Becoming an aerobatic or airshow pilot is a dream for many, but there are many steps to go through to achieve that goal.

Start With Primary Pilot Training

As with becoming any type of specialized pilot, the first step to becoming an airshow pilot is to become a private pilot. Such training teaches the basics of aircraft control, energy management, and aeronautical decision making.

Many airshow pilots also consider getting a commercial pilot certificate, regardless of whether they plan to fly in the events for a living. The additional training provides more expertise and aircraft control, and it builds upon the concepts learned during private pilot training to make an aviator more complete and well-rounded.

Specialized Aerobatic Training

After primary training, aerobatic pilots then need to go through aerobatic pilot training to hone their stunt skills.

A number of flight schools around the country provide acrobatic training in aircraft such as the Cessna Aerobat, Pitts Special, or American Champion Decathlon.

In addition to special training, aerobatic flight schools employ instructors with significant experience flying acrobatics. Real-world experience is a great benefit to help newer pilots learn the trade of aerobatic aviation.

To become a stunt pilot, one must complete at least 10 hours with an aerobatic instructor on top of the requirements to achieve an FAA pilot certificate. It is recommended that aerobatic training not be completed until a pilot receives their primary training and certification to make the process of becoming a stunt pilot easier.

It is important to note that one can become a stunt pilot with only an endorsement. This means that they fly with an instructor until it’s determined they are proficient to act as an aerobatic pilot by themselves. No additional FAA exam is required.

Maintaining proficiency as a stunt pilot is no easy feat.

After receiving their endorsement, a pilot should practice regularly to make sure their skills, decision making, and reaction times stay sharp. This is especially important for pilots performing at airshows or flying in formation with other aerobatic aircraft.

Career Opportunities for Aerobatic Pilots

Some stunt pilots are happy to fly only for themselves. They may enjoy the adrenaline of flying aerobatics or want access to a unique sector of aviation not available to all.

However, some decide to continue into a career as an aerobatic pilot. Many go on to fly as instructors or in fields such as aerial photography or film. Still others become test pilots, flying new or modified aircraft to ensure their performance and safety.

Again, flying in airshows is a top attraction for many stunt pilots. Some airshows are operated by volunteers flying antique or unique aircraft, while others are professional pilots who tour the country—or world—as part of an act. Major airshows across the country attract hundreds or thousands of paying viewers excited to witness a special facet of aviation.

Some stunt pilots are even sponsored by companies or branches of the military. Acrobatic flying can be such a spectacle that planes painted in certain colors can bring significant visibility in key demographics.

In addition, large companies and the military are among the few who have the resources to fund and maintain fleets of aerobatic aircraft, often jets, as they tour.

Resources to Start Training

There are a number of organizations that help pilots work toward acrobatic training and maintain proficiency as stunt pilots.

The International Aerobatic Club (IAC), for example, sponsors events and educational programs to help pilots attain and maintain their aerobatic proficiency. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is also a great place to make connections with pilots who have the knowledge and skills to help with aerobatic training.

Local pilots will know the best places to start aerobatic training. Participating in local IAC and EAA chapters, or stopping in at the local FBO, could help prospective pilots learn more about how and where to get started.

A great way to test out aerobatic flying is to visit a flight school with planes that can perform basic spins.

Every flight instructor in the U.S. is required to complete spins during their instructor training and thus have experience with the maneuver. Getting flight time practicing spins can help pilots decide whether acrobatic flight is a path they would like to pursue more in depth. If not, simply practicing spins can provide an adrenaline rush and help pilots hone their basic airmanship.

Ultimately, acrobatic flying is an exciting path to take. Whether you want to pursue acrobatics as a career or simply want to learn to improve your flying skills, there are resources across the country to help you pursue your passions.

Acrobatics help you learn energy management in new ways usually not accessible to standard category airplanes and can help you apply a wider variety of principles to your day-to-day flying.

The post How to Become an Aerobatic or Airshow Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

For many, aviation promises high-paying potential. While some traditional four-year colleges do offer training in aviation, many seek it from third-party companies and organizations that offer schooling for less time, less money, or both.

Here are some of the lucrative opportunities in the aviation industry that do not require a traditional degree:

Pilot

Especially since the post-pandemic travel rebound, airlines across the U.S. have dropped their requirement that pilots have college degrees. While some still list that a college education is preferred, pilots are in such high demand that airlines cannot afford to select only those applicants.

This has caused a spike in pilots starting their flight training with schools straight out of high school community college, or another career, as the removal of the higher education barrier represents a significant shift in how airlines preselect their pilots.

To be fair, many colleges and universities still prioritize pilot training as a part of their curriculums. However, these programs are far from the only opportunities to launch a flying career.

Ab initio flight schools, especially those with specialized career programs, have jumped at the opportunity to recruit a wider range of students and instructors, equally ensuring a steady flow of potential flight instructors to ensure proper long-term staffing.

Flight Attendant

Like pilots, flight attendants are often not required to have high school diplomas. A major benefit of becoming a flight attendant is receiving the same ability to travel for work without the same significant up-front investment required for pilots.

Flight attendants, instead of a college degree, are often asked to have experience working in customer service or hospitality careers. This might be an easy requirement for applicants who already have experience in restaurants, country clubs, shops, or even hotels—all common employment opportunities for young students and those just out of school.

Airlines often pay high premiums for applicants with special skills, such as the ability to speak languages besides English (or the native language of the airline’s home country). This allows an airline to fully staff international flights to a wider variety of countries while still providing high quality customer service.

While a college degree is certainly not required to become fluent in another language, and many speak such a language at home, there are those who still become fluent in a new tongue through formal education programs such as high school, college, or a program sponsored by an educational institution.

A&P Mechanic

Of all the other jobs on this list, an A&P mechanic might find the least benefit from a college degree.

Instead of formal education, mechanics instead must complete a training program on how to be a mechanic or finish a certain amount of practical on-the-job training. Mechanics may then go on to work for flight schools, charter companies, or even airlines depending on their level of experience.

Like with pilots, some formal educational institutions, particularly community colleges and aviation-specific universities, do offer degrees in becoming an aviation mechanic. However, many find it easiest to go through an independent curriculum or company training to become a mechanic.

Aircraft Dispatcher

Aviation dispatchers are perhaps the least-visible and least-appreciated members of the aviation community.

Dispatchers are responsible for ensuring the safe completion of flights from pushback to parking. They assist pilots with flight planning, check the weather, follow aircraft midflght to make necessary route changes, and complete administrative tasks such as briefing flight crews and preparing aircraft schedules.

Like mechanics, dispatchers must complete practical on-the-job training in preparation for written, oral, and practical tests. While many airlines prefer candidates with degrees in meteorology, air transportation, or the sciences, other types of experience from across the aviation industry can be just as valuable for hopeful aircraft dispatchers.

Becoming a dispatcher can be especially attractive for those who want to work closely with flight crews without actually flying for an airline. Being a dispatcher often ensures a more stable lifestyle with a consistent home life, as opposed to being on the road multiple times per month.

Ramp Agent

Becoming a ramp agent may be among the coolest aviation jobs out there.

Workers get close-up, hands-on experiences moving, loading, and unloading airplanes. Aircraft fuelers, meanwhile, work similar jobs by selling fuel to major airlines, charter companies, and private aircraft owners.

Many ramp agents work for major airlines in big hubs or for contractors at smaller outstations. Other agents work for FBOs, parking, fueling, and dispatching private jets transiting to and from far-off destinations. This provides the opportunity to work on a variety of aircraft types depending on where, and for which airline, a ramp agent or pilot works.

Ramp agents often see significant growth in the aviation industry. Working the ramp can be a launching point into a career as a pilot or dispatcher and is a great way to earn money while gaining experience handling and moving aircraft, meeting with flight crew, and learning the ins and outs of the aviation industry.

A college education is becoming less important for those interested in a career in aviation. From a basic ramp worker to an airline captain, people without formal postsecondary educations have a number of options and opportunities for advancement.

Even without a college degree, it is still possible to have a fruitful, vibrant career in aviation.

The post Aviation Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Designing and maintaining aircraft is a central question in any aviation company. Aerospace engineers are well-equipped to solve any problem that arises, whether for manufacturers working to make flight possible to the operators who must ensure safe flight on a day-to-day basis.

These engineers design, test, and maintain technologies, systems, and parts for aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and beyond. Without them, regular and safe flight would not be possible.

Becoming an Aerospace Engineer

The most common way to become an aerospace engineer is through a college or university. Many employers even require a four-year degree in aerospace engineering or a related field.

Schools offer aerospace engineering as a stand-alone program or as a specialty through another type of engineering. As is typical in an academic environment, aerospace engineering programs usually take between two and four years to complete depending on the depth of study and the student’s intensity of interest.

Many aerospace engineers also pursue advanced degrees after college, such as a master’s or Ph.D. This additional education can make a candidate more competitive for work after graduation.

Equally, most students pursue internships at major companies such as Boeing, SpaceX, NASA, or any number of other firms and professional organizations.

Aerospace Engineer Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, there are many job opportunities for aerospace engineers. Many pursue private sector jobs with aircraft manufacturers, defense contractors, space companies, or airlines.

Engineers are needed not only to test new products but also maintain existing projects, troubleshoot problems, and design parts to ensure the successful continuation of the company.

Equally, engineers can work for the U.S. government on contracts or, more often,  research on behalf of any number of agencies. Such work often requires security clearance to work on top-secret military or design projects for the armed forces, NASA, or Department of Defense.

The aircraft/aerospace and parts manufacturing sector employs by far the most aerospace engineers. This is logical, as the United States boasts both the largest civil aviation market and  air force in the world. There is high demand for aircraft and their parts, and there is as such a great need to maintain these aircraft and fix them when something breaks.

Other job prospects, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, include scientific research and development; navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instrument manufacturing; and support activities for air transportation as well as architectural engineering; government schools and hospitals; and the U.S. Postal Service.

Aerospace Engineer Salaries

Aerospace engineer salaries usually start at just under $40 per hour, or about $80,000 annually. Salaries top out near $100 hourly, or about $200,000 per year, with the median wage being $62 hourly or $130,000 annually.

Senior engineers in defense and manufacturing tend to be near the top end of the pay scale due to the lucrative nature of third-party contracts, scale of some operations, and monetary value of the work being done.

Being an aerospace engineer can be incredibly challenging, but it can also be highly rewarding. Many find great satisfaction in watching an aircraft they spent dozens or hundreds of hours working on finally take flight.

Engineers are the backbone of some of the most economically stimulating industries around the world and bring significant value to valuable companies. Thus, becoming an aerospace engineer is to support highly valuable, stimulating, satisfying work at the cutting edge of technology and exploration.

The post How to Become an Aerospace Engineer appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Airports must run smoothly around the clock each and every day to allow aircraft to come and go with ease. From the biggest airports in the world to the small strip down the street, managers at each are essential to ensuring safe, consistent, and smooth operations around the clock.

Airport managers do everything from ensuring that taxiways and runways are clear of objects and debris to verifying that terminal areas are clean, navigational aids are functioning, and all regulations are complied with.

How to Become an Airport Manager

Airport managers are often required to have a degree in aviation management or an equivalent field. However, some managers instead have relevant experience managing FBOs, which themselves provide services to small transient aircraft such as training flights and business aircraft. Other airport managers come from federal jobs with the FAA.

Many airport managers are Accredited Airport Executives (AAE). To become one, applicants must take a multiple-choice exam; complete a research project or advanced degree; and complete an interview. Enrollees in the training program must, among other requirements, have already worked at a public use airport for at least one year and have a four-year college degree or equivalent public airport management experience.

Working in management at a smaller airport may be a good steppingstone for those who eventually want to graduate to larger operations. Though on a smaller scale, managing a smaller airport may give the opportunity to handle a wider array of tasks, from airfield painting and cleaning to regulatory issues and working directly with the FAA.

A major benefit of FBO employment is that FBOs are often the main managing organization of smaller public-use airports, giving prospective candidates airport employment opportunities with a relatively easy point of entry.

Other leadership roles at bigger airports, such as leading a certain department or company at the airport, may help make the transition to full-on airport management easier. Such would make it easier to build connections with people in higher positions to seek mentorship, recommendations, and promotions.

How Much Do Airport Managers Earn

The salary of an airport manager can vary depending on location and the size of the airport managed. However, the average salary for an airport manager in the United States is $46,280, with a range from about $30,000 to nearly $70,000. Managers of larger airports, and airport systems, may make over $100,000.

Airport salaries can vary widely across the country. Many airports are taxpayer-funded, so employee salaries come out of a government budget. However, some airports are entirely self-sustaining and make money from facility fees, concessions, fuel sales, and flight instruction to fund themselves.

Airport management is a high-quality career for aviation enthusiasts and those uninterested in flying or airline operations. Airport operations tend to be quite unique on a day-to-day basis, offering consistent challenges and opportunities for growth. Working for an airport can be an effective method of growing your passion for aviation and earning a high income over time.

Looking for pilot jobs? FindaPilot.com posts new openings every day. Get a 20% discount on any plan. Just use the promo code AG20 when purchasing a plan. You’ll get a 20% discount on your first three months as a member.

This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.

The post What Are the Best Jobs in Airport Management? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Luckily, there are a number of routes a new hopeful pilot can take to progress toward their long-term career goals.

Which job a new pilot takes can be an important decision. Pilots want work that will provide them with quality experience that will benefit their long-term goals.

Among the most important things to do to build the right qualifications is to build connections with others in the aviation industry. Whether in a flying or non-flying job, a brand-new pilot can pick positions that will bolster their qualifications and relationships for significant benefit.

Non-Flying Jobs for Student Pilots

New pilots at the very start of their careers—those just beginning to learn to fly—often choose to work in aviation on the side to fund their training.

Most notably, many work at FBOs at airports big and small to build connections with the crews passing through to pick up passengers or reposition planes. Getting face time with seasoned pilots and reputable charter companies can help budding pilots gain valuable insights and even get an edge that will improve their job prospects down the line.

• READ MORE: How to Become a Charter Pilot

Other student pilots choose to fuel planes or work on the ramp at big international airports, often for major airlines or contractors who manage large contracts. These jobs help new pilots get the feel of working for major airline operations. They can get a sense for how to get around big airports, witness airline schedules firsthand, and manage real-world delays along with the pilots upfront.

Many detail companies also hire student pilots. These new pilots will become comfortable caring for planes and gain new respect and appreciation for the aircraft they fly themselves. Other potential non-flying jobs include airport operations, aircraft maintenance, and airport customer service.

A Pilot’s First Flying Job

Once a pilot is fully qualified to fly for a living, the next question is which flying job will be the best transition from being a student to a professional pilot. A pilot must, once again, be able to gauge which jobs will serve their long-term career goals the best.

Pilots find their first job in a number of different ways. Some use the connections built in previous positions to their benefit, and others work for organizations that have already employed them. In addition, some pilots find creative ways to advertise services such as ferry flights, air tours, or aerial refueling.

• READ MORE: How to Land a Helicopter Pilot Job

Some pilots turn to services such as FindaPilot.com to find jobs. FindaPilot connects pilots looking for work with operators who need crewmembers to operate specific flights. Services such as this can be a great way for new pilots to connect with reputable operators and fly high-performance, complex aircraft to build high-quality time for their careers. Many pilots use services such as FindaPilot as launching pads to accelerate their careers into the next stage.

Flight Instructing

Many new pilots choose to become flight instructors for their first aviation job. Teaching new pilots can be an excellent way to build time quickly while also learning to work with a variety of personalities, students, and situations.

Different flight schools also give instructors the opportunity to operate in different environments. Part 61 schools often promote independent decision making without close guidance from company standard operating procedures, while Part 141 schools help instructors learn to operate in structured, airline-esque environments. Whichever direction new instructors choose, they are sure to gain valuable experience towards their long-term goals.

Instructing is a great way to learn from your own experience and to become intimately familiar with the knowledge and skills you are expected to know. New students keep instructors on their toes and ask intriguing questions that challenge instructors to study, grow, and expand their knowledge.

Banner Towing

Some new commercial pilots opt to become banner towing pilots. These pilots tow large advertisements behind them over beaches, malls, and other tourist attractions.

These jobs give pilots the opportunity to learn in congested airspace—multiple banner tow aircraft often fly in the same area—at low altitudes. This demands heightened situational awareness and attention that helps pilots learn to be aware of their surroundings and take prompt action to correct unusual situations.

• READ MORE: Congress Shells Out Millions to Aid Pilot Shortage

These jobs especially tend to operate with aircraft that require specialized training. Many, for example, use tailwheel airplanes that have unique operating characteristics as opposed to the now-more-popular tricycle gear airplanes. This additional experience gives banner tow pilots experience that helps them stand out from other applicants.

Banner tow pilots often fly for hours at a time multiple times per day, making banner towing a great way to build a lot of flight time quickly. Many new pilots thus use banner towing as a great way to gain the experience they need for airline or charter flying in a relatively short amount of time. This is particularly the case in markets that have flyable weather conditions year-round, such as in Florida or Arizona.

Charter Flying

Some pilots are lucky enough to become charter pilots early on in their careers. These jobs often involve operating as second in command of light jets, such as the Cessna Citation line.

These jobs are often, but not always, acquired through connections built earlier in their careers but can often come through online advertisements through social media channels or dedicated advertising agencies.

Charter jobs are especially valuable because they allow pilots time in multiengine turbine aircraft, the exact type of planes that pilots will be flying later on in their careers. The more experience pilots have flying these types of aircraft, the more attractive they’ll be later on with other operators.

Not all charter flying involves point-to-point hops in private jets or turbine aircraft, however. Some pilots start off as ferry pilots, when they get hired to fly an airplane one-way from point to point for maintenance, a system upgrade, or for delivery to a new owner.

This type of charter work can give pilots experience flying a wider array of aircraft to a wider range of destinations across the country. This variation is again valuable for pilots looking to work for operators that fly to more places or over longer distances at a time. Being able to handle a wider array of situations, aircraft, and geographic locations gives ferry pilots an edge over pilots used only to the same part of the country.

Survey Flying

Still other pilots choose to fly for aerial survey companies. These companies are enlisted to fly regular patterns over specified areas to take pictures, scout land, or check areas for damage. Some pilots patrol pipelines for damage as well.

Survey pilots often work side-by-side with photographers or IT specialists who operate imaging or mapping equipment on behalf of the client company. This provides pilots with the experience of operating a specific mission with certain parameters and constant distractions. This requires the pilot to divide their attention between flying the airplane and completing their task in a way that is both efficient and safe.

Though pilots, of course, train in division of attention throughout their training, flying survey provides a real-world way of dividing attention that cannot be simulated in a training environment.

There are plenty of ways pilots can build experience toward becoming professional aviators. Each job has strengths that will help pilots grow towards their long-term career goals, whether they be airline flying, corporate aviation, or contract work.

There is no one specific way to become a professional pilot—and it’s possible to be successful no matter which route is taken.

The post Best Jobs for New Pilots appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Considering how many variables are present in the aviation industry, the market for consultants is significant. An aviation consultant can cover anything from marketing and public relations to crew training, aircraft and airline certification, and updates to standard operating procedures.

What Makes a Good Consultant?

Consultants tend to be experienced professionals with years or decades of experience in the aviation field. A significant amount of experience is often required.

Most aviation consultants have a degree in aviation management, aerospace engineering, or an equivalent. These degrees tend to come from a two- or four-year university focused on aviation or a school with a reputable program.

Other consultants have spent years in aviation across a variety of roles and companies. A safety consultant may have started as a flight instructor, become an airline pilot, and worked in a training department before beginning their consulting career. Others might have come from the military, worked in a mechanic shop, or served as an apprentice under aviation management personnel.

• READ MORE: University of Central Missouri Offers Multiple Aviation Career Destinations

Ultimately, the value of experience is evident in a sound understanding of aviation policies, procedures, and regulations. The best consultant knows how to take theoretical knowledge and apply it to practical situations presented by a client. This may take the form of not only a great volume of knowledge and experience but also great variety.

A client might not want someone who has done the same job for the past 40 years but rather someone who has taken the time to intimately understand a variety of factors and facets of the same subject. Spending significant time as a flight instructor in addition to an airline pilot, for example, can help a consultant make a stronger case for their expertise in managing flight operations.

How to Become an Aviation Consultant

For many concentrations, becoming an aviation consultant can be relatively quite easy: When you have built up the experience to be an in-demand consultant, simply begin offering your services to those who need them.

Building a reputation takes time, of course, but there may be no special certification to complete on top of what you already have. If you already have the certifications for the consultant field you’d like, you have the experience you need to get started.

Some types of aviation consultants do require higher certification from the FAA. For example, consultants to Part 121 Air Carrier applicants must have additional certifications before they can offer their services to a company applying to be an air carrier.

Such additional certification is required due to the intricacies and complexities of filling out an application to be a Part 121 Air Carrier. Thus, the people who assist new companies with the process must be specially trained in their field.

• READ MORE: The Best Jobs for Pilots After Retirement

Aviation Consultant Salary

On average, aviation consultants make about $80,000 from consulting and $140,000 in total pay from all income sources. There is significant room for advancement in the field, especially as new consultants gain more experience in the field and make way for additional new entrants.

Some companies hire consultants for their aviation sectors, but many aviation consultants are freelance contractors, meaning they have the power to set their own rates to what they consider to be fair.

Why Become a Consultant?

Aviation consultants are a valuable part of the aviation industry. They can help companies into new stages, through crises, or with day-to-day operations.

Though often not required to have additional certifications, consultants are often highly specialized, well-trained, and experienced professionals with the necessary expertise to help companies and clients through any situation that may present itself.

Being a consultant is a great way to continue learning. Guiding others through unique challenges helps consultants learn from a wider variety of situations and people. This lets them apply their knowledge to more scenarios than they might in their regular jobs.

Consulting is a versatile and challenging profession, but it can be incredibly rewarding to see your knowledge and expertise put into practice across the industry every day.

The post What Is an Aviation Consultant? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Instead of flying large planes to big airports with hundreds of people on board, these pilots are tasked with transporting individual customers to specific destinations.

Many of the most important items for becoming a commercial pilot still hold true, but there are additional things to consider when starting a career as a charter pilot.

Types of Charter Pilots

There are a number of different ways to become a charter pilot.

Among the most common is to operate for a charter company—commercial operators that sell seats or a certain amount of flight time per year on private jets. These firms then hire pilots to operate their aircraft.

• READ MORE: How to Become a Military Pilot

Many charter companies, especially well-known operators such as NetJets or Flexjet, require just as much flight experience as large commercial airlines. Building time as a flight instructor or pipeline patrol pilot, and maybe even flying for a regional airline, is just as important for these companies as it is for career airline pilots.

The range of passengers on a commercial operator like this may be quite substantial. Some may be one-off passengers who need a pilot and plane for one flight or a defined trip. However, pilots can also fly regular customers who have purchased a fractional share of an aircraft for long-term use.

Some charter pilots work for hybrid companies that regularly fly for only one client. These companies, however, sometimes find it practical to charter out their aircraft if it’s not being used for an extended period. These operations give pilots the stability of flying one single airplane, or a small number of the same type, for a familiar customer with the diversity of a charter operation. 

• READ MORE: Pilots’ Favorite and Least Favorite Airports

Still other charter pilots work as full-time contract pilots. These pilots don’t work for a specific operator but instead sell their own time on a day-to-day basis to private aircraft owners or operators who need a pilot for one defined mission.

This may often arise in cases where a regular company pilot is out sick or just left for another position, leaving a temporary vacancy that must be filled. However, sometimes opportunities also lead to long-term partnerships that offer consistent work for a small group of clients.

How to Succeed as a Charter Pilot

Charter companies look at things beyond just total flight time when hiring pilots.

Though, as with the big companies, a certain amount of total time and turbine time is important, charter pilots also need to be cognizant of how much they advertise the amount of time they have in different aircraft types.

Charter pilots often specialize in a small number of aircraft types, often defined roughly by families like the Cessna Citation series. Having more time in a certain type of aircraft allows a pilot, especially a contract pilot, to market themselves to people and companies that operate that specific type of airplane.

Upon reaching a specified amount of total time, pilots often fly for a charter company to build their total time in a certain type of aircraft, thereby making it easier to take other jobs flying that aircraft or other similar ones.

• READ MORE: Private to Professional Pilot: The Value of Volunteering

This does not make it impossible to move from one type to another. Building connections is critically important in charter aviation, and many pilots get new jobs simply because of who they know.

Meeting new people, attending job fairs, and even just hanging around a local airport can be highly beneficial to charter pilots looking to change jobs or move to a new operator.

Charter flying is an incredibly rewarding career path. It allows pilots to fly to an incredibly wide range of airports, fly a range of aircraft, and meet various people.

The path to success is convoluted at times, but building the right experience and making the right connections will do wonders for launching a career into the flight levels.

The post How to Become a Charter Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Becoming a fighter pilot is a dream for many. Military flying has been around since the world wars, but as technology advanced—and media representation in movies such as Top Gun increased—the general public’s fascination with military pilots, especially fighter pilots, has only increased.

One of the most popular questions many have is how to become a military pilot in the first place. It is possible to become a pilot in nearly every branch: the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. Each branch completes its own training, but there are common requirements that apply across the board to help applicants start their careers.

Most notably, a four-year degree is usually required to have a chance at becoming a military or fighter pilot. Some applicants complete this prerequisite by attending a university run by a military branch, such as the U.S. Military , Air Force, Naval, or Coast Guard academies. Still, others attend a traditional civilian university and complete additional requirements on campus.

In addition, pilot hopefuls must be officers. Besides attending one of the four military academies, applicants can complete training at the Officer Training School or, especially notable if they attend a four-year university, ROTC. ROTC programs for all branches exist at numerous universities across the country, providing access to practically any interested pilot.

Pilots must also meet a variety of physical criteria and fitness tests. The Air Force stipulates that height requirements vary based on the aircraft a pilot will operate, but fitness is still of paramount importance. Uncorrected 20/20 vision, or better, is critical, as is good heart health and acceptable hearing. Pilots must also be in good mental health so they can remain calm and focused even in the most stressful situations.

Finally, there are many demographic criteria that a prospective candidate must meet. Pilots need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at least 18 years old. Maximum ages vary by branch but are generally in the mid-30s.

All these requirements must be met before a pilot even gets in an aircraft. After becoming eligible, a pilot must complete a ground school course on aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and more. The military uses a series of basic trainer aircraft, many based on civilian aircraft models, to start their pilots’ training before moving them to advanced aircraft and, finally, the pilot’s permanent type.

Military pilots have a variety of roles and responsibilities. From refueling other aircraft and searching for threatening targets to providing aerial support to ground troops and even dogfighting, pilots are expected to carry out each mission with professionalism, expertise, and skill.

After settling into their new job, pilots have opportunities to be promoted or change types. These moves can often be competitive, and new positions are based on performance. However, military pilots are nothing if not motivated to meet each new challenge and opportunity head-on.

The post How to Become a Military Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Pilots also have favorite and least favorite airports, but for different reasons. In addition to wondering who has the best scenery and food, crewmembers are interested in which airports are busiest, where the arrivals are easiest, and which air traffic controllers generally do the best work. Also included are the scenery of approaches, airport complexity, and workload throughout each turn.

Different pilots have slightly different metrics to determine which airports they like most. However, there is generally a consistent theme as to which airports pilots like to fly into the best.

Favorites

One notable airport is ​​Innsbruck Airport (LOWI) in Austria, with an approach that takes crews over the Austrian Alps. Though that poses a unique challenge, the airport is also relatively close to the city center, allowing crews easier access to hotels and activities on their layovers. The airport’s smaller size also means that it’s easier to navigate than larger global hubs.

London City Airport (EGLC) has a reputation among passengers and crews alike. The relatively short runway poses a welcome challenge for crews that get to feel their aircraft’s performance in real-world conditions. Besides the one-of-a-kind approach through downtown London and along the River Thames, the airport’s small scale equally means that getting through security and out to the city are particularly easy.

In the United States, San Francisco International Airport (KSFO) has a particularly famous approach over the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. The airport also regularly sees parallel approaches over the water, making for picturesque arrivals.

Too Early to Tell

There are a couple brand-new airports around the world where the jury is still out.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (EDDB) opened in 2020 with the goal of replacing the city’s aging airports with a single, brand-new facility. Though delayed for years thanks to a number of certification problems, the airport does boast new, state-of-the-art facilities designed to make traveling easier for passengers and crews alike.

Beijing Daxing International Airport (ZBAD) is equally brand new, having opened in September 2019. The airport serves as a reliever for Beijing Capital International Airport (ZBAA), which reached its max capacity in the mid 2010s.

Designed to be Beijing’s primary airport, Daxing has been challenged to accommodate a significant number of passengers and flights, though Beijing is generally known as a favored destination for pilots, so the airport still has a chance of becoming a favorite for crews.

Least Favorites

Not every airport has the same great impression among pilots. In fact, some pilots may be quick to voice their concern over their experiences at a variety of these airports.

New York’s LaGuardia Airport (KLGA) is known to be cramped, outdated, and congested, as it is placed right in the middle of the Queens borough of New York City. The airport is undergoing a terminal modernization, which may change some minds, but whether the challenging operations will be alleviated anytime soon remains to be seen.

Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (KDCA) is equally known for being cramped and overcrowded. The airport’s short runways and outdated terminals make it difficult for aircraft to navigate, and landing requires precise maneuvering along the Potomac River.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD) is notorious for its long taxi times. The airport has more runways than any other airport in the world, divided into two airfields that can take nearly 30 minutes to navigate. For some regional flights within the midwest, these taxi times can nearly double the length of the flight.

On the bright side, O’Hare’s ATCs do have a good reputation for managing the flow of traffic and staying aware of where each aircraft is.

San Diego International Airport (KSAN) also has a reputation for its challenging operations. The airport is among the busiest single-runway airports in the world, and aircraft are often tightly spaced while attempting to land.

Pilots also report limited navigational facilities, meaning they must be especially proactive about managing the aircraft’s position in dense airspace in what is already a busy phase of flight. There have been a couple notable incidents at the airport over the years as pilots try to approach, touch down, and clear the runway efficiently.

Internationally, the Paro International Airport (VQPR) in Bhutan is known to be especially challenging—so much so that only a handful of pilots in the world are approved to land there. 

The airport is nestled in a valley, and the approach requires pilots navigate through hills at low level without even being able to see the runway. Landings are only approved during the day in good weather, but the approach does provide some incredible views.

Remember, this is not an end-all-be-all assembly of pilots’ favorite and least favorite airports, but it provides a good idea of what the notable features are of each airport: what makes it stand out, what pilots notice, and how crews handle each differently.

Every airport requires its own planning and demands special attention to one thing or another. That means pilots must always be ready for whatever each flight throws their way.

The post Pilots’ Favorite and Least Favorite Airports appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

These communities are what make aviation truly enjoyable and are what bring people together. Ultimately, aviation is a small world where everyone, to some degree, seems to know everyone else.

Continually furthering the aviation community is an important part of growing as one who cares to make the industry more caring and welcoming. Beyond pure enjoyment, maintaining a healthy community helps pilots in particular maintain a strong sense of responsibility and accountability in their flying. Connecting with others is a great way to see other perspectives and continue growing as a pilot.

Volunteering takes these connections to another level. Not only can you meet and bond with other like-minded people, but you can learn a new level of respect and admiration for aviation, its community, and the people you know in the industry. As pilots learn more about others around them on the ground, it becomes easier to navigate the air in a cohesive, respectful manner.

The importance of volunteering is not lost on professional aviation companies. Airlines, for example, often like to hire pilots with volunteer experience. Whether in the aviation world—such as flying Young Eagles interested in learning to be pilots—or not, volunteer experience demonstrates a high level of professionalism, a desire to understand others, and an ability to push your comfort zone in new situations.

Volunteer experience can be beneficial even for people interested in flying only for personal or recreational purposes. The scope of the volunteering need not be large. Rather, small day-to-day actions can be just as beneficial. Things such as preparing donation drives, organizing special interest groups, or hosting fundraisers can foster a sense of community and growth that impacts your decision-making and thoughtfulness as a pilot.

Volunteering would not be so important for professional pilots—not just those who want to get hired but those who have been flying for decades—if it did not have a material impact on how said professional pilots work together, as well as with their larger crews and within the air traffic system. Companies from small flight schools to the world’s largest airlines all agree on the instrumental value of giving back, whether it be on a small personal level or a larger communal level.

No two pilots, of course, are the same. Recognizing your strengths and talents is important for identifying the best opportunities for further growth. However, it is still the case that assisting others in the best way possible can be a major benefit for pilots of all levels and skills in furthering their own love of aviation and their commitment to excellence in the air.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.

The post Private to Professional Pilot: The Value of Volunteering appeared first on FLYING Magazine.