose, one thing is certain: to succeed in this industry, you must truly love airplanes and aviation.
If you would like to contribute to this website or this post, please send an email to polishedpilot.media@gmail.com.
Fly safe!
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