Becoming a Pilot

About Us


We’re here as a resource to those looking to become a pilot. By providing interested parties the basics as to how to become a pilot to fly a plane or go to the moon and of the long journey that awaits, we help pilots-to-become aware of what such an ambition requires for them. From education to certifications, to flying time and various other knowledge that must be gained in order to be able to start a career in aviation.

Within the area of education, it is imperative to receive at least a bachelor’s degree and we have suggested two different schools focusing solely on aviation education. The Everglades University as well at Liberty online schools are good to look into.

The information we’ve collected includes all the required courses and certifications that must be complete in order to fly. Use our degree finder to discover other universities and colleges that may be of interest that is local to you. Search online for aviation programs and look up the cost and offerings that each particular program has to offer. Guiding future pilots is our goal and we hope our website will help you find all the information you need. We have a blog and a page with other various kinds of resources.

Your Online Resource for Becoming a Pilot

BecomingAPilot is a resource guide to aviation programs. It may be surprising, but most flying jobs require a person to hold at least an associate’s degree. Higher paying jobs will often require graduate degree holders. Online aviation and alternate programs are becoming more prominent, but additional training is usually required.

Aviation (BS)

Liberty University’s BS in Aviation program features a curriculum built for pilots who seek a bachelor’s degree. Graduates go on to become flight instructors, commercial pilots, consultants, or other aviation professionals. Liberty University prides itself in offering students an environment conducive to learning, and this program is no exception.

A difficult and fascinating profession of the pilot

In order to become a pilot, most flying jobs require a person to have an Associate degree, and higher paying jobs often require a graduate degree. There are two recommended places where people can receive the appropriate education they need for flight instruction. The Everglades University, for example has an aviation program for those looking to move into that direction. The program to start with is in getting a BS in Aviation Management, BS in Aviation or an MS in Aviation.

Many graduates go on to take professions as a flight instructor, consultants, commercial pilots and more. The way to start is by seeking education at a reputable college after graduating high school. Some colleges offer a pilot certification in addition to an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in aeronautics or aviation science. Classes include topics such as physics, aeronautical engineering mathematics and English. Everglades University is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA is a branch of the U.S. government in the Department of Transportation of (DOT). By meeting all these requirements, although expensive, people will receive the education and training they need for a pilot’s career. After completing 1,500 flying hours the pilot will complete their education and be able to move onto trying to get an ideal job in flying as an occupation. Other qualifications for being able to fly are that pilots must be twenty-three-years or older and you must be in good health physically and mentally.

Eyesight must be 20/20, have good hearing and no physical disabilities. There are many reasons why certain courses are imperative to learning how to fly well and responsibly. Physics is important to learn about the law of motion, mass, inertia, pressure, temperature, fluids and gasses. By taking these courses soon-to-be pilots will learn what role aerodynamics play a role from subsonic to supersonic. Aircraft loading, hydroplaning and system operations and limitations. Meterology is a part of physics too. Navigation and Geography covers a number of necessary information for pilots to understand such as how to read maps and charts. There are certain regulations and air traffic controls that must be followed by pilots, these laws and protocol must be known at kept. Students will also learn about how to handle various physical problems that may affect you or your passengers. During school everyone starts out as a student pilot, first flying with an instructor.

After this, students can move into more selective fields and become: a sport’s pilot; a recreational pilot; a private pilot; a commercial pilot or an airline transport pilot. There are flight examinations as well as written exams. A pilot certificate is issued by (AME) the American Medical Examiner. The certificate is good for between either 24 to 60 months. Liberty University online is another option for students seeking an education in life as a pilot, whether for an occupation or for recreational purposes becoming a pilot is not easy but is well worth it for those interested in flying.

What is the Educational Process of Becoming a Pilot?

The education requirements to become a pilot are different than they are for other degrees. First, to become a pilot you must complete high school. In addition to high school, a college education should be sought. Although a college degree is not required, it is often looked for by organizations and businesses that employ pilots. There are some colleges that offer a pilot certification in addition to an associates or bachelor’s college degree in aviation science or aeronautics. A pilot license is conferred upon the completion of both flight and classroom coursework. Frequently in these programs upperclassmen are employed as flight instructors for other students. Through these programs you must have coursework in physics, aeronautical engineering, mathematics and English. It’s important to enroll in an aviation or aeronautics program that has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Although these joint aviation and college degree programs can be expensive, they guarantee that you’ll receive the college education and pilot training you need for a successful pilot career.

Becoming a pilot also requires extensive flight training and experience. There are a certain number of flying hours in training that a prospective pilot must satisfy. This amount of hours will vary depending on employers and flight positions. For example, to fly as an airline pilot you must be at least 23-years-old and have flown for a minimum of 1,500 hours before getting a pilot’s license. Flight training can be done through degree programs or through a flying school that is approved by the FAA. To obtain a pilot’s license you also must be in good physical and mental health.

What Topics Will Be Covered in Pilot Certification Programs?

Pilots must be knowledgeable in many fields. Therefore most aviation programs cover a wide range of topics. The following are items you must know to become a professional pilot:

Pilot Licensing and Certifications:

In the United States pilot certification is required in order to act as a pilot of an aircraft. As mentioned before, the FAA regulates certification. The FAA is a branch of the U.S. government Department of Transportation (DOT). A pilot is certified under the authority of Parts 61 and 141 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, also known as the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). There are many different types of pilot licenses and levels of certifications, all of which have different requirements. The FAA’s website lists all certifications and licenses available in the field of aviation and aeronautics.

Throughout your piloting education you’ll complete different “privilege levels.” The following are the levels of certifications to fly an aircraft:

What does Student Pilot Certification Consist Of?

As mentioned before, becoming a pilot requires some sort of education, typically in the form of an Associate or Bachelor of Aviation degree program. Within this education you are able to obtain your student pilot certification, which allows you to make solo flights. A student pilot certificate is issued by an aviation medical examiner (AME). It’s typically administered at the time of the student’s first medical examination. If the pilot operations you wish to have do not require a medical certificate, then a FAA inspector or an FAA-designated pilot examiner can also issue a student pilot certificate.

The student certificate is valid until the last day of the month, 24 or 60 months (depending on age) after it was issued. If the student has sufficient training and experience after that amount of time, a CFI can endorse the student’s certificate to authorize limited solo flight in a specific make and model of aircraft. Typically a student pilot may not carry passengers, fly for business, or operate an aircraft outside of the various endorsements provided by the flight instructor.

In order for a student to fly solo, they must meet the following minimum aeronautical knowledge and experience requirements:

Aviation can be a great career or just a thrilling hobby, but the regulations are strict, and completing training and earning certification are absolute requirements for anyone who wants to fly.

Top Pilot & Aviation Management Programs

It may be surprising, but most flying jobs require a person to hold at least an associate’s degree. Higher paying jobs will often require graduate degree holders. Online aviation and alternate programs are listed below along with links to forms you can use to get free, no-commitment info.


Aviation Management (BS)
Aviation Technology (BS)
Aviation Science (MS)
At Everglades University, those seeking a career in aviation can enter the BS in Aviation Management, BS in Aviation, or MS in Aviation. The Aviation Management program reviews management skills and business acumen, while the technology program focuses on more specialized courses in aviation science. The master’s program provides advanced knowledge to senior aviation professionals.


Aviation (BS)
Liberty University’s BS in Aviation program features a curriculum built for pilots who seek a bachelor’s degree. Graduates go on to become flight instructors, commercial pilots, consultants, or other aviation professionals. Liberty University prides itself in offering students an environment conducive to learning, and this program is no exception.


Aviation & Transportation (MS)
Lewis University’s MS in Aviation and Transportation features a curriculum that covers a wide range of pressing issues in the aviation industry, from transportation’s global expansion, the promotion of safety, and the environmental impact of airports and airplanes. This program can be completed in two years while working full time.


Management (BS)
Benedictine’s BS in Management degree comprises courses in business, accounting, finance, management, and marketing to provide the student a well rounded, diverse course of study. Courses include global components to remind students of the new global reality of business. Students might also take courses in human resources, operations management, or organizational behavior.


Management (BS)
Management (MS)
Students looking for an effective management program should pay attention to Colorado Technical University. For students with limited experience, the BS Management degree explores the foundational concepts of human resource management, organization behavior, marketing, and project risk management. The MS in Management is more specialized, and examines effective management tenants.


Management (MS)
Students in Kaplan’s MS in Management degree program are taught real life business solutions through courses in organizational strategies and concepts. Professors bring the course material to life in the classroom, drawing upon their extensive experience in the business world. This degree can help accelerate your career and showcase yourself as a management professional.


Management (BS)
Management (MS)
Management (PhD)
Walden offers students a nice selection of programs depending on your educational experience and desired profession. The BS-Management reviews foundational business courses, while the MS in Management focuses on the management of projects and processes. For those students who wish to teach management or conduct new research, the PhD program is available.

How Much Will You Get Paid as a Pilot?


There is a great deal of money to be had in becoming a pilot. A real perk is being able to travel. Most airlines offer great benefits packages and the salary is robust. A commercial pilot salary varies according to the state in which you live. Most airline pilots make between $81,910 and $140,650.

The highest salary starting out is $118,050 in El Centro, California. The next most lucrative state to fly in is in Harford, Connecticut at $115,290. Bridgeport-Connecticut pays out at $114,220; Salt Lake City, Utah has a general salary of $112,420 while Jackson, Mississippi offers almost about the same at $112,310. Other states and their usual pay rates continue with the following list:

A few other commercial pilot jobs in other states are known for a higher salary such as: Northwest Minnesota, Central Texas, Northwest Mississippi, Dallas, Texas, Louisville, Kentucky, New York, New York, Honolulu, Hawaii, Seattle Washington, Anchorage, Alaska, Cincinnati, Ohio, Chicago, Illinois, Warren-Troy, Michigan, Los Angeles, California and North Central Colorado. Flying internationally pilots receive an even higher salary.

Research the companies you want to work for and find out the most you can receive for that particular company. Aviation is a great career to go into for those who are interested. Again, it takes a great deal of education and experience. Gain that knowledge, earn those degrees with two recommended flight schools: Everglades University and Liberty University that enables potential pilots to receive their education online. Search for these and other aviation programs using our site and get directed to the exact school that interests you using our search feature. All you need to do is put in your zip code, the type of degree you are looking for and simply request information and that university or college will get in touch with you. Pursuing a career in aviation is both exciting and rewarding. You must have 20/20 vision and have no disabilities. Your hearing must be acute, and you must be able to pass a medical and psychological imagination.

Liberty University Online provides those seeking a career in flying a BS in Aviation. Graduates go on to become flight instructors, commercial pilot or consultants. Liberty University is known for providing an excellent environment for learning and becoming certified.

The Everglades University offers a few more options: a BS in Aviation Management; a BS in Aviation Technology, and a MS in Aviation Science. The more education you have the more opportunities will be available to you. Get started now and don’t put it off any longer. Do you want to fly the skies of the world, your future is all about spreading your wings and with the necessary education to point you into the right direction, you’ve fought half of the battle to your goal.

What Types of Certifications are Available

There are six different kinds of certificates and ratings one must achieve in order to fly, depending on the type of pilot someone wants to become. The types of pilots are listed below and each one allows pilots to do some things while others are quite specific to the purpose of the flying. There are different kind of classes that each pilot receives, for example, Class A, B or C that is related to airspace and where and to what height a pilot can fly.

By far the easiest kind of pilot to become, a Sports Pilot is the least restrictive. These pilots fly in light aircraft only and it only requires 20 hours of logged training. These pilots are limited to one passenger. An FAA medical certificate is not usually required.

Recreational Pilot


The difference between the Sport Pilot Certificate and the Recreational
Pilot license is that generally with a recreational pilot license the pilot is able to fly heavier planes and who aren’t interested in moving on to higher airplane certifications. For this kind of certificate, aviators need 10 more hours of flying time than sports pilots plus another 15 of dual-flying lessons.

Private Pilot


The Private Pilot license is by far the most common type of certificate that people go for. Training requirements are more intensive but by receiving one pilots are able to fly at night and at controlled airports. A private pilot also has the choice to drive different types of aircrafts but is not able to use that plane for any commercial purposes. For this type of certificate 40 hours of fly time is necessary with 20 of those hours being with an instructor.

Commercial Pilot


The federal aviation requirements must be met for commercial pilots who are looking to be compensated for their flying. Commercial pilot planes are extremely complicated and involve complex skills. Expect to go to school for this type of certification, it is the most involved.

Flight Instructor


For those who later down the road in their career want to make another step forward in their knowledge by teaching, the option is out there. Some people fly as a flight instructor to get paid and to get the experience, so this is not only an option for more senior pilots, pilots can even start out as a flight instructor to get more knowledge under their belt first.

Airline Transport Pilot


This is by far the most advanced license a pilot can go for. It is necessary for those who want to gain employment as a commercial pilot. In order to become eligible for the certificate that is needed, the ATP certificate, there must be at least 1,5000 hours logged. To become an airline transport pilot, students must be at least 23 years of age. Ratings or endorsements are other things that can be added to a certificate to be able to fly with instruments, for example.

Indonesia’s Aviation Safety Has Improved, But A Lot Remains


The Sriwijaya Airlines Flight 182 tragedy serves as a warning to aviation safety regulators worldwide. The Boeing 737-500 crashed into the ocean just four minutes after it took off from Jakarta on January 9th, in heavy rain. All 62 passengers and crew were killed. The cause of the crash is still unknown.

Naturally, the tragedy raised concerns about Indonesia’s safety standards in air travel. The nation has made great strides to improve their safety standards over the past decade. There is still much to be done. Regulators will need to be vigilant about aviation safety as commercial aviation recovers after its COVID stall.

Explosive Growth

The Indonesian commercial civil aviation sector has seen explosive growth over the past 20 years, with passengers rising from 10 million in 2000 up to 115 millions in 2018.

This is due to Indonesia’s geography and population. With more than 270million people living on five main islands and approximately 6,000 smaller ones, it is the fourth most populous country in the world, after China, India and the United States.

Air travel is the most convenient way to travel. It has become more affordable thanks to both competition (the government opened domestic airlines to competition in 1990s) as well rising incomes (with the GDP per capita increasing by a whopping 22% since 2000).

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Indonesia’s commercial passenger air market will be fourth in the world by 2039.

Safety At The Cost Of?

In Indonesia, the explosive growth of air travel was initially at the cost of safety. There were several serious incidents and major disasters in the 2000s.

These include Mandala Airlines Flight 91 which crashed into a neighborhood in Medan in September 2005, killing 149 people. Garuda Indonesia Flight 200 also crashed in Yogyakarta in March 2007, killing 20 passengers and one crew member.

The European Union responded by banning all Indonesian airlines from its airspace on July 2007. This ban was lifted partially in June 2018.

Safety Has Improved

The Aviation Safety Network data shows improvements in Indonesia’s aviation safety record. Between 2000 and 2009, Indonesia had 27 fatal aviation accidents. There were 18 fatal aviation incidents in Indonesia between 2000 and 2009. Significant progress has been made in implementing International Civil Aviation Organization standards.

According to the International Aviation Safety Assessment Program of the US Federal Aviation Administration, Indonesia is a Category 1 nation. This means that Indonesia’s aviation sector meets ICAO standards and permits Indonesian airlines to fly to the US.

However, there is still much to done in order to raise Indonesia’s aviation safety to the level of other OECD countries. For example, Japan has only had five fatalities in aviation since 2000.

The US is the largest aviation market in the world, and the most recent crash that resulted in similar deaths to Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 occurred in February 2009. Colgan Air Flight 3407 was a turboprop plane flying between Newark (New Jersey) and Buffalo (New York), shortly before arriving. It killed all 49 passengers on board as well as one person on the ground.

Global Safety In Aviation

The safety record of commercial passenger airline regulation is something that can be proudly proclaim worldwide. According to aviation experts, 2017 was the most secure year in commercial aviation history. There were only 79 deaths from incidents involving commercial flights in 2017, which is impressive considering that airlines carried almost 4 billion passengers. All metrics show that flying in the 21st Century is safer than the 20th century.

However, regional disparities persist. An IATA analysis found that Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Russia and eight other ex-Soviet countries, have significantly worse safety records than other regions. The global average is roughly the same for the Asia Pacific region (which includes Indonesia).

Nobel Prize Winners Can Fix Aviation Emissions

The aviation industry is growing in greenhouse gas emissions. Other industries have lower emissions or better control. However, airline emissions continue to rise. What are the chances of laws regulating airlines carbon footprint? Are airlines legally obligate to use biofuels?

These questions a result of what known as the aviation emission problem. These questions have no answers and will not be answer soon.

The Emissions Problem

According to the IPCC, aviation’s contribution to total emission is between 2% to 8%. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, there will be significant additional emissions growth. We expect a 63-83% increase in 2020 compared to a 2006 baseline and a 290-6677% increase by 2050. This does not include biofuels.

Manchester Metropolitan University published research last month that found that total aviation emissions were 630 megatonnes of CO2 in 2006. Depending on growth and mitigation efforts, the 2050 total emissions will be between 1,000 and 3,100 megatonnes.

Research published in Nature Climate Change last week shows that climate change can also affect aviation. Clear-air turbulence caused by atmospheric jet streams and human-induced climate changes could make trans-Atlantic flights bumpy.

Ground Controls To Reduce Aviation’s Carbon Footprint

According to the Kyoto Protocol, developed countries such as Australia shall pursue limitation of greenhouse gas emissions from aviation through the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The International Civil Aviation Organization is the UN agency that oversees international aviation. In other words, the ICAO is responsible for aviation emissions, not Kyoto. They are therefore exclude from the primary global climate change legal instrument.

The European Union (EU), recognizing that aviation has not been include in Kyoto and the failure of the ICAO to address the problem of aviation emissions, has taken steps.

Directive 2008/101/EC, the EU emissions trading scheme requires that all flights within the EU surrender emission allowances equal to the total amount of emissions from the flight. This applies to any flight landing at or taking off from any EU airport. The airlines received most of the emission allowances (85%), free of charge.

The strategy was set to go into effect on January 1, 2012. International airlines led by the US and China opposed inclusion of aviation into the EU emissions trading system. They tried to challenge its legality at the European Court of Justice, but were unsuccessful.

Mostly due to the strong opposition, the EU announced last November that it would stop international aviation from being included in the trading system until late in the year.

House Of Representatives Approved Legislation Emissions

The US House of Representatives approved legislation that President Obama signed one day after the EU announced its intention to prohibit any US-based aircraft operator from ever taking part in the EU’s trading program.

The EU stated that it would seek out ICAO for help in addressing the problem. The General Assembly of ICAO will be held in September-October, which is a few months from now. Since 1997, they have been trying to solve the problem of aviation emissions.

A group of top economists, including eight Nobel Prize winner, wrote to President Obama last month urging him support a price for aviation. These were their words:

The aviation sector can be charged carbon to encourage investment and change that will reduce future greenhouse gas emissions. It is possible to slow climate change at a reasonable cost by using the market. The ICAO Assembly can price carbon in the aviation sector.

If ICAO fails adequately to address the emission problem which it most likely will fail to do given its complete failure to address international aviation’s emissions problem to date then the EU trading system legislation would again apply to international aviation. However, both the US and China have banned their airlines from joining. The idea of regulating the international carbon footprint for airlines is not feasible, at least not in the near future.

The EU, Aviation And Climate Change

The emissions problem in aviation has been a problem for some time. Last week, the European Union (EU), announced that it would not allow international aviation to be included in its emissions trading scheme (ETS) until late next year. Since the beginning of 2018, aviation has been included in this report. Non-European airlines fly to and from Europe under the EU scheme.

According to the EU, it will seek help from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the UN agency responsible for international aviation. The General Assembly of the ICAO will held in September-October 2013. The Kyoto Protocol was adopt in 1997 and ICAO has not yet found a solution to the problem of aviation emissions.

If the ICAO fails to address the emission problem (however successful is define, at its General Assembly the EU ETS legislation will apply again to international aviation starting in 2013.

The US House of Representatives pass legislation that, just a day after the EU’s announcement made, prohibits any US-base aircraft operator from ever taking part in the EU ETS.

In April, the Chinese government barred Chinese airlines from joining EU ETS. These are exciting times for international aviation, climate change regulation, as well as challenging times for ICAO.

Problem With Aviation Emissions

The aviation emissions problem has become a serious concern. The growing emissions from aviation are unregulated. The background of declining emissions or, at the very least, emission regulation from many other industries is causing aviation’s emissions to increase.

According to IPCC calculations, the contribution of aviation to total emissions could be as low or high as 2%. ICAO predicts further growth in emissions: compared to a 2006 baseline, a 63% to 88% increase by 2020 and a 290% to 667% increase by 2050 (without taking into account the impact of alternative fuels).

International Civil Organisation

The EU’s announcement defuse tensions with the US (despite this week’s passage legislation) and with major emerging states like China and India.

Three factors are the basis of the EU’s announcement:

Rules For Aviation And Trade

This is in some ways a bit curious. The main piece of legislation, Directive 08/101/EC regarding the inclusion of aviation into the EU’s ETS requires that all flights (EU or non-EU) landing at, or taking off from, any airport in an EU member state must submit emissions allowances equaling the total amount of the flight.

The majority of these allowances, 85%, are free to airlines. Passengers will pay the remaining compliance costs. Many will not have other options to travel to the EU than to fly.

Two US authors noted that the issue at the core of the EU decision. Last Wednesday is a matter of some importance. It concerns whether nations may adopt climate-change laws that impact foreign companies offering goods and services on their territory.

Or, in other words, can aviation and trade rules seriously undermine. Efforts for prevention of the catastrophic consequences of unmanageable global warming?

The Climate Change Problem And Aviation

Microcosm of the difficulties in addressing global climate change is the difficulty in addressing aviations emissions. These kinds of problems are not address by the world. While climate change is a global issue, there is no global government. Instead, there are sovereign countries whose interests and concerns are very different. As is the case with the aviations emissions issue.